Trees growing [too] near house walls.

quatro

In the place I am moving to are 2 trees, a flowering cherry and a crab apple, which look at least 10 years old. They are very near the walls of the place - about 2-4 feet away so I am concerned about the roots affecting the foundations of the building.
I think I should have them cut down, but does it need to be done all at once or taken down gradually? - I think it affects the ground in some way if they are chopped down suddenly [?]

Shame to see them go but it must be for the best surely.
Any thoughts?

claz

what did the survey say about the tress, if you got a homebuyers report they may of highlited them as a problem

we recieved information in our searches about water pipes and how far away trees should be planted from them as our front garden is close to the mains pipe i will dig it out tonight as this will give you some indication of how far away a tree should be from a structure

Blackjack_Davy

Its definately too close to the house. It could potentially undermine the foundations and/or invade the drains.

If the soil is clay there is a risk of shrinkage.

economiser

I think you can take them down all at once without any problems. It does depend on the soil though as to whether you might have a problem. Clay is the worst. On the other hand we are on good old Essex clay and have had a hawthorn and a magnolia grandiflora growing right against the house for twenty years without problems and an established oak only ten feet away. I think there is a little bit of overplaying the risks to foundations.

rabialiones

i am having problems with tree roots. our house is early 1900's, bought about 8/9 years ago. until now, no problems, very dry cellar .
however, now, since last year, have noticed tree roots in cellar and water in cellar, couple of inches deep.
tree is on pavement, belongs to council, who visited and took root cuttings, now they say they did this by mistake and my house insurance should be dealing with the matter. who, refuse to do so, saying this is not covered by buildings insurance. and i should deal directly with the council. really worried as to what i can now do.

myrnahaz

I think fruit tree roots are not particularly invasive, and that your trees are quite young. The problem comes with very old trees, or fast growing ones like sycamore, which can also cause problems AFTER you cut them down, as the foundations can sag down into the gaps left by the rotting roots. Try ringing the council for advice.