Tree Roots, Clay & Movement Issues in Godalming Gardens

How Tree Roots Affect the Ground

Tree roots do not typically “smash” through solid structures. Instead, they:

• Seek out moisture and air spaces in the soil.
• Move fine particles of soil around as they grow.
• Thicken over time, displacing loose ground next to them.
• Influence how wet or dry the soil is in different seasons.

On clay soils, moisture changes are the biggest issue, not brute force.

Clay Soil + Trees = Movement

In parts of Godalming — especially Witley, Milford, Hambledon fringes and some lower-lying plots — we see:

• Shrinkage in dry weather as clay loses moisture.
• Swell in wet periods as clay reabsorbs water.
• Seasonal up-and-down movement of several millimetres or more.

Mature trees increase this effect because their roots draw significant water from the ground, drying clay more aggressively in summer and early autumn.

Common Symptoms in Godalming Gardens

You may notice:

• Patios lifting in isolated bands near tree lines.
• Cracking or stepping in older paving.
• Retaining walls leaning slightly forward.
• Gaps at the base of walls in dry months and closing again in wet months.
• Lawns that become hard and cracked in summer but waterlogged in winter.

These are classic signs of clay–root interaction rather than “bad slabs” on their own.

Designing Patios Near Trees

When we design patios around Godalming’s tree-rich plots, we think about:

• Distance from trunks and main root zones.
• Sub-base specification — depth, compaction and reinforcement.
• Drainage strategy — avoiding water traps that saturate one section of clay.
• Edge detailing — flexible joint layouts and cuts near root “influence zones”.

Sometimes we’ll:

• Adjust the patio footprint to respect major root runs.
• Use raised decking or steps to float over complex root areas.
• Introduce planting beds as buffers between trunks and paving.

Retaining Walls & Root Zones

Retaining walls near trees need special care because:

• Roots can destabilise the soil behind or beneath the wall if not considered.
• Clay shrink–swell may affect wall foundations over time.
• Drainage behind the wall becomes even more important.

For structural or tall retaining walls adjacent to large trees, we may advise consultation with a structural engineer or arboricultural specialist, particularly where houses or neighbouring properties are involved.

Practical Options for Managing Roots

Depending on the situation, we may consider:

• Root-friendly layouts — adjusting paved areas to avoid major roots.
• Root barriers — installed carefully and in line with best practice.
• Reinforced sub-bases — to spread load where minor movement is expected.
• Segmented or modular designs — where a small degree of movement can be tolerated without obvious cracking.

We do not undertake aggressive root removal that could endanger tree health or stability. For significant root work, independent tree advice is usually recommended.

House Subsidence vs Garden Movement

It’s important to distinguish between:

• Minor garden movement: localised dips or lifted paving, common and usually fixable.
• True subsidence: structural movement of the house or main retaining structures.

If we see signs that movement may be affecting the building itself, we’ll always suggest professional structural or insurance-approved investigation. For garden-only movement, improved construction, drainage and layout are often sufficient.

Working with, Not Against, Trees

Trees are a huge part of what makes Godalming, Busbridge, Hurtmore and Witley attractive places to live. Our approach is to:

• Retain trees wherever safe and practical.
• Shape hard landscaping around them.
• Use terraces, decks and steps to accommodate roots.
• Plan planting schemes that complement existing mature trees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have a patio close to a large tree?

Often yes, but it must be designed correctly. We may tweak the layout, sub-base and detailing to manage likely movement and work with the local soil conditions.

Will removing a tree fix my movement problems?

Not always. In clay areas, sudden removal of a large tree can actually change moisture conditions again, causing further movement in the short–medium term. Tree management should always be planned carefully and, where necessary, with professional advice.

Can you repair a patio that’s already moved?

Yes — but we’ll want to understand why it moved in the first place. Sometimes rebuilding with a better sub-base and drainage is the only long-term solution, especially close to mature trees.

Do you work alongside tree specialists or engineers?

Where movement is significant, or large trees and buildings are involved, we’re happy to coordinate with independent arboricultural consultants or structural engineers so that any solution respects both the trees and the structures.

Which areas do you cover?

Godalming, Milford, Farncombe, Witley, Busbridge, Charterhouse, Hurtmore, Hambledon, Chiddingfold and neighbouring Surrey villages.

Concerned About Trees, Clay & Movement in Your Garden?

If your patio, driveway or walls in the Godalming area are showing signs of movement — or you’re planning new landscaping near mature trees — we can help design a solution that respects both the ground and the trees.

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