Cut conifer roots

[jfm11]

Hello all:

 

I find myself in an emergency situation, born entirely of my own stupidity.

 

I'd really apreciate some knowledgeable advice on the seriousness of what I've done.

 

Pictured is a very old conifer, variety unknown:

 

 

In my eager search for the perfect turf, last week I cut through three roots extending into the grass on the side visible in the picture.

 

The cut was at least made in each instance outside of the canopy, but already I'm seeing accelerated browning of the foliage.

 

Could anyone tell me:

 

1. what I've likely done here on a scale of 1 - will recover quickly to 10 - lost the tree with no way back.

2. a good remedy for the situation; heavy watering etc.

 

Many thanks indeed for any advice for one extremely anxious person here!

 

John M

[PhilBeech]

John, I think there is a bit of everything going on here, compaction due to close mown grass, the repeated edging, the cut root, drought stress.

 

Potentially also Kabatina shoot blight caused by a fungi, good news in that it may become obscured by new growth in the spring.

 

Aphid damage - I don't think so as its only popped up in the last few weeks, aphids are usually summer and spring.

 

Winter damage doesn't fit and neither does a scale problem.

 

With all this it's impossible to say without a site visit. Whereabouts are you?

[jfm11]

Thanks very much indeed for the rundown Phil.

 

That's right, it's more likely a multiplicity of problems. That tree has been there a long time, never particularly tended as it always seemed to sort itself out.

 

Now though, with a couple of limbs lopped off, the story may have a different outcome. Oh no.

 

I'm based in Finchley, North London; if you have contact details for a local firm I'll certainly give them a call.

 

Thankyou again for your time.

 

John M