Expert: Jim Hyland - 5/30/2011

Question
QUESTION: I have a hedge of above kept pruned to approximately 8 foot high.  It was planted about 30 years ago and about 8 foot away from neighbouring property.
Is there a possibility that it could cause a problem to property?

Neighbour of above mentioned property has ivy growing over an arched gate which has been there for 20 years and alongside my hedge.  Though kept pruned could that cause a problem?

Thanking you for your kind attention.

Muriel

ANSWER: There should be no problem with Leyland cypress hedge that is now 8 feet from the property line. The roots will not be a problem and the width of the branches usually are 15- 20 feet (meaning 8-10 foot from the trunk) and since they are 30 years old the width now is about the width it will grow to. IF the branches do start to overhang the property line they can be pruned back with no problem.

The ivy if pruned will not be a problem. Ivy if left alone can spread to adjoining property but if this happens pruning the vines back to the property line will stop the spread.

I am not sure what the back ground of this question is but feel there is more to it than the above question. But is sounds like both plants are staying on their property by pruning and this is good.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The hedge mentioned is mine and runs along the inside of my boundary line. It has been suggested by neighbour that it could be a problem to his sewerage pipe and therefore it should be removed.  
I suggested a camera be inserted in said pipe to clarify this.

The hedge at present hides an eyesore - a Knax Van - which appeared when my neighbour moved in approximately 3-4 years ago.
Thankyou for your advice on growth of trees.  It will be interesting to see what happens in the future.

Muriel

Answer
Leyland cypress has not been a problem with sewer lines. Sewer pipes are sealed and tree roots can not enter them unless there is a break. Tree can be a problem is planted over septic lines since these are more open and the roots can enter. The Leylands are not causing a problem with his sewer I really doubt he is having a problem just wants your hedge cut. I would leave the hedge.