Hedge instead of fence??

Hi,

My garden is a bit of a mess and a real project, gravel and paving to remove, turf to lay and much more...

Last year my husband removed 10 Leylandii trees, well he cut them down, just leaving the stumps. They were the boundary between us and our neighbours to the right. The only thing between our gardens now is a pathetic excuse for a fence.

So, I had a guy come round last night to quote for a 6' fence. He said that in his opinion, the tree stumps and roots will be in the way of putting the posts in and he wants to try and remove the stumps/roots (which he said is new territory to him). We wanted to just cut the stumps as low as poss, maybe use a couple as a bench for the children (wood nailed between the two), this is because we had a quote from a tree feller for removal and it was really expensive.

So I'm trying to consider all options. Would it be best to have a hedge instead? And if so which is best? How long does it take to grow? Do I need permission from my neighbours as they'll have to maintain on their side? Will the tree roots interfere with the hedge?

Ideally I'd like a fence tho so I am going to get some more quotes, maybe someone else will not find the stumps/roots a problem...

Sorry for the long post but any replies will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

Depends how big the trees were, I removed one which was about twenty years old without much bother. I left a five-foot stump which enabled me to work on it.

Leylandii haven't got deep roots, you might be able to dig round them yourselves and if the stumps are tall enough you might be able to "rock" them out. In any event, they won't be as difficult to remove than say some deciduous trees.

These days, there's no "right or wrong side" of a fence. I'd approach the neighbour and ask them to go halves with you. It's worth a try.

In any event, make sure they agree not to tie anything to the panels, but drill the posts, insert hook-eyes and stretch wire between them to support any climbers etc. It then isn't a pain to replace a panel if necessary ten years hence.

This wisteria is supported in this way.



Have you thought of building your own fence for half the price?
I put that one in about ten years ago. On my "Jack Jones!" My neighbour paid half the cost. It isn't a difficult job, but easier with two people.

Hedges over time, take up a lot of the border and need cutting.