Building Near Trees

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Introduction

Trees (including shrubs and hedges) play an important role in the environment and provide visual amenity in both rural and urban landscapes. They may take decades to grow, but can be destroyed in minutes. Wherever they are growing, whether in public areas, private gardens, rural verges, or elsewhere, they require space for the adequate development of their root systems and to allow the branches to develop an attractive and natural shape.

 

How Trees are Damaged

Trees are complex living organisms, which are susceptible to damage from a wide range of physical agents or activities. Trees do not heal; damage caused to a tree will remain for the rest of its life. Even minor damage may set up circumstances leading to serious long term decay.

Contrary to popular belief, the root system of a tree is not a mirror image of the branches, nor is there usually a ‘tap root’. The majority of the root system of any tree is in the surface 600mm of soil, extending radially in any direction for distances frequently in excess of the tree’s height. Excavation or other works within this area are liable to damage the roots.

 

The Root System

The base of a trunk typically flares out in buttresses extending into the main lateral structural roots. These rapidly subdivide into the mass of smaller roots which serve to anchor the tree into the soil and transport water and nutrients. Even at a short distance (3m) from a large mature tree, most roots will be less than 10mm in diameter, but these may extend to well beyond the branch spread of the tree. A mass of fine roots, less than 1 mm in diameter, develop off all parts of this root system. These fine roots also absorb the water and nutrients, which are essential for the growth of the tree.

The main structural roots (close to the trunk) develop as the tree grows in response to the need for physical stability. Beyond these major roots growth is influenced by the availability of water, air and nutrients in the soil.

 

British Standard 5837

Trees in Relation to Construction - Recommendations

The Standard provides recommendations and guidance for arboriculturists, architects, builders, engineers, land managers, landscape architects, contractors, planners, statutory undertakers, surveyors, and all others interested in harmony between trees and construction.

British Standard 5837 gives recommendations and guidance on the principles to be applied to achieve a satisfactory juxtaposition of trees, shrubs, hedges and hedgerows, with structures. It follows, in sequence, the stages of planning and implementing the provisions which are essential to allow development to be integrated with trees.

British Standard 5837 recognises that there can be problems with development close to existing trees which are to be retained, and of planting trees close to existing structures. The standard sets out to assist those concerned with trees in relation to construction to form balanced judgements. It does not seek to put arguments for or against development, or for removal or retention of trees.
Where development, including demolition, is to occur, the Standard provides guidance on how to decide which trees are appropriate for retention, on the means of protecting these trees during development, including demolition and construction work, and on the means of incorporating trees into the developed landscape

British Standard 5837 was originally published in 1980 but the current revision was found necessary to take account of current practice regarding planning for the management, protection and planting of trees in the vicinity of structures, and for the protection of structures near trees.

Copies of British Standard 5837 and other British Standards can be purchased from the British Standards Institute at the following address:

Head Office
389 Chiswick High Road
London
W4 4AL
 

BSI Website: http://www.bsonline.bsi-global.com/server/index.jsp (this is an external hyperlink)

National Joint Utilities Group (NJUG) Guidelines for the Planning, Installation and Maintenance of Utility Apparatus in Proximity to Trees

This publication provides guidelines and information to utility companies and contractors for the Planning, Installation, and Maintenance of below ground services in relation to trees.

Copies of NJUG publications can be purchased from the following address:

28 Broadway

London

SW1H 9JX     

NJUG Web site: http://www.njug.org.uk (this is an external hyperlink)

 

For further information please contact the Tree Team in the Department of Planning and Environment Tel: 01329 236100 ext. 2442 or e-mail conservation@fareham.gov.uk