The same petition may join one or more separate pieces, tracts, parcels or lots of land, whether in the same or different ownership and whether or not sought for the same use; however, the court, on its own motion or on motion of any party in furtherance of convenience or to avoid prejudice, may order a severance and separate trial of any claim or claims or of any issue or issues.
Code 1919, § 4364; Code 1950, §§ 25-8, 25-9; 1962, c. 426, § 25-46.7; 1980, c. 441; 1981, c. 316; 1991, c. 520; 2003, c. 940.