Is it OK to cut through large tree roots?
Carl Allo , by email
Stefan says: You tell me you’ve discovered a buried curling rink in a garden to which you’ve recently moved. I must say, that’s a new one on me, but what a wonderful garden archaeology project. It still has the curling stones in place but is covered in moss and roots. The majority of the roots are rhododendron, but two or three are several inches in diameter and come from large larches and pines.
You want to cut them where they grow over the stones but wonder when to do this, and also ask about sealing them afterwards. As there are only two or three roots, I wouldn’t be concerned about any effect on the trees. And I’d do it in the early spring when growth will be just about to start, so there won’t be much bleeding of sap; but don’t seal them. Let nature do that.