FAQ's - Tree Management

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Last revised: 8 October 2008

A Picture of two people checking trees for desease

Q.  -  Who is responsible for the management of trees near my property?


A.  - If you are unsure as to the ownership of trees within the Kennet District and think that Kennet District Council may be responsible, please phone: 01380 734665 extension 670.

Q.  -  Will the roots of trees damage my property?


A.  -  Tree roots can cause damage to buildings either by direct force, or indirectly through the removal of water from the soil, causing shrinkage and resulting in subsidence. Occasionally, if a building is built near a tree and the tree is removed, an increase in the localised water table can cause expansion of the soil and damage to foundations may occur. Shrinkage and heave only occurs on highly shrinkable soils - invariably clay. Luckily, within the Kennet District there are a relatively low percentage of clay soils and therefore, damage of the type described is limited.

Tree roots may disrupt underground services and pipelines, as they are often attracted to any condensation or leakage. This situation is now becoming rarer as new technology is introduced to counter it.

The direct force of roots is unlikely to damage large structures, such as houses, unless the trunk is very close to the structure itself (i.e. less than a meter). However, the lifting or distortion caused by the expansion of roots may damage smaller structures such as garages, shed’s, driveways and hardscapes. Although again, noticeable damage is usually rare, unless the proximity of the tree and structure is less than 3 meters.

Some tree species are more likely to cause damage than others; it is also dependant on the age, health and vigour of the individual tree in question. If you have any questions please contact the Tree Inspection Officer at Kennet House on 01380 734665 ext. 670.