4.2 Building near trees

4.2.15 Further information

  • BRE Digests 240, 241 and 242 ‘Low rise buildings on shrinkable clay soils’, parts 1, 2 and 3
  • BRE Digest 298 ‘The influence of trees on house foundations in clay soils’
  • BRE Digest 412 ‘Desiccation in clay soils’
  • BS 1377 ‘Methods of test for soils for civil engineering purposes’
  • BS 5837 ‘Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction – Recommendations’
  • BS 5930 ‘Code of practice for ground investigations’
  • Tree Recognition – A Pocket Manual by Ian Richardson and Rowena Gale, Richardson’s Botanical Identifications, 49/51 Whiteknights Road, Reading, Berks RG6 7BB
  • Field Guide to the Trees of Britain and Northern Europe by Alan Mitchell, Harper Collins
  • Glasgow geological survey maps obtainable from British Geological Survey, Nicker Hill, Keyworth, Nottingham NG12 5GG; Tel: 0115 936 3100
  • Tree root damage to buildings Vol.1 Causes, Diagnosis and Remedy, Vol. 2 Patterns of Soil Drying in Proximity to Trees on Clay Soils by P G Biddle, Willowmead Publishing, Wantage OX12 9JA
  • Institution of Civil Engineers 1-7 Great George Street, London SW1P 3AA; Tel: 020 7222 7722; www.ice.org.uk
  • Institution of Structural Engineers 11 Upper Belgrave Street, London SW1X 8BH; Tel: 020 7235 4535.

Acknowledgements: NHBC gratefully acknowledges the help given by authoritative organisations and individuals in the preparation of this chapter, particularly: Building Research Establishment; Dr P G Biddle, arboricultural consultant.

Last updated: 2nd January 2024

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