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Posted: Sat Mar 24, 2012 4:19 pm
by lutonlagerlout
went to see a prospective client this AM
he has a large (20m) silver birch tree around 900mm from where the existing tarmac drive is
the trunk is about 350 in diameter
the roots have wrecked the tarmac and the client was hoping that i could just dig down and cut the roots off where they go under the drive
can anyone tell me in tree terms why this is a very bad idea?
my feeling is it will kill the tree,and make it dangerous
any thoughts appreciated
regards LLL
Posted: Sat Mar 24, 2012 5:11 pm
by msh paving
Silver Birch is no more than a weed,even so its a hardwood, but for what its worth pull it out and replant a decent tree in its place, the roots are looking for water the ground must be hard there,cutting the roots may or may not kill it,and could allow it to topple over,silver birch makes good fire wood as it burns green...lol MSH 
Posted: Sat Mar 24, 2012 5:45 pm
by local patios and driveway
If its one or two i would cut it, install root barrier and then you ate future proofing the driveway
Posted: Sat Mar 24, 2012 7:20 pm
by Dave_L
All depends on what the customer wants from the tree.
Is he adverse to it going?
If it has to stay then a sizeable machine and a nice toothed bucket will see to the roots but you can't be held liable for a)The tree's life and b)Any future damage to the driveway by root action.
Best option is to remove the tree.
Posted: Sat Mar 24, 2012 8:44 pm
by Carberry
Could destabilise the tree and cause it to topple.
Posted: Sat Mar 24, 2012 9:47 pm
by lutonlagerlout
the tree is 38 years old and TBH has lost its lustre
I dont like cutting trees down but this on has and will ruin their drive
the gentleman wants it and the lady doesnt
i wont guarantee any work with tree roots that close
LLL
Posted: Sun Mar 25, 2012 12:07 am
by Al Jardin
Birches are lovely trees. But if it's gotta go, it's gotta go. Beautiful trees given the space. Needs to be well seasoned if burnt. It's all about moisture content which then reacts with the combustion vapours to form resin in the flue when burnt. Outer bark makes an excellent fire starter.
Al