Wet Ground and Tree Roots: What Yorkshire Homeowners Should Know

A garden that stays wet for long periods can create problems below ground as well as above it. Tree roots need oxygen, and prolonged waterlogging reduces the air available in the soil.

Possible symptoms include poor growth, yellowing leaves and dieback. These signs can have several causes, so they should not be treated as a diagnosis on their own. The RHS explains that persistent saturation is generally more damaging than a brief period of surface flooding.

Source: RHS waterlogging guidance

If the ground around your trees is saturated, avoid repeatedly walking or driving across it. Do not start digging drainage trenches through a tree’s rooting area without advice: solving a drainage problem should not create a root-damage problem.

Make a note of where water collects and how long it remains after rain. Photographs taken from a safe position can help explain the pattern during a site visit.

If a tree develops a new lean or the ground around its base starts lifting or cracking, keep people away and arrange a prompt professional assessment.

Michael Wood (Morley) provides tree assessments and practical advice for properties throughout West Yorkshire. Contact us to discuss your concerns. Request a free quote