Owners of newly built homes are being warned they could be landed with a massive bill for subsidence if they cut down existing trees and plant new ones to improve the look of their gardens.

Warranty claims in cases where builders replace mature trees while developing properties are running at £4million a year.

Some £25million worth of damage was caused to new homes between 2008 and 2013. But unlike developers, homeowners who plant the wrong types of tree are not covered by the warranty scheme run by the National House Building Council.

The NHBC is warning both developers and owners to get expert advice before tackling gardens, saying that fast–growing thirsty trees – such as like elm, poplar and willow – must be pruned often to reduce the amount of water taken from the soil.

Other popular types, like virginia creeper and wisteria, should be planted more than nine feet from a property.

Tree Planting Guidelines

•     Check your soil type – is it clay?
•     Check the mature height of your chosen trees to ensure you plant them a suitable distance away from your home.
•     In most cases you should plant the tree at least 75% of the mature tree height away from the house.
•     Before cutting down or pruning a mature tree, check with your local authority – it may be protected.
•     Be careful not to plant trees near your neighbour’s house – you could be liable for any damage caused

For further information or if in any doubt, contact the National House Building Council directly and have a chat about your situation.