Subsidence, settlement and heave
A willow stands nearer the bay than the other trees and a crack is in that bay only. What has the position not proved about the cause?
The position has not proved the cause of the crack. A willow stands nearer the bay than the other trees, and the crack is in that bay only. Nearness plus a crack in one place is a pattern worth taking seriously. It is not proof that the willow is the cause. The survey has recorded the position and the crack. It has not identified roots at the foundation, has not monitored the crack, and has not tested the soil. The cause remains unproved.
Last reviewed 24 October 2026. Written for buyers in England and Wales unless this answer says otherwise. No named surveyor has signed this page. It is general guidance, not a report on your house, and not legal advice.
What is the fuller explanation?
Willows are thirsty trees, and on shrinkable clay they are often discussed when a bay cracks. Discussion is not identification. A nearer tree can be innocent while a drain, a lintel, or ordinary shrinkage is doing the damage, and a farther tree can still be involved. The surveyor saw where the willow stands and where the crack is. They did not open the ground beside the bay or name roots in a foundation trench. Movement claims and tree cases need that sort of link. This note has not made it.
Ask the surveyor what they actually saw on that bay, and if cause matters instruct monitoring or a tree-and-soil investigation rather than treat position as proof. Tell the solicitor the willow is nearer and the crack is local, and that the cause was not proved. Do not name the willow as the defendant in a letter. Keep any later monitoring separate from this positional note.
What should you ask your surveyor?
- How does the willow's position compare with the other trees and the cracked bay?
- What investigation of cause was not done?
- Did you open the ground beside that bay?
What are the typical next steps?
- Ask what was actually seen on the bay before anyone names the willow as the cause.
- Tell the solicitor nearness and a local crack have not proved the cause.
- If cause matters, instruct monitoring or a soil investigation rather than guess.
Costs vary with the building and with who you instruct. Where this page does not cite a published figure, ask the surveyor, a relevant specialist, or your solicitor for a written quote. Do not treat a forum average as the price.
Also asked about this
If the other trees are farther away, is the willow proved to be the cause?
No. Distance ranks the trees by eye. It does not prove the nearest one opened the crack. The survey did not identify roots at the bay and did not monitor movement. Other causes remain open. Position is the fact. Cause is what the position has not proved.
Was the foundation opened beside the cracked bay?
No. The foundation beside that bay was not opened. The survey recorded a willow nearer than the other trees and a crack only in that bay. It did not expose footings or trace roots into them. An unopened foundation cannot confirm the willow as the cause.