Tree Roots / Fence Posts
Matthew12
Posts: 3
Hi,
My first post, was hoping for some advice.
The fence in the photo attached has become distorted due to the tree roots pushing the posts outwards. I want to re – sow the lawn or possibly turf it, but think should get this sorted first. The property is rented, the landlord claims that fence should be maintained by next door (even though the tree is in our side of the garden). The fella next door is a bit of a recluse, no one sees him or knows him. (Ive knocked, and put a note through door, but I doubt he will sort the problem).
I don’t want to pay £100’s to get the stump ground out etc. Do you think it would be possible to chop away at the roots with an axe then try an straighten up the fence posts? The tree was only cut down a year ago. Can you think of any other solutions?
There is a new fence panel there but can’t get it in because its not straight. Some people say drill holes and put diesel in the stump, someone else said to dig the roots up. I actuall quite like the stump but the fence needs fixing ASAP.
Thanks.
Matt.
Posts
If you're a tenant then surely it's the landlord's responsibility?
Under normal circumstances, I'd say check the deeds to establish who does actually own the fence, but that's not something you can do.
I think you're going to have to keep asking the landlord about this. If the fence is the neighbours' one even if jointly owned by the 2 properties, then it's up to the owner of your property to ask the neighbour etc. I certainly wouldnt supply & fit your own panels unless it states specifically in your aggreement that you are responsible for that fence, which doesnt seem likely as you personally dont own the property.
Who paid for/had the tree cut down? You can hire stump grinders, but again why should you? If for instance, the cooker broke in the kitchen as a tenant I would have thought your landlord is responsible for the cost of repair/replacement. Not if the house was unfurnished though, but you can see where I'm coming from.
Good luck in attempting to dig down/cut through any roots. With a stump of that size it wont be easy. Am sure that there are stump killers still available to the domestic market to use, but IME they take 4-5yrs for the material to rot down. J.
I can appreciate the fence looks an eyesore, but as above, not really your responsibility whoever owns it.
Diesel is not a good idea, it will contaminate the soil for years, and take as long as a stump killer to work.
Even with a very good axe those roots will take some getting rid of.
Bit of a nightmare. You cant really see from that pic but the roots go ubder the paving slabs and right the way up to the house theyve also blocked the drains a few times. Nightmare. Suppose ill have to get some quotes and take it from there. Dont want to though ive already spent a few hundred doing up a garden tgat isnt mine.
Thanks for your replies.
Matt.
I like the stump aswell. I think ill chop away at what i can on the roots first then take it from there. I like the stepping stones idea. Wilk the clinbers take forever to grow?
I will post up pics about the grass when i get the chance. Definitely doing soon. Also bought a nice fence to border the lawn.
If you see the state of the garden before i started work on it you would be amazed ha was terrible.
How difficilt are paving slabs to get up? Is it just a case of brute strength...
just get an axe and chop off the small bits and cover with mulch and plant up a large pot with trailing plants and place on the stump to draw attention from the stump, but u will still have to tidy the broken fences to tidy up the garden. A lick of paint might do the trick. good luck.