Pete30

No longer the extant guidance, but this was in an earlier government guide: 4.9 The Act applies not only to Leyland cypress or conifers but also includes other evergreen trees or shrubs, such as laurel. It does not include climbing plants, such as ivy, or bamboo – which is classed as a grass.https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/11476/highhedgescomplaints.pdf

I’d be grateful for advice about the potential for heave. We inherited two crab apples in our court yard garden when we moved in about four years ago. One was chosen wisely for its position but unfortunately one is too large (photo). We’ve sought to maintain it for its position but unfortunately this has just encouraged vigorous grow and exacerbated the woolly aphid infestation we also inherited. I’ve kept the infestation under control by brushing the white fluff off the tree. If left, some blows off with the wind and makes using the garden unpleasant. Brushing has become a weekly exercise and with the mild winters starts earlier in the year and lasts deep into the autumn. This winter we had outbreaks mid-winter. My wife is tending the garden organically so we don’t want to use pesticides. All this is by way of introduction to saying we have decided to fell the tree and plant something more appropriate. The tree is growing over the water supply pipe to our house and adjoining a sewer run. I doubt heave will be an issue, but to be on the safe side when is the best time of the year to fell? Thanks