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Tree surveys › Tree survey for subsidence
For cracking, movement and claims
Cracking or movement in a building with trees nearby raises an obvious question: are roots involved? Insurers, loss adjusters and structural engineers want evidence rather than guesswork. We survey the vegetation around the property, assess its influence and, where the question needs a below-ground answer, carry out root investigations, reporting in a form loss adjusters and structural engineers can use alongside their own investigations.
Every tree and large shrub near the damage recorded with species, size, condition and distance to the building, with an assessment of its likely influence on the ground it stands in.
Where the question cannot be settled from above ground, we investigate below it, including tree radar where that is the right tool, to establish whether roots are present where the movement is happening.
Findings and recommendations written so a loss adjuster or structural engineer can act on them, alongside the claim's other investigations rather than replacing them.
Independent first. The survey is priced and delivered on its own and its findings are what the trees actually need. If the report recommends work, you are free to take it to any contractor you like. Because we are also an ARB Approved Contractor, we can carry out that work ourselves if you choose, one firm from survey to sign-off, but the report never depends on it.
Yes, mainly where buildings stand on shrinkable clay soils, where trees can be implicated in ground movement. But a tree near a crack is not proof on its own. Establishing whether roots are actually involved takes evidence, which is what the survey and root investigation provide.
Not before you have evidence. The tree may not be the cause, it may be protected, and sudden removal can bring problems of its own. TPO trees need council consent, conservation area works need six weeks written notice, and penalties for unauthorised works on protected trees can include unlimited fines. Our free protected tree checker gives you an indicative answer in seconds; the council register is definitive.
Where an above-ground survey cannot settle whether roots are involved, we look below ground, including tree radar where the question needs it, to establish whether roots are present where the movement is happening. The findings go into the report as evidence, not opinion.
A record of what grows near the damage, with species, size, condition and distance to the building, an assessment of its influence, and below-ground evidence where the claim needs it. The report is written so it can sit alongside the structural engineer's own investigations.
A tree belongs to the land its trunk stands on, so responsibility for it sits with that landowner. The survey records the vegetation around the damage whoever owns it. Overhanging branches may usually be cut back to the boundary, but not when the tree is protected, so check first.
Tell us about the property and the movement you are seeing and we will tell you exactly which survey you need, with a quote within one working day.
Related: all tree surveys and reports · is my tree protected? · mortgage tree reports · tree risk assessments
Careers
Climbing, grounds maintenance and utility work.Climbing, grounds and utility work.
Arboricultural Association Approved Contractor.
Last minuteAvailability
Starts Monday 19 October 2026
3 days plus 1 for assessment
£9671 place
Entry requirements: Ground Based Chainsaw Operator and Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue
Book this date, Using a Chainsaw from a Rope and HarnessOr call the training office on 01772 369694
