Opinions please.

[scotspine1]

The owner does not want to fell it but has been advised by the next door neighbours surveyor that it is causing subsidence and has to go.

 

How did the surveyor come to the conclusion that the Oak is causing the subsidence? have you or your client seen a written detailed report from the neighbour's surveyor? Can the surveyor guarantee 100% that the Oak is the cause of the subsidence?

 

It'd be a pity to remove that tree for no reason, especially an Oak.

[Omniata]

Also on the note of claiming "subsidence", what about the fir trees right next to the house?!?!

[skyhuck]

So come on Mick, what were the prices???

[Mick Stockbridge]

So come on Mick, what were the prices???

 

I cant say at the mo incase someone on here gets to price it.... I'll pm ya.

 

 

 

In answer to your question Tim, no I have not seen the report but the client has had a letter from the surveyor.

[Jellystock]

As a Builder I can't see that tree causing subsidance, even if it was, how come its only just become apparent?

Both the neighbours house and the tree look like they've both been there for a very long time.

Conifers are a builders worst enemy when it comes to excavating (new)foundations and in my opinion the conifers are the more likely suspect, IF there is any subsidance at all.

Are the neighbours new/recent owners of the house?

Get your client to request a copy of the surveyors report, as already mentioned.

 

Jellystock.

[Arborist]

I guess your clients should get a expert in this field in if they have recieved a report. The neighbours have allready Paid out for a report, so how far are they going to take things?

If there is subsitance and its caused by the connys and by the looks of things there in your clients garden so could be liable!

[Stephen Blair]

hogswash my good man, leave the spiffing old tree alone.

[TimberCutterDartmoor]

I think subsidance can only really happen on heavy shrinkable clays, what is the soil type?

 

Ditto that but check for the PZRI (potential zone of root influence)...

 

[Alinicoll]

You could try garden law discussion forum Mick

 

Garden Law Discussion :: Index

 

There are people on there who know alot about the legal side of things and who needs to prove what.

[TimberCutterDartmoor]

This has reminded me of the whole tree root / subsidence matter which my parents had for years with a Willow. Back in the day I had a list of trees with safe distances i.e. willow was 40m from house, Poplar 35m and so on - is that old hat or still relevant? Anyone got the list? Sorry for the derail.