If you’ve noticed a few new hairline cracks appearing around your windows or doors this summer, you’re not imagining things, and you’re certainly not alone. Long dry spells like the one we’ve just had can cause London’s heavy clay soil to shrink, and if there’s a mature tree nearby, its roots may well be part of the story.
England has now had three droughts in five years, and the government recently announced a package of support to help the country cope with the ongoing pressure of sustained hot, dry weather. While that funding is aimed largely at farmers, the underlying issue, our weather patterns are changing and water is becoming harder to rely on, affects gardens and property owners everywhere, including here in south west London.
For homeowners, the practical concern is usually subsidence. As clay soil dries out and contracts, thirsty tree roots searching for moisture can draw even more water from the ground close to foundations, sometimes leading to movement in nearby walls. It’s a well-known issue in London, where clay soils and mature street trees are common, and it tends to show up most clearly after a dry summer like this one.
The good news is that most of the time, the tree isn’t the enemy, poor management is. A proper inspection can tell you whether a tree genuinely poses a risk, and in most cases a sensible programme of crown reduction or root management is far better than reaching for the chainsaw. Removing a healthy tree can sometimes make ground movement worse, not better, so it’s worth getting proper advice first.
If you’re concerned about a tree near your home after this summer’s dry spell, Putney Tree Surgeons can carry out a full assessment and recommend the right course of action for your garden and your property. Find out more at putneytreesurgeons.co.uk/.
