Connick Tree Consultants work with homeowners, neighbours, insurers, structural engineers and loss adjusters to deal with tree related subsidence issues. Subsidence disputes can be disruptive and expensive. A “blighted” property may be un-saleable and unnecessary disputes between neighbours, including local authorities, can cause upset and conflict. We aim to provide appropriate and impartial advice to assist with dispute resolution.

Following several years of drought, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of subsidence claims involving residential low-rise buildings, especially if the foundations are shallow and particularly in areas of shrinkable clay soils.

Due to their demand for water, trees can contribute to soil desiccation which, when effecting one part of a building more than others, can cause differential movement to the foundations. This foundation movement can then manifest itself in movement or cracking of the superstructure.

The causes of differential movement to buildings and the reasons for cracks in buildings are very varied. Trees can be implicated but it is a very small proportion of all trees near buildings that actually cause damage.

To properly determine if trees are contributing to the problems of subsidence, detailed investigations are required. The mere presence of trees near to buildings does not mean that they are inevitably responsible.

In order to ascertain the extent to which trees are contributing, there needs to be evidence of the following;

a) Shrinkable clay sub soil

b) Seasonal soil moisture deficits

c) Seasonal foundation level fluctuations

d) Presence of tree roots under or near to foundations

e) Damage to the property that may be attributable to the previous factors.

f) The absence of other factors that may have a bearing on foundation movement, internal cracking or structural damage.

We can assess technical information and validate or dispute the findings of investigations. We can act for the claimant or the defendant, as we are fully independent and well versed in subsidence dispute resolution.

If trees are implicated then pruning is unlikely to help remedy problems and large scale lopping should not be recommended due to adverse effects on tree’s amenity value and health as well as the problems associated with vigorous regrowth. Tree removal is likely to be the best option in most circumstances but advice from an arboriculturalist and/or structural engineer should be sought before removing trees.

Our principal consultant, Chris Davies, is a Fellow of the Arboricultural Association, and has attained the Royal Forestry Society Professional Diploma in Arboriculture.

Chris has over 25 years of experience in tree inspection and arboricultural reporting. He devised and managed basic and advanced tree inspection courses whilst section head of Arboriculture at Capel Manor College. He has provided expert witness services and given expert evidence in Planning Inquiries, Magistrates, County and the High Courts. Chris was a “significant contributor” to the publication “Lonsdale L (1999) Principles of Tree Hazard Assessment and Management HMSO”. Chris has specialised in tree related subsidence matters and has been trained in the interpretation of site investigations.

Chris has acted as an expert witness in the courts, including the High Court, and is experienced in all aspects of subsidence claims relating to vegetation.