What is the Purpose of the Tree Subsidence Report?

When cracks begin to creep across a wall or a door suddenly sticks for no reason many homeowners assume it’s just the house “settling”. But sometimes the cause is less innocent. In areas of the UK where clay soils dominate nearby tree roots can drain moisture from the ground causing the earth beneath a property to shrink. This is tree subsidence and if you want to know what’s really happening beneath your home, a tree subsidence report is the first step.

At Gradwell Ecology, we provide detailed reports that do more than confirm or trees are the culprit. Our role is to help you understand the risk protect your home and preserve the surrounding environment.

Why is a Tree Subsidence Report Important?

Much of this was linked to clay soils drying out beneath foundations.

A tree subsidence report plays a vital role in:

Pinpointing the true cause of movement or cracks.
Assessing nearby trees species size age and water demand.
Reviewing soil conditions is it clay chalk or sand?
Recommending solutions that balance property safety and ecological responsibility.

It isn’t just a technical document. It’s evidence you can use for insurers, planners and future decisions about your home.

What Does a Tree Subsidence Report Involve?

A proper report doesn’t rely on guesswork. It involves a thorough site investigation carried out by specialists who understand both buildings and trees.

At Gradwell Ecology, a typical report includes:

Site visit and tree survey identifying species and their proximity to buildings.
Soil assessment testing for shrinkable clay or other high-risk conditions.
Foundation review older homes with shallow footings are often more vulnerable.
Crack and damage inspection photographic evidence of movement.
Risk analysis how likely is the tree to be the cause?
Practical recommendations pruning, root barriers, phased removal or monitoring.

Explore more about our Tree Subsidence Reports.

The Benefits of a Tree Subsidence Report

So, what’s the real purpose of this report for homeowners, developers or insurers? In short it saves money stress and unnecessary work.

The main benefits include:

Clarity Understand if trees are to blame or if something else is happening.
Insurance support Many insurers require evidence before approving claims.
Cost savings Prevent expensive and unnecessary foundation repairs.
Sustainability Avoid cutting down trees unnecessarily by finding balanced solutions.
Peace of mind Know the facts and plan ahead with confidence.

Why Choose Gradwell Ecology?

Plenty of surveyors can point out a crack in the wall. But at Gradwell Ecology, we bring something extra: ecological expertise. We understand that your home’s stability matters just as much as the surrounding trees and wildlife.

Our reports are trusted by homeowners developers planners and insurers across the UK. We also provide:

Arboricultural Impact Assessments for planning and development.
Building Surveys combining structural and ecological knowledge.
BS5837 Tree Surveys ensuring compliance with British Standards.

With us you don’t just get a report you get clear practical advice designed to protect your home and the environment.

Government and Industry Guidance

Tree subsidence isn’t just a private issue. Local authorities planners and insurers all rely on recognised standards. For extra insight, you can check:

Planning Portal (UK Government) guidance on trees, building regulations and planning applications.
RICS Tree Related Subsidence professional advice on subsidence and property impact.

These resources highlight why expert evidence-based reports are essential before taking action.

FAQs

Q. Do I need a tree subsidence report for every property?

No reports are most valuable if your property is on clay soils, close to large trees or already showing cracks or movement.

Q. Can I just cut the tree down?

Not necessarily removing a tree suddenly can make the ground swell (known as heave). Reports help determine safe phased actions.

Q. How long does a report take?

Most are completed within a few weeks depending on site complexity.

Q. Will insurers accept the report?

Yes our reports are widely recognised by insurers, solicitors and planning authorities.

Final Thoughts

The purpose of a tree subsidence report is clear: to give you answers. It identifies risks supports insurance claims and provides sustainable solutions so you can make the right decision for your property without it you’re left guessing and guessing is risky when your foundations are at stake.

At Gradwell Ecology, we combine science experience and care for the environment to deliver reports you can trust if you’ve noticed warning signs or you want reassurance before starting a new project we’re here to help.

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