The worst trees to plant near a house in the UK are oak, poplar and willow. Their large and aggressive root systems can cause significant damage to foundations and drainage systems, often leading to subsidence issues, especially if your soil is clay-based.
Reasons why these trees are the worst to plant near a house UK:
- High water uptake: These tree species draw large amounts of water from the ground, which can lead to it shrinking and cracking during dry periods.
- Extensive root systems: The roots from these trees extend deeply, making them likely to break through concrete and pipes.
- Potential for damage: Planting one of these trees too near a house may cause structural damage to the foundations and walls.
Removing large trees can also damage foundations because the soil may swell when the tree that once absorbed water is no longer present. The swelling of the soil causes upward movement, which is called heave.
Other trees to avoid planting near houses in the UK include large Conifers, Eucalyptus, Ash, Sycamore and London Plane trees.
If you intend to plant a tree near a house, consider the soil type and the tree’s potential mature size. Some species can be more problematic in certain soil types, and some trees grow larger than others. You must consider these factors when planting trees close to a house.
If you’re unsure if or how near you should plant a tree to your house, or which trees are suitable, consult a certified arborist or tree surgeon.
At North London Tree Surgeons, we offer free advice and quotations for tree planting in North London. Contact us today if you have any questions or want a free quotation from a qualified tree surgeon in North London.
The 5 worst trees to plant near a house UK
Based on expert research, we’ve made a list of the 5 worst trees to plant close to a house in the UK.
Oak Tree (Quercus)
Oak trees can grow to a height and width of over 12 meters, so plenty of distance from a house is needed. They also consume a lot of water, which may cause subsidence. Oaks account for the highest number of subsidence cases in the UK.
Poplar Tree (Populus)
Poplar trees stand as elegant, towering specimens that enhance spacious gardens. Yet, their rapid-growing roots often damage drainage systems and pipework.
Willow Tree (Salix)
Willow trees are one of the thirstiest tree species in the UK. They can dry out the ground, leading to issues, and their expansive roots can damage drains.
Cypress Tree (Cupressus, Chamaecyparis & x Cuprocyparis)
Cypress trees need lots of water and thrive in poorly drained clay soils, which can reduce excess moisture. However, near houses, this may cause soil contraction and potential foundation damage.
Eucalyptus Tree (Eucalyptus)
Eucalyptus trees are fast-growing, so you should plant them away from houses to prevent their roots from absorbing too much water. They can also drop branches, which could damage a house or injure someone.
There are also some plants you should avoid planting near a house UK, some of which include:
Ivy
While ivy is an excellent habitat for wildlife, it can damage your home. If left unmanaged, ivy can grow into your guttering, soffits and brickwork, creating leaks and damp problems. We recommend keeping ivy near your house well-managed or a reasonable distance away.
Bamboo
Certain bamboo species can be invasive and cause damage to nearby houses and other structures. Running bamboo spreads prolifically through
underground rhizomes and can cause damage to house foundations. Removing bamboo is challenging and costly, so be careful where you plant it.
FAQs about subsidence and trees
How do trees near a house cause damage?
Trees near houses can cause structural damage through subsidence, root damage to foundations and drains, and physical damage above and below ground level.
Do all trees near houses cause subsidence?
Most trees near houses do not cause subsidence; however, roots from nearby trees can sometimes contribute to subsidence.
Do tree roots cause subsidence?
Yes, tree roots can cause subsidence, especially in areas with clay soil, as they can dry out the soil causing it to shrink, potentially leading to foundation movement and cracks. Tree roots are unlikely to penetrate structurally sound foundations or footings directly. The death or removal of a tree on clay soils may lead to heave, which is the opposite of subsidence. Heave is the upward movement of the foundations due to clay expansion rather than shrinkage. Trees can extract lots of groundwater, so without their presence, the water levels of the surrounding soil increase and the soil expands, leading to heave.
How far do tree roots spread?
Most tree roots spread out two to four times the diameter of the crown. The exact distance depends on the species of tree and the soil conditions. Different tree species have different root growth potential. For example, willow tree roots can grow 40 meters long, whereas oak and poplar roots can grow 30 meters long. As you would expect, soft soil allows tree roots to grow deeper, while dense soil restricts growth potential.
How do tree roots damage drains?
Tree roots seek out moisture, making leaky drain pipes an attractive target. When roots infiltrate pipes, they grow and expand, causing blockages, leaks, and even pipe collapse.
How do trees near houses cause physical damage?
Tree branches can damage nearby roofs and gutters. Suckers and expanding roots can lift patios and lightweight structures such as sheds, but they cannot lift heavier structures.
What are the worst trees for subsidence?
Oak, poplar, willow, ash, sycamore, and plane trees are the worst trees for subsidence. Oak trees are responsible for most cases of house subsidence.
How close can you plant trees to a house?
As a guideline, plant small trees at least 4 meters (13 feet) away from a house and large trees at least 8 meters (26 feet) away to avoid potential damage.
What tree can you plant near a house?
The best trees to plant near a house are species with non-invasive root systems like cherry blossom, Japanese maple and dwarf fruit trees. Choose small trees and avoid large species with extensive root systems, such as oak trees, which can cause subsidence.
Which are the best trees to plant near houses on shrinkable clay soils?
Silver birch, elder, holly, and hazel trees take up less water from the soil, so they are well-suited to planting on shrinkable clay soils.
Can removing a tree near a house cause subsidence?
Removing a tree near a house will not cause subsidence but can cause progressive heave. Progressive heave is the gradual upward movement of the ground caused by clay soils expanding when they become wetter, potentially leading to structural house damage over time.
What can I do if I think a tree is causing subsidence?
If you suspect a tree is causing subsidence, contact your building insurance provider and hire a subsidence professional to evaluate the situation and recommend solutions. Arborists and structural engineers can confirm whether your house shows signs of subsidence and if a tree is a likely cause.
What is the solution for a tree causing subsidence?
If a tree is causing subsidence, felling it is the most effective and permanent solution. That said, felling a tree causing subsidence can cause heave, which, if significant, may mean your house will need underpinning. Pruning a tree causing subsidence can be an alternative solution to felling. However, to be effective, pruning needs to reduce the tree’s crown volume by at least 70% and be repeated regularly, such as every three years. Dealing with a tree causing subsidence is complex, so we recommend getting advice from a qualified and insured subsidence professional. For more information and advice about tree and subsidence, contact us today.
Can climbers, wall shrubs and hedges cause subsidence?
Large wall shrubs like pyracantha and wisteria can cause localised subsidence. Large hedges can dry soil and, therefore, may cause subsidence. Experts recommend trimming hedges in a subsidence-prone area to a height equal to the distance of the hedge from the house or structure.
Laws about removing trees causing subsidence
If you have decided to cut down a tree because it’s causing subsidence, you must first consider if it’s protected. The two most common forms of tree protection are tree preservation orders and conservation area restrictions. Tree preservation orders are written orders from your local planning authority to protect trees with amenity value. Even if a tree covered by a preservation order is on your land, you must apply to the local planning authority to manage or remove the tree. Local planning authorities (LPA) use conservation areas to protect special historic areas. Trees and woodlands in conservation areas benefit from this type of protection, meaning if you want to manage or remove a tree, you must first get permission from the LPA. You can visit the RHS website for more detailed information about the law, trees and subsidence.
