Safety of Large Estate Trees Between Path and Road

Prez2

Are there any guidelines about tree height or size and the space they have available for root structure for stability?

A tree that was at least the height of our current two storey standard estate house fell during storm Eowyn. Thankfully it fell away from our house.

The space this tree had for root growth (and stability) seemed really small as it was sandwiched between the estate path and the road. It had approx. 1.5m between path and road, and had a good bit more going along the path, approx 5m.

The tree feel across the path, so it fell in the direction it had the (possibly) weakest root structure. Hope that makes sense.

There is another tree that is even larger that is right beside our house. If it along the same axis as the weak root structure it would fall on the house.

Since the storm I’ve learned the council’s insurer (IPB/IPD?) are refusing claims where trees ‘managed’ by the council fell and caused damage during the storm.

I hate the idea of getting a large tree felled, but since the council are refusing claims I’m concerned this tree could come down and damage our house.

Is there any method of ascertaining that a tree taller taller than a two story, within distance to fall on a house, and with very restricted space for root structure/stability, is a danger?

magicbastarder

Since the storm I’ve learned the council’s insurer (IPB/IPD?) are refusing claims where trees ‘managed’ by the council fell and caused damage during the storm.

IIRC (it came up here) if a tree falls over in a storm, and damages your property, and it hadn't previously shown signs of disease or ill-health, that should be claimed on under your own insurance rather than the insurance of the landowner where the tree stood.

finding that post now would be nigh impossible.

standardg60

The tree roots will be extending way beyond what you perceive, under both path and road.

There are still plenty of big Plane trees in Dublin which have concrete/tarmac laid right up to the trunk, doesn't seem to bother them at all.

Prez2

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123278918#Comment_123278918

100% take your point. That was my first thought too, how do those trees in Dublin not fall over, so must have root system below path / road.

Photos I have indicate the roots along the opposite side of the fall had nowhere to go. As in, take NESW. Tree fell East and the root system to the West along the road appears very limited and from as best I can see there was some kind of solid structure deeper down that might have prevented root grow.

Can’t post photos as I don’t want to dox myself. I’m going to follow up and with IPB and see what comes of it.

magicbastarder

Are you going to check with them if they're refusing cover?

As you mention, you won't be putting a claim in so I'm curious as to whether they'd be willing to tell a non-client whether cover would be provided.