trees

[mr concerned]

we live next door to a eucylyptus tree which is around 30 feet high and is 15feet from our back door. Will we have a problem with roots causing damage?

[Top_Gooner]

There is always a risk of damage to a property by trees in close proximity. Tree roots may potentially cause damage to built structures in two ways: Direct Damage - This is when the physical expansion of tree roots lifts paving stones, cracks walls etc. Due to the weight of a house no amount of physical expansion will affect it - but garden walls and small structures such as garages or outbuildings may be at risk. Indirect Damage - Large built structures including houses which are sited on clay soils can be affected by a tree's removal of moisture. Clay soil shrinks as water is extracted from it and this can lead to subsidence. If a building has been built on clay soil near an existing tree, and that tree is then removed, the soil may expand which can cause heave. The risk of such damage may be greater with older properties. Modern building standards mean that the risk to newer buildings is less. Tree-related subsidence is usually seasonal, with cracks appearing in the summer months as the tree uses the water, and then closing in the winter months as rain wets the soil. It would appear that the tree you mention has been there for some time, and if your house is new, then it would have been designed with this in mind (hopefully). If you are noticing cracks etc, then it may be a good idea to get a Structural report done by a qualified engineer.

[mr concerned]

Thanks Top_Gooner for the reply.

But more specifically I wanted to know how much damage could be caused by the euclyptus as opposed to other trees and should I ask my neighbour to cut it down?

Mr Concerned

[ENGINEER1973]

I havent seen a strong new house yet in these last 10 years, if your concerned about roots then ask a tree surgeon round, they will probably be able to measure the roots by the height of the tree and see if your house is at risk. 30ft high and upto 30 feet out.
height and roots its usually the same to balance the tree .
How thick is the tree? if you cant get your arms round it then i would worry, i live near a bungalow which had medium size conifers and they caused a subsidance and they knocked the bungalow down in the end.
Im a Qualified Arborist and i know every tree is different and get as many opinions before doing anything, and take plenty of pictures.
Also make sure it doesnt have a tree preservation order on it- i wouldnt think so tho.

[ianess]

Have you ever seen how quickly a eucalyptus tree goes up in flames??????