Roots & Shoots

Last updated: 04/12/2007 - 12:57

Advice from the NHBC on planting, re-planting and pruning trees around your property.

A new tree is a colourful asset to any garden but before you start getting carried away replanting, or drastically cutting back, the National House-Building Council (NHBC), asks you to consider your home.

With getting on for 70 years experience of house building and providing guidance to home owners the NHBC is reminding people of potential problems caused by new planting and the damage roots can cause to your property.

When an established tree is removed from an area, or a new one is added, it affects the moisture content of surrounding soil. Depending on the circumstances this can cause shrinkage or swelling of the soil, and the effect is particularly strong in clay areas. Where ground movement is excessive this can damage house foundations due to subsidence or heave. Always get the opinion of an expert if planning to plant trees or when a large tree dies or has been severely pruned.

The NHBC has practical advice on avoiding pitfalls:

  • In clay soil, plant trees well away from your home. Find out how tall the mature tree will be and make sure it is positioned at least three quarters of this distance from the house.


  • For elm, poplar, oak, eucalyptus, willow and some cypress species make sure the distance from the house is one and a quarter times the height of the mature tree.


  • Before cutting down or pruning a mature tree, check with your local authority to make sure that it is not protected by planning conditions, conservation area restrictions or a Tree Preservation Order.


  • Allow enough room for trunks and large roots to grow safely. Be particularly careful if planting near drains or lightweight structures.


  • Be careful not to plant trees near your neighbours’ house. This might cut out light or cause damage and you could be liable for the cost of repair.


  • Make sure trees and shrubs are watered sufficiently to give them a good start in life.


  • Regular pruning of fast growing, thirsty trees such as Cypress Leyland will help to reduce the amount of water taken from the soil.


    • The National House-Building CouncilNHBC is a warranty and insurance provider for new homes in the UK, established nearly 70 years ago as a non-profit distributing company. The organisation's primary purpose is to help raise standards in the new house-building industry and provide consumer protection for new house buyers.

    It does this by:

  • Registering builders who agree to comply with NHBC's Rules and Standards

  • Setting and maintaining construction standards for new homes
  • Inspecting at key stages of construction
  • Providing 'Buildmark,' a ten-year warranty that covers 85% of homes built in the UK and which protects more than 6 million homes.
  • Offering building control services in England and Wales

  • Providing a range of services, including technical information, training, health and safety, engineering and energy rating services for new homes and housing-related sectors.


    • PSP Ltd is not responsible for the contents of external websites.

    More information available in Garden, Ideas, Outside Living

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