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Ground and structural responses to the presence of trees can be detrimental if their probable interactions are not duly considered. For example, trees growing in swelling/shrinking clays can lead to damage of buildings in the close proximity. Very often the problem is not identified until appreciable damage has occurred. Guidelines relating to acceptable distances of trees to buildings are available but these usually require specialist knowledge of trees. Current practices concerning tree protection and the associated subject of assessing potential structural damage from trees are reviewed and shortcomings identified. Following this, two new risk rating systems developed to facilitate the assessment of likelihood of damage to structures are described and explained. One covers damage occurring from the direct growth of tree roots and the other settlement/heave above shrinking/swelling clays. Both systems are intended to provide a basis for identifying situations where advice by tree specialists should be sought, ideally in advance of damage occurring. The former was tested by field surveys at several locations in and around London and the latter by well documented case studies. Both demonstrated that the systems have broad applications. This led to the development of a set of recommendations, in the form of an index chart, for when planting trees close to structures.

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