As spring approaches, homeowners with gardens need to be especially mindful of tree-related subsidence. This occurs when tree roots absorb excessive water from the soil, causing it to shrink and destabilise. Over time, this can lead to cracks and movement in your foundations, resulting in home subsidence. Spring and summer are particularly crucial times to be aware of tree-related subsidence, as trees and plants are growing actively and require more water. There are several ways to avoid tree-related subsidence, from choosing the right spot and type of trees to plant, to maintaining them properly and keeping an eye on nearby drains. To help you avoid tree-related subsidence, in this post we share some essential tips to keep in mind.
Choose Trees Wisely
When planting trees or shrubs in a garden, it’s important to choose species that are less likely to cause subsidence in houses. Some tree roots are aggressive and can absorb large amounts of water, causing the soil to shrink and destabilise, which can lead to home subsidence. Trees like willows or poplars have extensive root systems that can increase subsidence causes. Opting for trees with smaller, less invasive root systems will reduce the risk of foundation damage and maintain soil stability.
Don’t Plant Trees or Shrubs Close To Buildings
To minimise the risk of subsidence in houses, always plant trees or shrubs at a safe distance from your home. Tree roots can extend much farther than the visible branches, and if planted too close to foundations, they can draw excessive moisture from the soil. This can cause ground shrinkage and eventually lead to home subsidence. It’s advisable to plant trees at least a few metres away from your property, ensuring that roots won’t interfere with your home’s stability or drainage system.
Ensure Trees are Preserved
While trees can enhance your garden’s beauty, it’s crucial to ensure they are well-preserved and don’t contribute to property subsidence. Healthy trees with stable, well-maintained roots are less likely to destabilise the surrounding soil. Regularly check for signs of root expansion near the foundations and assess soil moisture levels. If any roots are pushing into the foundations, it’s best to take action early. Proper preservation of trees will protect your home against subsidence causes and maintain a strong foundation.
Watch out for Leaking Drains
Leaking drains near tree roots can accelerate home subsidence by encouraging roots to seek moisture. Over time, this can cause soil erosion and destabilisation, leading to subsidence in houses. Regularly check your drains for leaks and repair any issues promptly to prevent water accumulation. Keeping your drainage system in good condition helps reduce the risk of subsidence caused by excess moisture and root growth.
Avoid Areas Where Clay Soils are Common
Clay soils are prone to expansion and contraction with changes in moisture levels, making them a common cause of subsidence in houses. If your garden is located in an area with clay-rich soil, be particularly cautious when planting trees or shrubs. The soil can shrink when dry, and tree roots may absorb moisture, increasing home subsidence. If possible, choose planting areas with more stable soil types to reduce the risk of ground movement and protect your property from subsidence issues.
Contact Subsidence Ltd for Tree Related Subsidence Issues
If you’re facing tree-related home subsidence you can contact Subsidence Ltd for expert help. We are here to assist homeowners all across the UK with their home subsidence problems, with the ability to raise, re-level, and re-support your home in as little as a day – without the need for underpinning. With over 16 years of experience, we have successfully completed more than 2000 jobs across the UK using our specialist resin injection techniques to solve home subsidence problems quickly and effectively. If you want an estimate of how much your home subsidence repairs might cost, use our subsidence repair cost online calculator.
Our subsidence repairs are suitable for a range of issues, including problems caused by trees, hot weather, and poor drainage amongst others. Also, why not utilise our subsidence risk postcode checker to identify areas in the UK that are prone to subsidence issues. Want to learn more about our subsidence house repairs and get a free quote? Contact Subsidence Ltd today by filling out our online contact form or calling our expert team at 0333 1300592.
CEO of Subsidence Ltd