Tree removal close to property

[Mark J]

Heave is very rare, even when trees predate the property. A borehole would tell you the soil consistency at relevant depths; the soil has to be of a high plasticity in order to be a consideration. 

[Thesnarlingbadger]

Thanks for everyone’s input. I think we are going to be pretty safe with this one. As I mentioned originally I have taken down countless trees in similar situations and not had any issues or heard of any before.

I think my client was just being overly caucus as they have just moved in to the house and I said I would double check on here.

Good to know that phased fells are a complete waste of time though and 10/15 years ago when I started they were all the rage.

Thanks again, really appreciate the help as always.

Cheers Eric

[skyhuck]

It's a deciduous tree, so it only removes water from the ground when in leaf, so why is there not a massive issue with heave every autumn?

[Mark J]

1 hour ago, skyhuck said:

It's a deciduous tree, so it only removes water from the ground when in leaf, so why is there not a massive issue with heave every autumn?

In a normal year clay soils will shrink in the summer and expand in winter. 

The problem with heave arises when a property was built on soil which had a soil moisture deficit, often due to the proximity of a large thirsty tree. When/if that tree is removed, the soil swells up to full field capacity. 

Edited March 12, 2022 by Mark J

[skyhuck]

3 hours ago, Mark J said:

In a normal year clay soils will shrink in the summer and expand in winter. 

The problem with heave arises when a property was built on soil which had a soil moisture deficit, often due to the proximity of a large thirsty tree. When/if that tree is removed, the soil swells up to full field capacity. 

But why does the soil not swell up to "full field capacity" every winter when the tree is dormant and not drawing up water or sheltering the ground and we generally get higher rainfall?

[Mick Dempsey]

That’s a good point, any science sorts on here got an explanation?

 

In fact heave is one of those things that you read and hear about, but I don’t think I’ve seen a single verified case on here.

[skyhuck]

4 minutes ago, Mick Dempsey said:

That’s a good point, any science sorts on here got an explanation?

 

In fact heave is one of those things that you read and hear about, but I don’t think I’ve seen a single verified case on here.

 I've always smelt bullshit, but happy to be told I'm wrong.

[peds]

3 minutes ago, Mick Dempsey said:

 

In fact heave is one of those things that you read and hear about, but I don’t think I’ve seen a single verified case on here.

Like swan attacks.

[skyhuck]

Just now, peds said:

Like swan attacks.

I've been attacked by a Swan, I was kayaking on the canal.

[peds]

That's just anecdotal evidence and really shouldn't hold any sway in the big picture, and without concrete proof of it being a swan, who's to say what happened. Could have just been a load of ducks taped together.