Could lavender bushes contribute to subsidence?

we are in the process of removing a small tree which is causing subsidence. There are also 3 quite large lavender bushes now planted directly in front of the house and I want to know if these should also be removed?

The structural surveyor didn't advise these should go but I want to be sure we resolve the problem.

We also have some now quite large grasses planted in front garden, but i'm thinking they wouldn't be contributing?

I think the house is on clay soil.

thanks

 

Welcome to Gardeners Corner HB,

Its highly unlikely that Shrubs like Lavender would have much effect on your foundations.

Tree roots go much further & take a lot of water out of the ground, causing the clay to shrink. Mind you, with the lack of rain this year, the clay would have shrunk tree or no tree.

Have you got to underpin the house?

 

I'd like to know a little more about this, just out of professional interest. What size tree are you talking about and were you advised of what soil type you have?

Matthew

 

do you know the depth of your house footings + the age of house, how big is this small tree and how close to the house

 

Interesting, my mother's house was in a forest environment and they were advised that removing the trees would make the subsidence problem worse as the roots left behind decayed and shrank. They too were on clay and it was that drying out because of drought which was the problem, not the trees.