Understanding tree danger for your property

Trees are a great way of adding character to your home and garden, but are trees near the house dangerous? Our house experts have put together a handy guide to help you understand any potential risks, what the UK laws says and how trees can affect the value of your property. 

Should I worry about trees near my house?

Most trees near a house won’t cause any problems, but it is worth understanding when trees can be a risk and why. 

Root damage

Over time, the roots of a tree can spread well beyond its width, particularly in species like willow, oak, poplar, horse chestnut and common lime. As much as these trees can look attractive in the garden, the roots can create structural movement and even block drains, which can be costly to repair. 

Foundations, underground pipes, driveways and garden walls are all areas to look out for potential root damage. Although there isn’t a legal parameter, keep in mind that roots can spread up to three times the height of the tree. If you have concerns about root damage, we recommend contacting a professional surveyor who can assess the extent of any issues and provide recommendations if needed. 

Physical damage

As nice as it is to look out of your window and see a towering oak tree, keep in mind that tree branches can cause physical damage to roofs and windows, particularly with the delightful British weather. We recommend keeping an eye on how close the branches are to windows, walls, guttering and the roof – all of which can be costly to repair and any damage here will put off potential buyers if you’re looking to sell your house. It’s best to keep trees pruned and remove any loose branches. 

Soil shrinkage

Trees absorb a lot of moisture from the ground. In clay-heavy soils, which are common in many parts of the UK, this can lead to shrinkage. This makes the ground less stable and increases the risk of subsidence (when the ground beneath a property sinks). 

Homeowners insurance and trees

Having trees on your property can affect what your home insurance policy will cover, and can increase the price of your premium. Although some insurers may ask specific questions about trees, many will simply ask about the proximity to your house. Trees within 10 metres of your home obviously pose a bigger threat, so this may increase your premium. 

Trees affecting the house value

On one hand, the presence of mature trees can add curb appeal and increase the value of your home. Not only do they look beautiful, but they can also add some much-needed shade to the garden on hot days. 

On the other hand, potential buyers may be wary of large trees near your home, particularly if they spot cracks in the walls or signs of damp. Even if there is no physical damage, the idea of future costs and problems can be enough to put them off the sale, losing you potential buyers. 

Sell your house affected by trees fast

If you’re struggling to sell your property because of problem trees, or just aren’t getting any viewings because potential buyers are being wary, House Buyer Bureau can help. We buy any house in any condition, and the money can be in your account in as little as seven days. We understand that selling a property can be stressful, and our friendly experts are here to make the process much quicker and easier.

Tree danger FAQs

What is the maximum height of trees near houses in the UK?

There isn’t a legal restriction on the maximum height for trees near houses in the UK, but if your tree (or a neighbour’s tree) is overhanging your roof or is in danger of damaging your property, we’d recommend cutting back the offending branches.

Are hawthorn trees a danger to houses?

Whilst hawthorn trees aren’t necessarily dangerous to houses, their roots can be considered invasive as they can grow up to 11 metres – as can cherry tree and rowan tree roots, and plane tree and beech tree roots can grow up to 15 metres!

Are pine tree roots dangerous to the house foundation?

Pine roots aren’t as invasive as some species, but they can be a risk to houses if the foundations are already cracked or are particularly shallow. If you have a pine tree near your house, check for cracks or damp. If you see any of these and are looking to sell, you may need to have the tree removed and the foundations repaired before you’ll be able to sell on the open market.

How close can a tree be to your house in the UK?

There’s no set distance that a tree must be planted from your house, but the general rule of thumb is that it should be at least half the distance of its full mature height – i.e. if a tree will grow to be 20 metres high, it should be at least 10 metres from the property. You’ll want to plant the tree further away if it is a high water uptake species or if your soil is rich in clay.

What are the worst trees to plant near a house UK?

The species of a tree is certainly something to be considered when planting. 

• Poplar trees – its fast growing and invasive roots can damage drainage systems and foundations.
• Oak trees – these need a lot of water and their roots like to spread out quite shallowly, which can damage foundations.
• Foxglove trees  – these are fast growers and are known to damage drains and paving.

As well as problem trees, plants like Japanese knotweed and ivy can cause havoc to a property and make selling a headache. House Buyer Bureau are the quick and easy way to sell your house. We buy any property in any condition, so if you’re worried about problem trees, get in touch with our team today.