4.2 Building near trees

4.2.7 Foundations in shrinkable soils

Foundations shall be capable of accommodating the effects of trees, shrubs and hedgerows on shrinkable soils without excessive movement. Items to be taken into account include:

  1. foundation type
  2. distance between tree and foundation
  3. method of assessment of foundation depths
  4. foundation depths related to the zone of influence of new tree planting
  5. foundation depths related to new shrub planting.

Landscape and foundation designs should be compatible, and planting schedules produced by a qualified landscape architect or other suitably qualified person and agreed with the local planning authority before work commences on site.

Foundation type#

Foundations to all permanent structures, including garages, porches and conservatories, should take account of the effects of soil desiccation. Foundation types that are acceptable in shrinkable soils include strip, trench fill, pier and beam, pile and beam, and raft, providing they:

  • are capable of supporting the applied loads without undue settlement
  • include suitable heave precautions.

Variations to the foundation depths derived from this chapter may be permitted where:

  • it is necessary to take account of local ground conditions
  • other foundation depths are traditionally acceptable
  • designed in accordance with Technical Requirement R5.

Root barriers are not an acceptable alternative to the guidance given.

Distance between tree and foundation#

The distance (D) between the centre of the trunk and the nearest face of the foundation should be used to derive the foundation depths.

D = 2m where trees which have been, or are to be, removed from within 2m of the face of the proposed foundation are less than 50% of the mature height as given in Table 3. This is to avoid a situation where, for example, a ‘sapling’ removed from the foundation line would otherwise require an unnecessarily deep foundation since the D/H value would always be zero, regardless of the height H of the tree.

Method of assessment of foundation depths#

Foundation depths should be determined according to the guidance provided in this document. If in doubt, assume the worst conditions or consult an engineer. Foundations deeper than 2.5m should be designed by an engineer in accordance with Technical Requirement R5.

One of the following methods may be used to assess the foundation depth where foundations are in the zone of influence of existing or proposed trees.

MethodTaking account ofComments
Design in accordance with this chapter to a depth derived from the charts in Clause 4.2.12, tables in Clause 4.2.13 or the Foundation Depth Calculator App• site investigation
• soil volume change potential
• water demand of the tree
• appropriate tree height (H)
• distance (D) of the tree(s) from the foundations
• geographical location of the site north and west of London
• appropriate heave precautions
The most onerous conditions should be assumed in the absence of derived information
Design by an engineer in accordance with Technical Requirement R5• the recommendations of this chapter
• site investigation
• advice, when necessary, from a registered arboriculturalist or other competent person whose qualifications are acceptable to NHBC
When this method is used and it results in foundation depths or other details less onerous than those derived from this chapter, the design should be submitted to NHBC for approval prior to work commencing on site

Foundation depths relating to the zone of influence of proposed tree planting should be in accordance with any of the following:

  • foundation depth charts in Clause 4.2.12
  • tables in Clause 4.2.13
  • the Foundation Depth Calculator App.

Minimum foundation depths outside of the zone of influence of trees can be determined from Tables 4 and 5.

Table 4: Minimum foundation depths

Volume change potentialA) Minimum foundation depth (m) (allowing for restricted new planting)B) Minimum foundation depth (m) (where planting is outside the zone of influence of trees)
High1.501.0
Medium1.250.9
Low1.00.75

Table 5: Where foundation depths are in accordance with column A or column B in Table 4, tree planting should be restricted to:

Water demandNo tree planting zone for column A in Table 4No tree planting zone / zone of influence for column B in Table 4
High1.0 x mature height1.25 x mature height
Moderate0.5 x mature height0.75 x mature height
Low0.2 x mature height0.50 x mature height

Shrubs have considerable potential to cause changes in soil moisture content. The foundation design should consider shrub planting in accordance with Table 6.

Table 6: Shrub planting

Volume change potentialA) Minimum foundation depth (m)B) Minimum foundation depth (m)
High1.501.0
Medium1.250.9
Low1.00.75

The foundation design should consider shrub planting as follows:

Shrubs that have a maximum mature height of 1.8mUse foundation depth from column B
Climbing shrubs which require wall support and have a maximum mature height of 5.0mUse foundation depth from column B
Pyracantha and cotoneaster whose mature height exceeds 1.8mUse foundation depth from column B and plant at least 1.0 x mature height from foundation, or use foundation depth from column A and plant at least 0.5 x mature height from foundation
All othersUse foundation depth from column B and plant at least 0.75 x mature height from foundation, or use foundation depth from column A with no restriction on minimum distance from foundation

Last updated: 2nd January 2024

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