Sycamore tree close to house 2

[ac4u2nv]

Dear all
I understand about NHBC guidance and trees within vicinity of properties affecting foundation.
I have a sycamore tree aproximately twice th eheight of a 2 storey residential property.
The house is founded on sand and gravel according to BGS maps and hisotircla logs. Clay layer at 1.35mbgl. No idea what type of foundation but most likley strip.
My worry is Tree could cauase damage to foundation either by root system growing or by removing it and clay layer heaving.
Is this something i need to worry about?
is there a way to safely remove the tree or is it safer to just reduce the tree in height.

thoughts

 

[oldestguy]

Not sure about your risk, but the main risks I have seen with foundation on clays is settlement due to clay shrinking. You can check for this by taking elevations of the main floor. Typically the floors then slope toward the tree. Use a carpenter's level as a quick check. I can explain how to use a hose filed with water can be used. Tree removal by experts is common way to do it without risk. In our town the tree removal guys are many and they bid for lowest cost job. Another risk can be the tree comes down during a storm and lands on the house. Not good.

 

[hokie66]

In addition to perhaps lifting your footings or falling on your house, there is the likelihood of roots damaging pipes. But some trees are worse than others, and I don't know about sycamores.

 

[r13]

Do you believe I had tree roots coming out my first floor toilet!? Another tree slashed my neighbors three storey height front porch, that had to be completely rebuilt. Sure, no more trees after

I like OG's water hose leveling technics, an old/handy trick.

 

[Ron]

They have large canopies, shallow spreading roots and center of the tree gets hollow with age....not good to have near a structure. Similar to sweet gum and maple....just had 3 sweet gum trees removed that destroyed my driveway from root spread.

 

[BigH]

http://nhbccampaigns.co.uk/landingpages/techzone/previous_versions/2011/Part4/section2/default.htm