Yes, particularly where a house is built on shrinkable clay. Tree roots can remove moisture from the soil and contribute to foundation movement.

Which trees are most relevant?

• Large mature trees close to the building.
• High-water-demand species on shrinkable clay.
• Trees whose roots have also reached damaged drains.

Do not assume removing the tree is the answer

• Not automatically.
• Removing a mature tree without understanding the cause can create a different ground-movement problem.
• Use arboricultural and structural advice where movement is significant.

If tree-related movement is insured

It may if the damage falls within the subsidence cover. The insurer can ask for structural and tree-related evidence before deciding what work is needed.