Q: When our landscapers installed new water lines for irrigation, they cut through two major roots on a Chitalpa tree. One root was 4 inches in diameter, and the other 1½ inches in diameter.

These roots are essential to the tree’s stability. – My general rule for any type of drastic pruning (above or below ground) is not to remove more than 20 per cent.

If your neighbour's tree roots have been bothering you lately, you're probably itching to get the garden tools out and take care of the problem yourself. But before you do, it's important to get clued ...