Herbicide poisoning of leylandii hedge

[benedmonds]

I have a client whose leylandii hedge has suddenly died. They believe that their neighbour Network Rail has inadvertently killed it while spraying. Are there any companies people have used that can analyse the dead hedge and confirm the presence or absence of herbicides?

 

Cheers,

[Pinkfoot]

My boss sprayed our entire nursery stock , maiden fruit and ornamental trees with herbicide.

He had that tested and it turned out to be roundup.

If no one comes forward , I will find you a number out.

Not at work most of this week

[MATTMOSS]

I would imagine the forest research lab- Alice Holt would do the test for a fee, give them a ring and ask what samples they would require.

[benedmonds]

Got this back from Forest Research, thought I would post in case others require this type of service..

 

Forest Research’s Tree Health Diagnostic and Advisory Service only deal with the diagnosis of tree pests and diseases and not suspected poisoning of plants. I recommend you contact RPS on 01462 480400 based in Hertfordshire for your sample analysis. They will be able to provide details regarding samples and cost.

[Starscream]

I find it hard to believe that weedkiller could kill a whole hedge. Firstly, it's my understanding that most of this stuff only really works on shallow rooted plants. Secondly, leylandii have a waxy-ish leaf making it hard for the weedkiller to be absorbed and a bit of drift is not going to lay waste to a whole hedge.

I'd look into other things like spider mite etc.. Sounds to me like your client just wants someone to blame in the hope of getting a bit of compo