Subsidence

Trees and Structural Damage: What You Need to Know

If you believe a tree owned by this Council is damaging your home or building, here’s what you should consider.

Understanding Subsidence

Subsidence refers to the downward movement of buildings or walls due to various factors. It commonly occurs when clay soil beneath foundations dries out and contracts, leading to structural shifts.

Trees and large vegetation can exacerbate subsidence by absorbing moisture through their roots. This uneven soil shrinkage may cause parts of a building to move while others remain stable, resulting in cracks. However, other contributing factors include inadequate drainage and poor construction quality.

What to Do if You Suspect Subsidence

If you think subsidence is affecting your property:

• Contact your building insurer. They will liaise with the council and other relevant bodies to assess whether a valid claim exists.
• Insurers manage claims. They are responsible for conducting detailed investigations to support any claims.
• Legal considerations. The council cannot provide commentary on claims made against it. Any suspected claims should be directed to your insurer, not the council.
• limitations. Officer do not engage directly with claimants regarding subsidence issues.