Housedeck Tree Protection Service

Foundations Near Trees - The UK's Only Tree Friendly Foundation System

Housedeck is ideally suited to working adjacent to trees as the Housedeck service offers a unique approach to avoiding damage to tree roots. Housedeck was developed and patented by Abbey Pynford and is the only foundation system in the UK recommended by Arboriculturalists. It allows you to build foundations near trees without causing any short or long term damage to either the tree or its roots.

For trees to survive development in close proximity, any foundation design should only require a minimum of root loss and maintain the status quo in terms of gaseous and aqueous exchange. Assuming these can be observed, a development could be implemented within the root protection areas defined by BS5837:2005 Trees in relation to construction – Recommendations without detriment to the long term health of the trees.

Housedeck is a unique form of raft foundation supported by a matrix of piles. Unlike traditional pile and beam systems the position of the piles are flexible and the in-house design team at Abbey Pynford is able to react immediately to changes in pile position. This is in stark contrast to other systems which often involve costly delays waiting for design information and often expensive alternative arrangements. Additionally, Housedeck is a no dig system and cutting off tree roots with excavations for beams or trench foundations is avoided.

Housedeck (left) & Pile and Beam(right)

The patented voided deck allows gaseous exchange and permits the diversion of rainwater to an under slab irrigation system whilst ensuring the roots are relieved of any ground bearing pressure. A combination of lightweight rigs and temporary platforms can ensure the integrity of the roots during construction.

We also run a wide range of rigs from 25m (35T) down to 2m (1T), so the service offered also includes a choice of rig to avoid damage to tree canopies if trees are overhanging the footprint of the proposed structure.

Tree Root Protection Service brochure link
Tree Root Protection Service standard section link