To be concerned about this tree?

[hardheadedwoman]

There is a Lime tree that is around 5-6 metres tall growing 50 cms from the exterior wall of my house.

It is owned by a housing trust who survey it every three years. The last survey in 2018 classified it as a moderate subsidence risk and recommended crown reduction of 3-4 metres which was carried out.

My house is the other side of the wall in this picture. The housing association says nothing will be done outside the three yearly inspections.

Should I be concerned? My house was built in 2004, does anyone know if building regulations at that time would require deep enough foundations for y not to worry?

They sound quite proactive on the surveys.

Is it 50cm from your actual house, or just a garden wall? If it is that close to your house then it definitely shouldn’t be there, no tree can grow that close without causing some kind of damage.

Write them a letter stating that you’re holding them legally liable for any damage to your property decoration or contents etc etc. Make a fuss.

Hi Skyblue it’s 50 cm from the wall of my house. I think the next step is for me to get a tree survey done.

Looking at the tree surely it's more than 16 years old? I.e. it was there when the house was built. Didn't the people building the house consider it?

Does that huge wall conceal a large difference in ground level?

@bobbiester yes it does look more than 16 years old. I was wondering if anyone nines if building regs from that’s time would mean the tree would need to be taken into account.

I’ll check if there is a difference in ground level - can you explain what you are thinking here?

Knows not nines!

Removing it isn't without risk.

If you remove it, then the roots left will shrink and potentially cause major subsidence to your house.

A tree survey will look at the condition of tree. Might need a surveyor to consider impacts to your property.

I think they are being sensible. Removing it might cause you damage. Reduction/following advice is the best bet.

What did your surveyor say when you bought the house?

If you remove it, then the roots left will shrink and potentially cause major subsidence to your house.

This. I think you’d need a tree survey and a surveyor to check both and make recommendations, but it may well be best for your house that it stays, and is well maintained.

Thanks all. Nothing came up with the house survey when I bought it 6 years ago. I think I’ll start with a surveyor to check it out first. Does anyone know if I need a particular type of surveyor?

I’ll check if there is a difference in ground level - can you explain what you are thinking here?

It's just that the wall looks huge - and I was wondering whether ground level on the house side is maybe 2m higher than ground level where the tree is.

If that's the case the tree roots could be really far below your house - which might make this less of a problem. Not sure!

Checked and the ground is the same either side. The massive wall is my walled garden