Bastard Bay Trees and their roots

This corner was a major problem as a bay tree roots had infiltrated right through the wall which you can see either side of the pink post at ground level. 

It took days of work to cut the roots away and we had to take down a section of the wall as the roots had grown right through it and pushed out the mortar. I had a 8 inch trenching bucket on the 2.5T digger and it barely made an impact although I am sure a larger machine would have made more impression. In the end it was hammer and chisel and pick axe and hand power as I was in danger of damaging the wall with the machine. Seen here is sister in law using the "handraulic" method.

  

I installed a tin shield and then poured a concrete corner over halfa meter deep and thick to prevent the bay from getting back in. 

The trees are on my neighbours side so as much as I wanted to I couldn’t rip them out as they provide us both with some privacy although I am faced with a constant battle to keep them at bay (s’cuse the pun)
I may get to the stage where I offer to cover the expense of taking them down digging out the roots and putting a fence up to protect both our privacies as a replacement. I will let you know how that goes but my advice to anyone with bays that close to their walls is have them down and replace with something less invasive. 
Lets face it, how many bay leaves can you use in a stew? 
Grow one in a pot and I am sure it will meet all your stew and casserole requirements for ever and never invade your garden.