Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Jul 25, 2008 4:43 pm We thought we were a couple of week's away from contract signing when out of the blue today we were told by our builder that two trees on neighbouring properties will require us to put in tree root barriers before we can proceed with our contract. The two trees in question are approx. 5 metres and 10 metres (respectively) away from our proposed house and are both mature natives of approximately 14 metres in height.
We cannot understand the need for any barrier and intend to question it further. The builder also stated that both tree root barriers "could be quite costly, maybe you could ask the neighbours to chop them down instead" !!! One of the trees houses a child's cubby house and I'm sure they'd be impressed! Just wondering if anyone has experienced anything similar? Re: Tree Root Barrier 2Jul 25, 2008 4:52 pm Yes, we were initially told by an arborist, I think it was, that we'd need root barrier done, but when we investigated further it wasn't necessary. Just make sure you get a few opinions as I think it IS quite costly, and you don't want to be having to do it if it's really not necessary! Solidarity, not solidity.......The Lexicon of Life Re: Tree Root Barrier 3Jul 25, 2008 6:30 pm Hi Bessie
We have a large silky oak in our backyard. The neighbours behind us are building 2 x two storey townhouses. As such this requires a planning permit. Our tree is about 1 metre back from the fence. When we received the notice about the planned development we went to Council to view the plans. I was quite surprised because an assessment had been done on our tree (when I don't know because nobody asked us if they could come and assess the tree). The tree was assessed as requiring protection during the build. So this was actually a Council requirement. Also, friends of ours who were building had neighbours who were very concerned about their tree. As they were building a subdivision, a planning permit was required so the neighbours were able to submit their objections and the tree protection was included in the building permit. In each case this has always come down to being a Council requirement, so it may be worthwhile ringing Council just to ascertain why a root barrier would be required. Maybe the builder is concerned that the roots at some stage may interfere with the slab (just me taking a guess, have absolutely no qualifications or any real knowledge about slabs) because root systems can be really invasive and really large. When we were making enquiries about moving one of our trees, the landscaper told us that the roots can extend three times the diameter of the canopy, so that may give you some idea about how far the root system runs (although that is what I was told there may be some people here with far more experience about that topic). Ultimately Council makes the final decision (but I am basing this on the Vic system) so I think it's really worthwhile having a chat to them. Not sure why the builder would think that the neighbour would just chop down the tree. Maybe you should send him in to ask them, that would be funny. Re: Tree Root Barrier 4Jul 25, 2008 6:53 pm Photogirl is pretty much spot on, the following Archicentre Guide is on brickwork cracking.
http://www.archicentre.com.au/survival_ ... _brick.pdf The issue is not so much the physical invasion of the root system under the slab but the fact that the tree will take moisture out from under your slab. The reason that H class slabs and the like need to be so robust is to resist the movement of the soil as the soil takes up water (and expands) and dries out (and shrinks). What you would like is a constant moisture content under the slab and therefore no movement although this rarely occurs because of garden beds near walls. Nearby trees can send roots under the slab pulling out moisture and causing settlement. The guide from Archicentre also makes recommendations for trees to be wary of and at the end of the guide some maintenance tips....it also explains the root barrier idea. Hope this helps. mmm....donuts Homer Simpson 1956- Links: Site Costs Ready Reckoner | H1 Addiction Medical Advice | Château TDL: The Backyard Tree Root Barrier 5Jul 25, 2008 7:33 pm Thank you so much for your prompt replies, all extremely informative and really appreciated!
I did forget to mention that because of our sloping block we will not be building on a slab but on stumps but I must admit that even if we were having a slab didn't think the distance of the trees would interfere with building. After reading the link from archicentre however I have changed my mind, very interesting reading, thanks to_do_list. I sought out an opinion from an arborist this afternoon who indicated to me that he thought our builder was going a bit overboard and that I should certainly be questioning it further. Good advice about chatting with the council, will do first thing Monday but you made my day photogirl, just the thought of our builder asking the neighbours to chop down their tree was precious!! 1 6637 Hi, I had a barrier reef pool installed less that 2 years ago and the gel coat is already fading. The colour is electric grey shimmer which isn’t available… 0 3832 I’m not a structural engineer but I’m free. you still need an engineer for the plans. I only have part of your plans, but you seem to have a 850mm drop from the side… 3 9963 |