Trees near buildings?
How Close Is Too Close? Planting Conifers Near Your Home.
When planting trees in your garden, conifers can be a popular choice for year-round greenery, privacy, and structure. However, planting too close to a property can lead to costly complications, especially with fast-growing or large species like Leylandii.
At Beechwood Trees and Landscapes Ltd, we regularly advise homeowners and developers on best practices for tree planting. Here’s what you need to know before putting conifers in the ground near your home.
Recommended Distances from Properties
How far away a conifer should be planted depends on its mature height and spread:
Small conifers (under 10m tall): at least 3–4 metres away
Medium conifers (10–20m): at least 5–7 metres
Large conifers (20m+ like Leylandii or Spruce): at least 10–15 metres
These distances help reduce the risk of root damage, structural interference, and neighbourly disputes.
Tree Root Growth
Tree roots typically spread far wider than their canopy, often two to three times the tree's height, in search of water and nutrients. Most roots grow in the top 600mm of soil, making them particularly sensitive to changes in moisture and soil conditions.
This extensive lateral spread means that even trees planted several metres from a structure can affect it over time, especially on shrinkable clay soils. At Beechwood, we consider species, soil type, and proximity to buildings to ensure responsible planting that minimises risk from indirect root damage like subsidence.
Understanding the Risks
1. Direct Damage
Roots from conifers can exert pressure on building foundations, driveways, walls, and drainage systems. While they don’t actively seek out pipes, they will exploit cracks and joints in search of moisture.
Branches can also rub against roofs or walls if planted too close, while falling needles can block gutters and drainage channels.
2. Indirect Damage
This is especially important on clay soils, which shrink when dry and swell when wet. Tree roots can extract large volumes of water from the soil, causing it to shrink, potentially leading to subsidence. When trees are removed, the soil may rehydrate and expand, causing heave.
The NHBC Foundation provides guidance on tree planting near structures and classifies conifers as high water-demand species, especially relevant for structural engineers and home builders.
Soil Type Matters
Soil composition plays a big role in how tree roots behave:
Clay soils – Most vulnerable to subsidence and heave due to shrink-swell properties. Extra care should be taken here when planting any high water-demand species.
Sandy soils – Less likely to shrink and swell, but roots can travel further in search of moisture.
Loamy soils – Balanced, but still require caution depending on structure and moisture levels.
A soil survey can be a valuable step in planting decisions, particularly for larger or commercial landscaping projects.
Plasticity Index and Why It Matters
The Plasticity Index (PI) measures how much a soil can shrink or swell with changes in moisture, a key factor when planting trees near buildings, especially on clay soils. It’s calculated as the difference between the soil’s liquid limit and plastic limit (PI = LL – PL).
The higher the PI, the more reactive the soil, increasing the risk of movement and potential structural damage. Soils with a high PI are particularly vulnerable to shrinkage during dry periods when tree roots extract moisture.
Legal and Maintenance Considerations
High Hedges Legislation: Under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, conifer hedges (often Leylandii) over 2 metres tall can be subject to complaints if they block light or affect neighbouring properties.
Ongoing Maintenance: Fast-growing conifers require regular pruning to avoid encroachment, over-shadowing, or structural issues.
Our Advice at Beechwood
When in doubt, consult a qualified arborist or tree consultant before planting near buildings. We recommend:
Knowing the mature size of the species you're planting
Factoring in the soil type and water demands
Ensuring there's adequate distance from buildings, walls, paths, and utilities
Maintaining conifers annually to avoid long-term issues
Let’s Plant Smart
Trees are a vital part of our urban and rural landscapes – offering shade, shelter, biodiversity, and beauty. But good planning ensures they thrive without causing harm.
If you're unsure how close to plant conifers or are experiencing issues with existing ones, Beechwood Trees and Landscapes Ltd is here to help.
Our team offers expert surveys, tree care, and planting advice for homes, estates, and developers.
📞 Contact us today to discuss your next planting project, and let’s get it right.
