Would anybody know who is the 1st point of contact for damage to buildings from Willow tree roots?

Question

I've noticed a crack in the wall of my garage and a large crack in the floor. I think the problem stems from a willow tree in a neighbours garden which is planted approximately 5 meters from the garage and about 7 meters from the house. It is a medium size willow tree of about 6/7 meters high (approx).
We are concerned that it if left it would cause further damage.
In certain areas of the garage wall you can see daylight through the cracks.
Legally, apart from the neighbour, who do we contact?

I would be very grateful for any information, thanks!

Answer 1

A solicitor .......... it's your neighbours property that is trespassing onto your land and causing damage.

The first port of call would be to ensure that that damage is the trees fault. The second would be to start communicating with the neighbour to seek a remedy. If you are unable to come up with a mutual understanding /agreement then you would need to seek legal advice.

It doesn't sound like an important tree under a TPO - Tree Preservation Order, so removing it wouldn't be a problem .... once permission by the owner given.
Don't bother contacting the local council as I'm guessing it's not on coucil land or your proerty is council owned - technically it's not their problem!

This is part of an interesting article -

........... Trees are also a threat to neighbouring properties and could leave individuals liable to any damage caused by roots or falling branches.

Peter Brennan, Partner at PB Projects and a member of the North West Regional Board of the RICS, explained: “Many homeowners don’t consider the potential impact trees have on the value of their property.
“It’s a catch 22 situation with trees having the potential to cause thousands of pounds of damage at the same time as adding aesthetic value to the house.

“The solution is to carefully manage existing trees and ensuring that if planting new ones, you have the right trees in the right environment.

“A survey can reveal how surrounding trees could be effecting your property. If there is danger of damage, a qualified tree specialist can be brought in to provide advice and carry out work.”

Answer 2

If it became into put in a bucket of water it might yet in a moist paper towel there is no longer plenty moisture to take up. there's a much extra effective danger if it became into inserted abou 4 inches in soil and then soak the floor with water. right this is a instruction manual to strengthen a willow tree from a reducing.

Answer 3

My advice would be for you to document any residual damage caused to your property,do this by photograph,or by video camera,be sure to have the time and date on any recordings.
Once this is complete compose a letter to your neighbour ,the one who's property that the willow grows in,include a notation upon the letter that a copy is to be sent to your solicitor,along with the recorded evidence of damaged caused by the willow roots to your property, in the letter ask your neighbour for details of his property insurance cover, you want the name of the company.
forwarded all the information to your solicitor for his perusal and advice, whilst you are doing this ,contact your insurance company and find out what their policy is on tree damage.
also contact a surveyor and get an estimate of the damage ,to be put right, keep all receipts,including all fees charged, let your company (insurance) that you have contacted a solicitor to act upon your behalf, you may end up taking your neighbour to court for recovery of the costs to put your property back in good condition,the insurance,if your neighbours policy covers him will talk through your solicitor. good luck FL

Answer 4

You could try your local council, arborculturist for further info just in case TPO Tree Preservation Order.

Otherwise ask your insurance company for suggestions.

Answer 5

Legally- there is nothing that you can do, because you think, its the Willow Tree, and probably nothing you can do if it is- Contact your Home Owners Insurance- they may pay to fix the problem. if not dig down and cut the dam roots off.

Answer 6

This is only applicable if you have homeowners insurance....but I would call them. If your home is not insured, you might want to call the city and figure out if there are some zoning issues.

Answer 7

fire department deal with it .. but the ( power ) woodland rangers deal with tree damage so..

and the city councel but if you send them a letter expect it to take a week... but it should be responded to put respond please in leter and ergent

if you phone can be good but usualy id say it never was notices by the nice but bord lady on the phone

Answer 8

Your insurance adjuster.

Answer 9

sounds like it could be your neighbour

Answer 10

Dont know.