should I uproot the limes?

[Stokey]

I have just moved into a house that has a mini-lime avenue. The garden was totally overgrown when we moved in, and after we got it cleared we discovered a stone path with lime trees on each side, 11 in total that have all had their tops lopped off. I don't know whether to regrow them or have them uprooted. We want to lay some lawn on part of the garden so think we need to cover some of the path, but wonder if we should just take them all up. Someone told me lime trees can be a bit of a nightmare. I know nothing about gardens so any advice appreciated. Here are some photos to give you an idea of what it is like www.flickr.com/photos/81949522@N07/sets/72157630711528236/

As I recall, Lime trees near houses are not a good idea as they have quite large root systems. Also leaves are horrid and sticky. How close to the house are they and do you like them?

The nearest is about 5 ft away. I think we may uproot the 5 nearest as we want to lay some lawn and retain the back 6 and see what happens to them. Don't have strong views either way but guess could be a nice feature. Maybe when they up root the near ones, they can check the further ones.

You've done a good job of clearing up stokey

Are the trees Linden trees? If so the blossom smells wonderful. There is a newly planted linden ave in regents pk.

They are too big for your garden if allowed to grow. Maybe keep 2. Or else keep the others very well pruned and use as a frame for clematis?

You could do with a colonial chair or two. Instantly makes the garden good to sit in
a bit like this
www.worldofwicker.co.uk/buy-online.php#anchor-Jasper-Bistro-set1

Thanks funnyperson, got it cleared in a day in the end but is already starting to grow back, lots of wild geraniums coming through .
Think they are linden trees. We also have two olives, 2 apples, a plum, 2 silver birches, a copper beech and a palm amongst others, kind of crazy for a London garden. Did buy a couple of Sun loungers last weekend but don't want to invest too much in garden furniture with the summer we're having. So think if we get some lawn down, all you need is a blanket to sit on

Your garden sounds like something from an E Nesbit children's book: planted in an Edwardian era perhaps.

I love having fruit trees in the garden.