Can you trim pittosporum roots?

[cgsha1]

  

Hello, I’m attempting to install corten steel edging along a straight garden bed with a line of pittosporums. I need to dig down around 5cm to install the edging. I’ve realised that some of the pittosporums roots extend much further into the lawn than I realised. Am I able to trim them to install the edging? 

[JacobZ]

Hi @cgsha1,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community and thank you for your question.

Considering the size of your Pittosporum and the fact that their roots typically grow to a depth of around 30cm and can extend out to 2.3m in all directions, I can't see too many issues with severing a few relatively small roots to install your edging. 

I would expect there to be many more sitting lower in the soil and extending in the opposing directions that will anchor it in place.

Allow me to tag our experienced members @Noelle and @mich1972 for their thoughts.

Jacob

[Noelle]

Hi @cgsha1 

Your pittosporums won't suffer at all from a little root pruning!  They have quite extensive and vigorous root systems so what you're trimming probably won't be missed.

[cgsha1]

Thank you for the advice 

[cgsha1]

Thanks so much for the advice.