Fence post holes near old growth oak trees

I need to put up a 115' chain link 6' fence that will come within about 4' to 6' of a row of beautiful old growth protected oak trees. An arborist tells me that if we damage major roots that it could affect the tree, potentially killing the tree. Is there some way to make holes that minimizes risk to the tree roots? I'm wondering if some type of aqua drilling method would work, sort of like you would use to drill a water well. I'm thinking if you bore down & hit a root that maybe you could just move over a bit and potentially get a hole slightly off of the original target. Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

TexasFire

 

Many oaks are surprisingly sensitive to having their roots disturbed so I agree with the arborist. Whether or not a post hole and the roots it hits will be enough to seriously harm the tree I don't know. I have done excavations near large oaks and quite often within a couple years the tree is either dead or showing serious sign of trouble.

That said I don't think a post hole will do major harm to the tree. The bigger hassle for you will be drilling/digging the hole. I know even with a PTO driven auger big roots can be a problem. Extra weight on the auger and sharp teeth make a big difference.

You might be better off driving the fence post so there is no digging or boring a hole. The big question then becomes can you drive a post if you hit a big root? Maybe bring extra posts and if you hit a root you cut the pipe off flush with the ground and move over 6" or a foot and try again.

 

Stand where the fence is going and look up, the root system that close is going to be as dense as the tree limbs. Chances are you will not be able to miss a root by making small movements.

Can you back off any?

 

I am forced to use the new property line because of an easement taken by eminent domain. This is a bad situation that puts the trees at risk.....

TexasFire

 

The fence doesn't have to be on the line ..... as long as it's on your property.

 

There's not much room left behind the trees as the back part of the crown covers the front of our house. I'd basically have a fence at my front door.
TexasFire

 

Didn't know that .... some folks get fixated on the line and forget the options available. Sounds like you have to choose between the fence and possible harm to the trees