A YORK woman says she is unhappy that the roots of a nearby tree are ‘invading’ her garden.

Gillian Cruthers said the poplar tree was planted in Fishpond Wood behind her Rosedale Avenue home about ten years ago by City of York Council, and she was told there would be regular maintenance in the following years.

However, the roots of the tree have since spread and emerged in her garden, where she has to regularly cut them back to prevent new saplings taking over her property.

Miss Cruthers, 67, said: “It’s a giant, it was put in about ten years ago, but it’s invaded our gardens to a big extent and it’s causing me an awful lot of work and damage.

“I’m not a young person, and I’m having to turn and pull these things up whenever I see them sprouting and it’s damaging my plants too, it’s a nightmare. They’re also coming up in my neighbour’s gardens.”

Miss Cruthers said she had written to the council on a number of occasions in recent years to complain, and had been visited on at least one occasion by a representative.

She said: “It doesn’t feel like they are taking responsibility for the damage they are doing. The council were responsible for planting the tree in the wood, and it’s now coming into my garden. It’s just going mad, and I’ve spent a fortune on weed killer.”

A spokeswoman for City of York Council said Mrs Cruthers’ complaints had previously been investigated by the Local Government Ombudsman, who found there was no fault in the council’s actions.

She said: “The open space bordering Ms Cruthers’ property has been planted with a large number of poplars and willows to help soak water and reduce flooding risk. Whilst we are aware of Ms Cruthers’ concerns, and have been in regular contact with her regarding this issue, other homeowners in the area have not reported any serious issues relating to the trees. Over the last few years we have helped Ms Cruthers remove suckers and roots in her garden and have also visited the property to offer advice and assistance.”