Kill a tree without access to roots or trunk

Posted 19th Aug 2023

Hi all,

I was wondering whether someone could offer some advice.
We rent a house, and between our downstairs extension and the next door neighbours shed a tree has grown (self pollinating). The tree has grown a lot this year, and having a closer inspction (from the extension roof) the trunk is now starting to push up against the wall of the extension. Obviously this problem is only going to get worse over time, so I am wondering what is the best way I can effectively kill the tree? The main issue is that I do not have access to the tree, apart from standing on the extension roof.

I have attached a few images below. If anyone could offer some sadvice I would be very appreciave.

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19th Aug
AFAIK if you are renting all you need to do is inform the owner of the property you are renting.
19th Aug
Repeated applications of glyphosate weedkiller on the foliage will do the trick.
19th Aug
ring it as low as possible.
Ringing a tree = remove the bark ( a few inches deep) in a ring around the tree
It will kill a tree and it's roots
19th Aug
Best way to kill a tree with glyphosate is to cut through the main branch and then drill holes around the perimeter just inside the bark line. Pour concentrated glyphosate into these holes every day for a week - will be more effective than spraying the folliage.
19th Aug
It is not your problem
Inform the landlord in writing of the issue.
Do not attempt any action yourself, unless you are contracted by the landlord as a paid professional.
If you get stuck, if your equipment causes damage, or you fail to clear the issue properly and the roots cause a problem later, who foots the bill and who will be at fault?
19th Aug
That glyphosate stuff needs a lot of care if you are going to use it. In fact, don’t risk your own health. Get the landlord to get a specialist in.
Author
19th Aug
Thanks for all of the advice everyone.
I have checked again and there might be a chance I could fit in the gap.
I have messaged my landlord, and said that if I can fit, I am happy to try and cut it and put on some stump killer. So will see what he says, and if I can fit.
If not, I will suggest the glyphosate weedkiller, of which I already have.

Thanks again all
21st Aug
I think that is probably the worse way to remove the tree - as others have said it shouldn't be your problem - why are dealing with it? I guess speed and no issue if everything goes to plan, however what happens if it doesn't?
19th Aug
If you want the soil to lose all nutrition and die, then throw loads of salt on it. And a week later also throw loads of vinegar. Should make it into a desert.
19th Aug
Or throw ice-cream and sprinkles on it to make it a dessert
19th Aug
doesn't look to be a huge tree. if you can get access then cut it down and then you can buy ecoplug to insert into the stump by drilling a hole in the stump, which will kill the tree permanently.
20th Aug
Personally if it was myself I would get a a lifting strap or something similar and tie it around the trunk and then place a car jack on or over the two walls and use the jack with the strap over it and pull it out the ground. Should come out quite easily with the use of a trolley. Would take a few lifts and adjustment of the strap to slowly prise it out the ground :/

Or a block and tackle fixed to a scaffold pole between the two walls should do the same thing. But knowing where to place each point of the ideally over the joists using a spreader board as not to damage the roof felt. (edited)
21st Aug
Copper nails