Trees roots

I have a big tree near my property, I am worried about the damage the roots may be doing to my house, what should I do?

Tree roots may potentially cause damage to built structures in two ways:

Direct Damage - This is when the physical expansion of tree roots lifts paving stones, cracks walls etc. Due to the weight of a house no amount of physical expansion will affect it - but garden walls and small structures such as garages or outbuildings may be at risk.

Indirect Damage - Large built structures including houses which are sited on clay soils can be affected by a tree's removal of moisture. Clay soil shrinks as water is extracted from it and this can lead to subsidence. If a building has been built on clay soil near an existing tree, and that tree is then removed, the soil may expand which can cause heave. The risk of such damage may be greater with older properties. Modern building standards mean that the risk to newer buildings is less.

Tree-related subsidence is usually seasonal, with cracks appearing in the summer months as the tree uses the water, and then closing in the winter months as rain wets the soil. Richmond has a low incidence of clay soil and the risk of tree related subsidence/heave is low.

However, direct damage to shallow footed structures may occur whatever the soil type.

The tree roots are blocking my drains, what can I do?

It is very unusual for roots to physically break drains and associated pipe work. However, tree roots are opportunistic and if an old pipe with poor joints is leaking into the surrounding soil this will attract the roots that may then exploit the existing weakness. Then, when repairs are required, a proliferation of tree roots often leads to the blame being placed with a nearby tree. However replacement of faulty drains/pipes with modern materials will usually eliminate the leak and stop problems from reoccurring.

A tree is lifting paving slabs/ affecting my drive - can I cut the roots of a protected tree?

Cutting the roots of any tree is generally ill-advised as it may affect the tree's health and stability. If a tree is covered by a Tree Preservation Order, or if it stands in a Conservation Area an application will be required before root pruning can take place. The tree application form is available here

We are grateful to the Woking Borough Council for permission to use this content www.woking.gov.uk