Trees in clay subsoils
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< |Back to Document Library Last Updated: 14 November 2006| Abstract: | It has long been known that trees cause clay soils to shrink by withdrawing water through their roots in summer. Changes in the moisture content of clay soils causes shrinkage or swelling, commonly known as heave, which in turn can cause cracking and movement of foundations, floor slabs and hence damage to whole structures. Clay shrinkage is caused during dry spells, generally from water abstraction by vegetation, clay heave is often caused by the removal of trees and hedgerows or alternatively due to substantial wetting after prolonged dry spells. The extent of movement may be determined from a number of factors. (e.g. clay type, tree type, distance of trees from a foundation excavation, geological location). |
