Janet Baraclough wrote:
The message .com
from "Richard M" contains these words:

Thank you very much, everyone, for your thoughts and experiences. It
sounds very much like I need to do more investigating as to what the
real source of the problem is. It had not occurred to me that the
matter may have been oversimplified. In answer to your questions, the
position (as I have been told it by varying structural professionals)
is that there is some very minor subsidence to the south-facing
wistera-clad front wall. This is said to be due to a nearby acacia
tree drying out the soil (others have identified it as a rowan or a
rabinia - I am no expert). But, as a result, I have been asked to
remove all vegetation, namely acacia, wisteria and leylandia. From
what you are saying, it sounds like the wisteria may be being blamed
for the tree's activities. I obviously need to get this clarified.
Any suggestions who may be an appropriate professional to do this?

I think you need to speak to your buildings-insurance company and get
their view on that. If they don't yet know about the subsidence, you're
obliged to notify them; not to do so might invalidate your policy. They
are almost certainly going to require a specialist report, and it will
probably be cheaper in the long run to obtain one from a professional
body acceptable to the insurer.(Rather than commission one yourself
which doesn't satisfy them). The insurer is also likely to set some
conditions on future plantings around, and on, the building.

If it was mine, I'd want to keep that structure in full unobstructed
view for at least a few years, rather than risk climbers covering up new
signs of movement.

The trees on your land may also affect neighbouring buildings. Which
is another reason why you need a professional specialist report (for
your own future protection). Don't rush out and chop the trees down
before you have that report. In some circumstances where clay shrinkage
due to tree roots has caused building movement, a specialist will
recommend gradual reduction of the tree to avoid a sudden re-expansion
of the clay putting more stress on the foundations.

Janet

Thank, everyone - that is all _really_ helpful advice. I've plainly
got my work cut out for me!! I appreciate your time and thoughts.
Thanks.

All best wishes,

Richard M