Will a Horse Chestnut tree disturb walls and foundations?

[harrishawk]

Hi

we have recently moved into a house where the garage is at the bottom of the garden. To one side of the garage the previous owners allowed a young Horse Chestnut tree to grow. The tree is currently about 16 feet/5 metres tall with a trunk diameter of approx 1 foot/30cm. Unfortunately the tree is growing only about 12-18 inches/ 30-45cm away from the garage wall. I am concerned that in time the tree will start to undermine the garage foundations and disturb its wall. Am I correct to be concerned and should I remove the tree?

Any thoughts or advice would be much appreciated - cheers.

Best wishes
HarrisHawk

[Thunderbird+]

Hi HarrisHawk,
I think your cocern is not without foundation.
If allowed to grow in that situation the horse chestnut has the potential of becoming a huge tree and will be more difficult to remove later on and yes it could cause damage to the building.
I'm all for keeping healthy trees but this is a classic example of 'wrong tree wrong place'
I felled several trees over the years in similar situations, mostly ash and sycamore and I can tell you it's far easier and safer to rid the trees while they're in the sapling stage. I remember one ash that hade grown in between two garages and there was only just enough room to get a chainsaw in.
It's best to check with your local council before you make plans to get it felled. Good Luck. Tbird+

[woodchopper]

Chop it down before it does any damage and just to be environmentaly conscious - plant another somewhere to compensate.

[jno]

our neighbours planted a nice little pyracantha bush next to the outside wall of our kitchen then left it. When it got to 20ft high we realised we were in trouble, Fortunately the neighbour and the council were all in favour of us getting rid of it, which we did. Now waiting for the wall to settle; I think it'll be okay. But like everybody says, take action asap, it won't get any better.