Ash Tree Roots

[Christina Shand]

I have 3 large old ash trees on the boundary of my veg. garden, the feeder roots come right up into my raised beds, greedy for the compost I am putting on. I dearly want to do No Dig but find I have to dig these roots out. My partner is adamant that the ash tree stay. I want to cut them down. There are other as nearby and I am in a country situation with plenty of wildlife habitat. Any advice? How can I do no dig and keep the trees????

[charles]

 Hi Christina, good that you are aware of this at least because tree roots are barely visible, yet remove such a lot of moisture, especially ash trees!

I would cut the trees: here for example, ash are really giant weeds:  but it is not my plot!  I cut two field maple in 2009, which were making a big difference to nearby beds in summer, and the hedge has already replenished with hazel from old stools.

Large trees can quickly make new roots if you chop them. Even digging is only a temporary respite, until midsummer or so. You could grow winter salad…

[Rocket Science]

Hi christina,
I inherited an ash tree when i took on my new allotment. I had to dig over the garden initially to clear buried rubbish and found the roots from the tree travelled many feet in search of moisture. I would cut it down and dug out the largest roots. Ash makes great fire wood even unseasoned so wont go to waste if you or a friend has a burner! Why not plant a fruit tree in its place. Robin

[Pete Budd]

Hi Christina; I have several allotments and one has ash trees along one boundary. 2 years ago I had a major exercise to remove roots and cut back as much top growth as I could. This year I found extensive regrowth of the roots, even beyond the spread of the branches. Dry conditions have excaserbated the problem so; because the trees are protected under local rules, I have reluctantly grassed over the affected area.

Cheers

Pete

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