My poor Eucalyptus

Oh dear Sam - you are having a time of it! Totally agree about fence colour. All of our fencing is painted green apart from one new section at our pond garden - some total senior moment made me paint it that horrible orangey colour! Must find time to paint it green, Hope you manage to get a new tree.

I didn't know whether to click 'like' for your blog or not, but found it such a fascinating read, that I did :o)

I'm sorry to hear about your tree but had to laugh at your neighbour falling backwards. I've got a vivid imagination and could see it happen in my mind lol :D
And so they should pay you for a replacement.

I hope they don't paint their fence that horrid colour :( I hate it as well.

I'll never understand workmen (that's what I call them) They never turn up, and when they say they'll phone back, they never do ! It's infuriating >:(

lets hope if they only paint their side the red doesn't dribble down on your side. Green with red streaks ARGGH.

but credit to the neighbours for offering to replace the tree. Take the money for the replacement tree you and oH deserve to get it to help alleviate the stress.

Such a shame Sam. If it was me, and you have room in your garden, I would leave the old stump in and see what happens. It may through some new shoots out in a month or two. Buy a new one and keep it in the pot overwinter. Depending on what happens to the stump, decide what to do then, ie dig out and replace, or plant a second one maybe?

It's a little difficult to visualise, or advise without any photos.

PS If it was me I'd be the same as your OH! Some people are just downright careless. They could have taken all sorts of precautions to prevent this from happening!

Thanks Wendy, good luck changing the orange colour. The fence before I painted it was a mix of orangey red and not painted. Since all the fence paints are now water based, covering it up is a right whatnot.

Lol Hywel, must admit it was funny, I can just see her face. Well chippy has once again failed, said he would try to get round last week - no sign. Going to another guy down the road today see if he can do it. Will not go near the guy who let us down again. Stupid of him really.

Thanks sbg, I hope so to. Shouldn't have too much of a problem with red dribbles as its the vertical slat type fence, that doesn't tend to dribble as much thankfully. I can handle a few dribbles, its just if the whole thing is orange.

Thanks Alan. Your right, it wasn't rocket science to work out the unsupported end of the fence was probably going to fall. Hell if they needed help I was there they only had to shout. Wish I had room to leave the damaged tree, but with the layout of the garden were worried about damage from the roots. Saying that so far the tree is still upright and not looking too bad. Think its starting to droop now though. They haven't finished the fence so it will probably be next week before we decide what to do. OH is all for replacing it (can't say I'm arguing much mind).

So far so good, the fence framing is up, they haven't nicked any ground and I don't think there's any more damage, I haven't been out and inspected yet though, so I might be proven wrong yet.

What an awful thing to have happened ! Now I'm going to apologise now before I say something ! The Eucalyptus tree grows absolutely enormous ...and I mean enormous , very quickly. Are you sure you want to have such a big tree with damaging roots ? Sorry ! I bought one and kept it in a huge pot , but in no time at all, its roots broke the pot ! I couldn't find anywhere in my garden where it could grow as big as it wanted , so I'm afraid it went into the compost! It actually was very cheap from our local nursery, only £1 ! Now I know why ! If your heart is set on one , then please forgive me for being outspoken !

Thanks Rose. No appologies necessary, I'd have been glad you told me. As it is we know it can become a monster. I thought about it for ages before deciding to get one for that very reason. We've planted it in a spot where it shouldn't be able to do much damage, but we're planning on hard pruning each year. If it gets too big or too much out it will go. We figured it's such a gorgeous tree it was worth a try (especially as it isn't too expensive).

Fence is now complete. My marvellous neighbour creosoted our side much to my disgust. Thankfully not that horrible orange colour but it's turned the green a sort of muddy green colour. She said she did it to protect the fence - clearly doesn't know the paint does the same job. So lucky me gets to repaint the whole damn fence again. I could have cried yesterday.

We've been to fetch a new tree today. It's not as nice a shape but it's better than the poor thing we have now, which is currently leaning forward a fair bit from the break. Just need to get it planted.

Chippy has come back with the latest excuse (death in the family) but said he will be here Tuesday. Hmm not holding my breath. I feel quite mean not being more sympathetic, but he's let us down so many times now I've just lost all sympathy for him. Well we'll see what happens Tuesday eh.

It seems you're not having a good week Sam ! It can only get better ! !
I'm pleased you didn't take offence. Ooh pardon the pun ! Hahaa!

God I hope so Rose. OH and I painted the first bit last night after work (just in case chippy shows up). Didn't finish till after 9. Am a tad sleepy this morning lol.

Lol no offence taken (ish lol), we've left the fence in place as well.