Building timber buildings in areas protected by tree root regulations can be a challenge. It is possible and it’s essential to preserve our natural environment while constructing new structures.
We’ll explore the implications of tree root protection acts and how ground screws provide an effective solution for building foundations while safeguarding trees.
Tree Preservation Orders
Tree root protection areas (RPA) and Tree Preservation Orders (TPO) are legislation put in place to safeguard trees and their root systems during construction activities. The purpose of these regulations aim to prevent damage to trees caused by excavation, construction, or changes in soil conditions. Failure to comply with tree root protection acts can result in fines, penalties, and even legal action.
A Tree Preservation Order is an order made by a local planning authority to protect specific trees, groups of trees or woodlands in the interests of amenity.
A Tree Preservation Order prohibits the:
- cutting down
- topping & lopping
- uprooting
- wilful damage or destruction
Of and trees with TPO without the local planning authority’s written consent prior to works starting/
Challenges of Building in Protected Areas
Constructing in areas covered by Root Protection Areas or Tree Preservation Orders presents several challenges for builders and developers:
- Limited Construction Space: They often restrict the area available for construction, making it challenging to design and build structures while avoiding tree roots.
- Soil Disturbance: Excavation and construction activities can disrupt the soil structure, potentially damaging tree roots and impacting tree health.
- Compliance Requirements: Builders must navigate complex regulations and obtain permits to ensure compliance with government legislation, adding time and costs to construction projects.
The Benefits of Using Ground Screws for Tree Root Protection.
Ground screws offer a practical and efficient solution for building foundations in areas protected by tree regulations:
- Minimal Soil Disturbance: Unlike traditional concrete foundations that require extensive excavation, ground screws are installed directly into the ground with minimal disturbance to the surrounding soil and tree roots.
- Compact Footprint: Ground screws have a small footprint, allowing builders to work within confined spaces while avoiding tree root protection zones. The use of handheld hand portable equipment and a no-dig approach ensures that any damage to tree roots is heavily mitigated. This not only protects the major roots (over 25mm) but also the important fibrous root system often found close to the surface.
- Immediate Load-Bearing Capacity: Ground screws provide immediate load-bearing capacity, allowing construction to proceed without waiting for concrete to cure. This reduces construction time and minimises disruption to trees and their root systems.
- Adjustable Heights: Ground screws are available in various lengths, allowing builders to adjust the height of foundations to accommodate tree roots and uneven terrain.
- Environmentally Friendly: Ground screws are made from recyclable materials and can be easily removed and reused, minimising environmental impact and preserving trees for future generations.
Timber Construction on Ground Screws.
Ground screws are and can be used for supporting timber-framed structures. Key factors when using ground screws are
- The soleplate and base to timber frame structures needs to be designed to carrying the bridging loads across the screws and between the screws. Without this your building is likely to move and twist and could quite easily collapse over time especially in adverse weather.
- The structures need to be designed to reduce twist and movement. This means using larger timber sections and construction graded timber.
- Its not advisable to use the mass-produced timber buildings that use thinner section timber directly onto ground screws. In this case a structural base should be constructed first and then the timber sectional building built on the timber base.
Each application is usually unique yet the challenges and methods are similar. For Further information and assistance contact us here: