Beech hedge & trench

[WWilts]

If a trench is dug within 0.4m of an established beech hedge, is the hedge likely to survive?

[markc]

How tall is the hedge? and what will happen to the trench after it has been dug?

[WWilts]

2m tall hedge.

Trench will be backfilled with soil

[markc]

20 minutes ago, WWilts said:

2m tall hedge.

Trench will be backfilled with soil

You will be cutting through roots but the hedge will survive and roots grow back

[Russell griffiths]

Things to think about. 

Will the hedge survive ?   Probably 

is there an alternative position for trench ?

is the trench position this close a good idea ?  No not really. 

[WWilts]

Got advice from a gardening expert:

 

"should be ok if only one side of the hedge has a trench dug it should recover regrowing the roots. ... its important to use the same soil thats dug out then refilling the trench as it will contain the fungi in the soil which will reconnect with the roots. 

 

adding some potting compost will help maintain the moisture in the soil, plus adding a leaky hose along the base of the hedge will help to water the hedge

 

also thin out the top of the hedge, in effect removing some of the foliage to reduce water loss until the roots regrow"

Might still look for an alternative position for the trench