How to avoid subsidence when planting in your garden this summer

Experts are warning Britons about the risks of subsidence when gardening after millions of pounds was paid out to homeowners last year.

About £219 million is expected to be paid out for subsidence claims from last year - the highest since 2006.

And more than a third (36%) of residents are concerned about subsidence in their homes, according to insurer Aviva.

Waseem Malik, chief claims officer for Aviva UK & I General Insurance, said: "The vast majority of homes and gardens can co-exist quite happily without plants causing problems to properties.

"However, nature can be incredibly powerful and trees and shrubs will go to extreme lengths to find the water they need to survive during hot spells.

"In turn, the surrounding ground can become incredibly dry and unstable if plants have removed excessive moisture. In extreme cases, this can lead to subsidence for nearby buildings."

Aviva has listed nine tips to avoid subsidence, particularly for those looking to upgrade their green spaces this summer.

1. Don't plant close to buildings

Trees or large shrubs should be kept away from the home and outbuildings and garages. Their large roots can suck soil dry in hot spells. Smaller hedge plants can also cause a similar impact if grouped together.

Aviva said: "A suitable distance will depend on the type of subsoil, variety of tree and depth of foundations, so if in any doubt, check with an expert."

2. Choose your tree wisely

Poplar, willow, elm and oak trees will cause more issues than others due to their long, fine roots, according to the Association of British Insurers (ABI). The National House Building Council also adds hawthorn and eucalyptus to the list and says birch, elder, hazel and magnolia trees don't need as much water to survive.

It has a full list here, showing high, moderate and low water demand species.

3. Can you move it?

Prevention is better than cure, and you might be able to secure your home while enjoying your shrubbery by moving it further away from the property.

4. Regular maintenance

Thin or pollard branches every year to restrict how tall your tree or shrub will grow.

Not only will this reduce the risk of an imposing tree, it will also promote a dense and lush head of leaves and branches. For more information on pollarding, visit the RHS website.

5. Keep an eye

It's not just trees in your own garden that can cause issues - those in the street and in neighbours' gardens can affect your home or outbuidings. Be on the lookout for signs of shifting or cracking.

6. Is the tree protected?

Some trees can't be managed unless there is consent from authorities, so check if it has a preservation order.

7. Leaking drains

This one isn't gardening related, but leaking drains and water mains can also soften or wash away soil causing land to sink. Sandy, gritty soils are most at risk.

8. Do you have clay soil?

Clay soil, most common in the south of England but found elsewhere too, are more prone to shrinking in hot weather.

9. Check gutters

If guttering or drainpipes are leaking, this can also disturb soil under your home, so make sure they're well-maintained.

Home insurance cost 2023

It's been a tough year for weather-related issues, with Storms Dudley, Eunice and Franklin also accounting for £473 million paid out for 170,000 claims.

And a cold December led to a surge in burst frozen pipes.

Home insurance premiums have risen by an average 6% this year, according to the Association of British Insurers.

It found a typical buildings and contents policy was £315, up 6% year on year, and up about £10 on the previous quarter. The average buildings-only policy cost £236, while contents-only was £117.

Part of the reason for the increase is the rise in construction costs, which surged by 15% in 2022 compared to the previous year. But the ABI noted the rise was below inflation.

Laura Hughes, ABI’s manager, general insurance, said: “Insurers appreciate these continue to be tough times for many households coping with the rising cost of living. The rise in the average combined buildings and contents premium over the last year remains under the inflation rate, despite the above inflation rises in the cost of many building materials.

“Last year’s storms and the surge in subsidence claims following the summer heatwave were a dramatic reminder of the importance of home insurance. During these challenging times, anyone worried about being able to continue paying their home insurance should speak to their insurer about any alternative payment options that may be available.”

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