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Willow trees near buildings on clay soil

Last post 06-05-2013 7:57 PM by belindag. 4 replies.

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  • 19/09/2012 09:41 AM
    • RogerB
    • Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire
    • 14 Jan 2009
    • 360
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    I have read various general recommendations about the distance for trees from buildings on shrinkable clay soils. Is there a definitive document that can be accessed or referred to for more specific guidance?

    I am asking because my new-build house overlooks a flood plain and is built on 'made land'. I am happy that the house has the required depth of foundations and that adequate provision has been made for future-proffing with regard to rising water levels in times of flood. The 'made land' though is clay.

    A number of trees have been planted at various heights up the embankment, which is about 2.5 - 3m high and 5 or 6 metres away from the house. A number of these are Salix spp, all of which have been planted at the top of the bank. I would have expected to see them at the base of the bank on, or near, the flood plain itself. The nearest Salix to a house is approximately 5 or 6 metres and about 8 metres from mine. 

    The trees are still quite young so it is difficult at present to assess future mature size and my tree identification skills are not adequate to add a species to the genus.

    I can only find references to old houses and old trees or new houses and old trees.

    Are there any papers or documents relating to new houses and new trees?

    Thanks

    Give it a go - it might just work!
  • 03/05/2013 12:26 AM
    • GROWMORE
    • London
    • 12 Aug 2012
    • 93
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    Trees are so valuable to us all.

     

    In short.  My advice is.  Contact your local council.  Address your querey to the Officer in Charge of Arboriculture.  I am sue you will get the best of advice.

    Growmore.
  • 03/05/2013 03:54 PM
    • dillon
    • leigh , lancashire
    • 17 Sep 2011
    • 29
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    if the embankment is a flood defence ie a flood bank the willow would have been planted to stabilize the banks as the roots would mat together helping the banks strength. i think the distance they are from the house would`nt give me any concern.

  • 03/05/2013 06:49 PM
    • RogerB
    • Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire
    • 14 Jan 2009
    • 360
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    Thanks for your comments, both very sensible thoughts on the subject.

    Give it a go - it might just work!
  • 06/05/2013 07:57 PM
    • belindag
    • Scotland
    • 25 Apr 2013
    • 12
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    I agree re: willow roots matting together to stabalise banking and too take up lots of moisture.

    But in your position I too would want the extra reassurance regarding distantes - 5 metres isn't really that far, and clay soil will shrink and contract significantly.