NHBC Top Tips on Autumn Gardening 18/10/06
The summer holidays have ended, the children have returned to school, and the garden is in desperate need of an autumn tidy up. Around now, gardens start to look tired, drab and in need of some colour to brighten them, but before you start getting carried away replanting or drastically cutting back, spare a thought for your home.
NHBC, the UK's leading warranty provider for new homes, is reminding homeowners of potential problems. Although trees and hedges can enhance the appearance of gardens at this time of year, their roots can damage houses.
George Fordyce, NHBC's Head of Engineering Policy, said: "When an established tree is removed from an area, or a new one is added, it will affect the moisture content of the surrounding soil. In clay soils this can cause shrinkage or swelling of the ground.
"This movement can potentially result in damage to the house foundations due to subsidence or heave, particularly where the foundations have not been designed with trees in mind. Always get the opinion of an expert if planning to plant new trees or when a large tree dies or has been severely pruned."
NHBC has practical advice on avoiding pitfalls:
- In clay soil, plant trees well away from your home. Find out how tall the mature tree will be and make sure it is positioned at least three quarters of this distance from the house.
- For elm, poplar, oak, eucalyptus, willow and some cypress species make sure the distance from the house is one and a quarter times the height of the mature tree.
- Before cutting down or pruning a mature tree, check with your local authority to make sure that it is not protected by planning conditions, conservation area restrictions or a Tree Preservation Order.
- Allow enough room for trunks and large roots to grow safely. Be particularly careful if planting near drains or lightweight structures.
- Be careful not to plant trees near your neighbour's house. This might cut out light or cause damage and you could be liable for the cost of repair.
- Make sure trees and shrubs are watered sufficiently to give them a good start in life.
- Regular pruning of fast growing, thirsty trees such as cypress leyland will help to reduce the amount of water taken from the soil.
ENDS
Notes to Editors: NHBC is the leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes in the UK. It was established 70 years ago as a non-profit distributing company. NHBC's primary purpose is to help raise standards in the new house-building industry and provide consumer protection for new house buyers.
NHBC's ten-year 'Buildmark' warranty covers 80 % of homes built in the UK and has protected more than 6 million homes.
NHBC helps raise standards by:
- registering builders who agree to comply with NHBC's Rules and Standards
- setting and maintaining construction standards for new homes
- inspecting at key stages of construction
- providing 'Buildmark,' the most comprehensive warranty and insurance cover for homes in the UK
- offering building control services in England and Wales
- providing a range of services, including technical information, training, health and safety, engineering and energy rating services for new homes and housing-related sectors
