Do you think my holly tree will survive this?

[Funkyfifi]

Hi, I really hope its OK to post this here and apologies if I don't include enough information. 

I've shown a photo of my beloved Holly tree and it's location. It's been growing here for years and I've recently moved back to my childhood home after losing my Mum. It was her favourite tree, so I'm very protective of it. 

My new neighbours have permitted development passed for a single storey kitchen extension which will replace the fence behind the tree..... 

Obviously they will have to dig a foundation of around a metre, and cut some roots. I'm not massively happy, but want them to be able to build what they want and not cause problems. Would a mature holly tree be likely to survive this in your opinion? There's about 6 inches between the trunk and fence if that helps? I have literally no idea if it's doomed or if there's anything I can do to help it? 

Thanks so much again xxxx

[slack ma girdle]

Ask if they have had a BS5837 tree report,  and what mitigation measures are in place.  You will have cause to object if they haven't. The tree will become a bone of contention in the future because of its proximity

[trigger_andy]

Can you build right to the fence line in England? I’m sure that in Scotland you have to build 1m back.

[Squaredy]

12 hours ago, Funkyfifi said:

Hi, I really hope its OK to post this here and apologies if I don't include enough information. 

I've shown a photo of my beloved Holly tree and it's location. It's been growing here for years and I've recently moved back to my childhood home after losing my Mum. It was her favourite tree, so I'm very protective of it. 

My new neighbours have permitted development passed for a single storey kitchen extension which will replace the fence behind the tree..... 

Obviously they will have to dig a foundation of around a metre, and cut some roots. I'm not massively happy, but want them to be able to build what they want and not cause problems. Would a mature holly tree be likely to survive this in your opinion? There's about 6 inches between the trunk and fence if that helps? I have literally no idea if it's doomed or if there's anything I can do to help it? 

Thanks so much again xxxx

As has already been said assuming the holly survives it could cause ongoing problems being so close to a new building.  Have you thought about taking cuttings of it to grow in your garden but in a more suitable place?

 

Alternatively, is it feasible to have a specialist actually dig up the whole rootball and relocate it?  I suspect this is possible, and usually would not be considered due to cost; but as the tree clearly has a very high emotional value to you perhaps it is worth looking into?

 

Other Arbtalk members would have a better idea than me if this is likely to be feasible.

[doobin]

Cut holly back to the stump and it will coppice. It’ll be fine I reckon. 

[Vedhoggar]

Holly can be regenerated by coppicing, pollarding and seed, the holly appears to have outgrown its position and must be cutting out light to the adjacent room, will spread more if left unchecked and cut out more light. You might therefore consider cutting the holly back as much as you feel might be necessary as well as collecting some seed beforehand with aim of growing more and planting in a more suitable location.

[john87]

On 08/02/2023 at 07:04, slack ma girdle said:

Ask if they have had a BS5837 tree report,  and what mitigation measures are in place.  You will have cause to object if they haven't. The tree will become a bone of contention in the future because of its proximity

Tree report?? What possible difference will that make. The tree roots traspass onto their property. They can abate the nuisance any time they like..

john..