Trees - affecting foundations

Trees benefit the environment, but can lead to problems with buildings if care is not taken at the planting or building construction stage.

Trees may affect the adequacy of a building's foundations depending upon the distance between them and the building, their type and height and the nature of the subsoil. Some high water demand trees such as oak, willow and poplar can affect required foundation depths to a distance of over 20 metres.

Building Control guidance note on trees and buildings (pdf file, opens in new window)

More information on trees is available by clicking here.

If there are any trees within the proximity of your proposed building work you are advised to contact Building Control to discuss what precautions need to be taken - telephone 01225 770321.