Closed
Tree - growing out of control
Sent to Merton Council less than a minute later. Council ref: SRQ-1248918-T1V9W4.
The tree is growing out of control (in height and spreading our). We are concerned as to the roots and impact to our property foundation
Updates
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We've asked the relevant service provider to investigate.
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Please understand there is no set size for a tree. Trees are naturally expected to grow tall and wide, which allows them to absorb more carbon and help mitigate climate change. We can appreciate that there can be a common concern in regards to tree roots undermining a property. It is rare for the direct action of roots to damage a house. However, they may affect lighter structures such as garden walls and/or paving. Trees may cause damage if they are growing on shrinkable clay soil for example, where the roots can remove the moisture from the soil and cause movement as the ground dries out (although the effect is variable and depends on the type of clay soil, foundation design, species of tree, rainfall, and distance between the tree and the property). Tree related subsidence is a complex issue, and each case will need to be considered on an individual basis to ensure that it is the tree that is causing the problem and not some other factor. We got lots of trees growing on clay soil and close to buildings, but only a few did actually cause damage. To advise if a resident identified damage or subsidence, they are advised to contact their insurance company in the first instance so that they can discuss their concerns and agree an appropriate course of action. Should they, or those acting on their behalf, wish to make a claim for damages against the Council, alleging that a Council owned tree has caused damage to their property, they will be required to submit an independent report to the Council to support their claim. Where evidence provided can confirm that a council owned tree is implicated in building subsidence or damage, we will take appropriate action to that specific tree.
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We've asked the relevant service provider to investigate.
This report is now closed to updates from the public. You can make a new report in the same location.