Newly planted fir tree - help and advice required

Hi folks, newbie here:thumb: We're looking for some advice:

We have moved into a new build house and have planted a 3' Christmas tree outside. I have heard there can be problems with planting trees close to the house causing subsidence due to the tree drying the soil out and the foundations moving.

The soil appears heavy and very wet, we have dug in a large bag of compost and placed bark around the base of the planted tree, and the tree is approximately 2 - 3 meters away from the house. Can anyone give us guidance as to whether we have done the right thing or should we move the tree. We plan to keep the tree pruned to approximately 6 feet in height.

Thanks in advance for any help/advice

 

Hi epa611,

The problem with subsidence happens when trees absorb water from the soil, causing it to shrink. This is only a real problem on clay soil where shrinkage is more pronounced. From what you're describing I'd say your soil is certainly clay-like, but without doing a proper soil survey it's hard to say for sure.

Moving the tree to a more suitable location would ease your mind and is best done now before it becomes to well established.