CONTRACTORS HAVE RECENTLY DAMAGED A MATURE TREE IN MY GARDEN. IS IT POSSIBLE TO REPLACE IT?

22. CONTRACTORS HAVE RECENTLY DAMAGED A MATURE TREE IN MY GARDEN. IS IT POSSIBLE TO REPLACE IT?



It is unfortunately a fairly common experience for builders and contractors to work too close to mature trees and not to understand how much damage can be done. A mature tree may have developed a very wide spread of roots and the tree will be feeding using the small roots at the edge of this spread. Damage to a large part of these can result in severe damage and die-back. Damage to bark, or as a result of piling soil against the trunk ( something which is dangerous for almost any variety of tree) can result in death or an ailing tree. It is not uncommon however for the contractors to have a legal duty to replace damaged mature trees and this at least can provide a reasonable budget to take on the work. Of course if the contractor's appear to have deliberately endangered a tree in order to facilitate their works the local authority may become involved and there may be a more serious legal outcome.

What is then possible as a replacement for a mature tree? Trees up to 10m, 30ft, high can be moved and planted but this of course is not a small undertaking. Often these trees will have been grown far away from your garden and will have to be moved a large distance by special transport. Access to the garden for large machinery will be necessary to bring the tree in, to excavate the planting pit and to remove the soil. The ground will have to be free of underground services and will need to be suitable for the chosen species. Water tables and drainage will need to be suitable. Between the largest trees which can be planted and the small ones available from a garden centre is a range of trees of intermediate size and price. In addition it is sometimes easier and cheaper to move a semi mature tree from a location closer at hand as an alternative to buying a new tree. Tree spades mounted on the back of trucks are able to dig, remove and replant surprisingly large specimens.

Finally, and vitally, it is important to have a professional to keep an eye on a newly planted tree and to advise on aftercare. It would be very frustrating to plant something so impressive and expensive only to have it die soon after.