Rottimg tree roots

Otley P

If the roots of a tee which has been removed are decaying and affecting shrubs (Tree removed due to disease) what should I do and how can I sterilse the soil

Fairygirl

If the tree was diseased, and the root/stump is still there, it needs to be removed too. Probably best to get a tree surgeon in - they'll use a stump grinder to remove it. Can you contact whoever did the original work? Alternatively, you might be able to dig it out yourself if it's not too big. 

I'm slightly surprised that it wasn't removed though, if the tree was so badly diseased. Do you know what was affecting the tree?  

Otley P

I have no idea what the fungus was, as the tree was in a neighbours garden. We don't even know if the stump was removed. Hand removal will be a no no as the tree had as it was a very large beech. will removing the roots form our garden sort it out.

 

Fairygirl

If it's the neighbour's tree there's nothing you can do. I'm slightly confused as you asked about the roots, yet you don't know if the stump is still there. 

If the roots are in your garden, you could dig them out , or get someone  in to do it. Without more info, I can't say whether it will have any effect on anything nearby, but again, you said shrubs were affected. Maybe it's just me, but I'm having difficulty understanding the scenario. 

A photo or two might help with further advice. The affected shrubs, the roots in question  etc. 

hogweed

My  understanding is that the diseased tree was in a neighbours garden and is now cut down but there are roots in the posters garden and he is wondering if the roots will be carrying the disease and affecting his shrubs which are looking poorly. In which case, should he try to dig the roots out? 

Otley P

The tree was is someone else's garden. The roots are in my garden. The roots are definitely affected, and two of my shrubs have died. What I have done is remove some roots and am in the process of getting rid of the others but it is taking time due to the size. Is there anything I need to do with the soil once the roots have been removed, assuming I can get them all out.