Don's first impression of this garden was that it looked 'messy'. The owner, Wendy Coppock, had placed potted plants of all shapes and sizes outside the back door to screen the clothes line from view. A white cubby house for the kids had been plonked on the lawn, but Wendy did not have the muscle power to move it to a better position. However, the worst problem was a line of large trees which the neighbours had planted right up against the boundary fence.

Clearing the clutter

Don advised Wendy to get rid of all the pot plants. Not only did they look messy, but also the kids could possibly fall over them. He suggested removing some of the bricks in the paved area, and planting one evergreen shrub to screen the washing line. Wendy liked the idea, and said she would plant a Chinese lantern (Abutilon x hybridum) in the spot. The cubby house needed to be moved to a corner of the yard, and painted a colour that would tone in with the house. The swing was situated on hard paving, which Don thought was dangerous for the children. He suggested that it be relocated on the lawn.

Tree problem

Don told Wendy that although evergreen alders (Alnus jorullensis also known as A. acuminata) are beautiful trees, they are not suitable for small backyards. These trees are massive when fully grown. The neighbour's trees weren't even half grown at about 10m (30') tall. In the years to come they could grow up to 30m (100') tall. The roots would destroy the vegie garden, jack up the fence and cause the paving to buckle, and the canopy could spread across Wendy's yard almost to the house.

What to do

If you have a problem with large trees or other nuisance plants (such as bamboo or weeping figs) encroaching on your property, verbal complaints to the neighbours are of no use. The best thing to do is to seek expert advice about the plants and the potential damage they may incur, then write to the neighbours expressing your concerns. Make sure the tone of your letter is polite and friendly. Say that you've called in an expert, and give details of the advice you received and the type of damage the plants are expected to cause in the future. Then end the letter by asking what the neighbours propose to do about the problem. If nothing is done your neighbours may be required by law to pay for any damage to your property caused by their plants.

Come and save your garden

If you would like Don Burke to visit and save your garden, send some photographs and an outline of your garden's problem to:
Come and Save My Garden
Burke's Backyard
PO Box 929
Willoughby 2068

Note: due to the large volume of mail we receive, Don will not be able to visit every garden. If you would like your photographs returned, please include a stamped, self-addressed envelope.

Copyright CTC Productions 2001