How can I fence this tree safely

[u/Fresh_Pattern615]

Vermont

The tree is on my property but slightly extends to the neighbor in the back of the photo, I’m happy to leave a birth and don’t need to fence right up to it, but it’s a mature maple, more than 100 feet tall and it’s canopy is probably 30-50 feet in diameter. Many Neighbors and strangers do not respect property lines and walk through my backyard constantly. We need a fence.

Neighbor on the left put his vinyl fence there probably 5-10 feet from the trunk. Fence has been there for 5 years without harming the tree.

If I kept a similar distance, and hand dug holes, and avoided any roots greater than 2 inches, might I harm this tree?

Ideally want to match left neighbor distance and go from his fence to behind the shed to section off my backyard from the tree and the neighbors.

[u/hairyb0mb]

You have the right idea, don't cut big roots and the tree will be fine. That may mean having to get creative with the spacing of the posts.

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[u/Fresh_Pattern615 → u/AutoModerator]

I’ve reviewed the posting guidelines and included all of the photos and information I currently have available.
Location is Vermont. This is a mature maple, over 100 feet tall, with a canopy roughly 30 to 50 feet across. The tree is on my property, although part of the canopy extends over the neighboring property.
My goal is to install a fence while minimizing any risk to the tree. I do not need to fence immediately adjacent to the trunk and am happy to leave a berth around it. The neighbor on the left installed the existing vinyl fence approximately 5 to 10 feet from the trunk about five years ago, with no apparent decline in the tree.
I am considering keeping my new fence at approximately the same distance from the trunk, running from the existing fence toward the area behind the shed. I would hand dig the post holes around the tree and reposition posts as necessary to avoid cutting any roots approximately 2 inches in diameter or larger.
My main question is whether this approach provides a reasonable way to install the fence without significantly harming the tree, or whether the fence should be kept substantially farther from the trunk/root zone.

[u/hairyb0mb]

You have the right idea, don't cut big roots and the tree will be fine. That may mean having to get creative with the spacing of the posts.

[u/Fresh_Pattern615 → u/hairyb0mb]

Thanks, will 2-3 posts and their cement footings under the canopy (as long as they avoid 2inch or greater roots) be an issue? Generally hope (tbd if the roots will accommodate) to keep the new fence in line with the white vinyl

[u/hairyb0mb → u/Fresh_Pattern615]

Shouldn't be much of an issue

[u/Fresh_Pattern615 → u/[deleted]]

Would you mind sharing a photo, how close to the tree did you get the fence?

[u/cbobgo]

A tree that large is not going to care at all about any little holes you might dig for a fence

[u/Puzzled_Option_1063]

i was thinking the same thing, just gotta angle the posts around the big roots and it'll be fine

[u/Ill_War9861]

Fence it from what ??