beech tree

[welowery]

could an established beech tree 5metres from a house cause foundation damage

[katejess44]

I seem to remember from lessons from my primary school days that the roots of the Beech tree grow to the same width as the branches (if not a little more).

So I would say that they may very well cause damage to the foundations of the house - but I am no expert on this.

[woofgang]

th beech may be taking up water that would otherwise pool in the soil and cause heave. best thing is to get advice from the tree service at your local council

[woofgang]

take a look at a similar question

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Home-and-Garden/Question114014.html

[AlFas]

It is possible. A beech is a low water demand tree, but if your house is founded on a highly shrinkable clay soil 5m is close enough to have an impact on poorly designed foundations. Your foundations should be about 1.5m below ground level to get below the 'zone of influence'. A house built in the last 25 years or so should be ok, but this was often neglected in the past.

However, if it's not a highly shrinkable clay there's nothing to worry about. Contact your local authority and they should be able to put you in contact with a building control officer who should be aware of local soil conditions and advise accordingly.