Tree removal

[Rainbow29]

Hi, this is my first time posting and I wondered if any arborists may be able to help with a question I have about tree removal. We have two of these trees near to our house, one is approx 2m from the house and the other roughly 3m. I am not sure what type of trees they are, but they are approx 4-5m in height to the top of the branches. We unfortunately need to remove them for an extension but I am concerned whether removing them will cause any issues to the house, as we live in an area with clay subsoils. Also, is there is any particular recommended way to remove them. Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks very much. 

[openspaceman]

Prunus of some sort, probably flowering cherry.

 

Grub the stumps out whole when you dig the extension footings.

[Rainbow29]

11 hours ago, openspaceman said:

Prunus of some sort, probably flowering cherry.

 

Grub the stumps out whole when you dig the extension footings.

Thanks for your reply. For a tree this size/type would you be concerned about the removal of the tree and roots causing more water to remain in the clay soils and potentially causing issues to the house? Or is this only a concern for much larger trees? 

[openspaceman]

23 minutes ago, Rainbow29 said:

Thanks for your reply. For a tree this size/type would you be concerned about the removal of the tree and roots causing more water to remain in the clay soils and potentially causing issues to the house? Or is this only a concern for much larger trees? 

That's not how it works in my understanding and not all clays are shrinkable. Those trees are far too small to have any bearing on the soil moisture IMO.

 

I am no building expert but trees seem to get the blame for building work with poor foundations, I have seen settlement on a chalky site where the extension footings were poor and settled causing the tie in to the existing building to crack the old brickwork, luckily not a tree in sight or it would have been blamed.

[JaySmith]

Trees aren’t often the only contributing factor to issues/claims relating to subsidence. Obviously trees remove moisture from the soil which can cause movement but construction methods should also be considered. Often trees are a factor but so is the construction method used or the poor building quality.

Years ago phased removal/reduction was used but various studies have shown that this isn’t the answer. For me I wouldn’t be too concerned with removing the trees that you have outlined. There is plenty of other vegetation in the vicinity that could have an effect on the water levels in the soil. Ultimately if you are concerned then speaking with an arb consultant who can do a site assessment with regards to the trees and look at geo mapping etc may help.

[Khriss]

Yes to  the  above, and get a competent architect, a competent builder and have yr drains cctv'd. K