TREE ROOT DAMAGE TO DOMESTIC PROPERTY: A BUILDING SURVEYOR'S PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

The action of tree roots can damage shallow foundations and cause structural movement in domestic property. This can be either as a result of direct or indirect action by the roots acting upon the foundations. The Building Surveyor engaged to remedy such action must first look to stabilise the property, by first stabilising the site. Only then can the work to repair the damage and prevent future occurrence begin. Whilst engaged in this work the surveyor will use rules of thumb to assess potential for tree root related damage. However, when direct action to a mature tree is proposed reference to a qualified arboriculture specialist is essential. Stabilisation of a site can often be achieved using a regime of regular crown control. Ill-advised removal of mature trees can result in the creation of worse problems than those posed by live tree roots. Three different case studies are used to illustrate the nature of a Building Surveyor's tree root work. These show how neighbours' trees can quickly, and sometimes wrongly, be blamed for structural cracking, the dangers of unqualified tree removal, and that there is a need for professional people from the disciplines of surveying, structural engineering and arboriculture to make appropriate decisions.