In message , alan kearn
writes
I am about to erect a fence close to a 12 feet high beech tree hedge.
It involves digging a holes about twelve inches deep and 8 inches in
diameter between the trees that are about 2 feet apart. I think, doing
this will damage some of the roots so, is it likely to effect the
health of the trees. The reason i am asking this question is a friend
of mine said there was a bit of a risk to the trees erecting the fence
at this time of the year and that it would probably be safer later in
the year when the trees were dormant.



I don't think it will have any impact on the hedge at all. A 12 feet
high beech hedge is likely to be of a fair age and to have an extensive
root system - you are only going to damage any one or two of the larger
roots from a particular plant in any one hole. I don't think the trees
will be bothered either if you do it at this time of the year either.

Be prepared to be frustrated though by the number of roots you need to
cut :-)

12 inches doesn't sound very deep though.
--
Chris French and Helen Johnson, Leeds
urg Suppliers and References FAQ:
http://www.familyfrench.co.uk/garden/urgfaq/index.html