Question
We have erosion and also our trees our 10 years old, Leyland Cyprus and the county intends to put a gabion wall one foot from the trees, and it will go 2.5 feet into the ground.  Are the trees going to die?  What is the correct feet away from the trees they should start the project.

I need an answer, all your insight into this you can give me.  Alexandria,VA
I appreciate you help so much
Carolyn
703-798-6235

Answer
The wall should not be any closer that 1.1/2 times the width of the spread of the tree. For a mature Leyland cypress that is 15-20 feet or about 10 feet from the trunk. A foot from the tree will kill the tree since so much of the roots were cut. I would have them move the tree back at their expense. BUT not move it until the Fall or the moving shock and hot weather will more than likely kill it. My want to see if they would plant you another tree this Fall further back and just take that one out.