Introduction: Your garden is a place of solace, where you can unwind and connect with nature. It’s essential to keep an eye on its well-being, not only for aesthetic reasons but also to ensure the stability of your property. Subsidence, a common issue faced by homeowners, can have a significant impact on your garden’s health and overall structural integrity. There can be signs of subsidence in your garden, enabling you to detect potential problems early on and take appropriate action.
- Visible Cracks: One of the most apparent signs of subsidence is the presence of visible cracks in your garden or surrounding areas. Keep an eye out for cracks that appear suddenly, particularly those wider than 3mm, as they may indicate underlying ground movement. Look for cracks in your patio, pathways, walls, or any other garden features. Pay close attention to vertical or diagonal cracks that seem to be widening, as they are especially concerning.
- Uneven Ground: If you notice areas of uneven ground in your garden, it could be a sign of subsidence. Walk around your garden and observe if there are any dips or humps in the landscape that weren’t there before. This unevenness may occur due to the shifting of the soil beneath, leading to changes in ground levels. Keep an eye out for sunken or raised patches that may affect the stability of your garden structures, such as decking or fences.
- Leaning or Tilting Structures: Another sign of subsidence can be seen in the misalignment or tilting of structures within your garden. Check if your shed, greenhouse, or any other outbuildings appear to be leaning or have shifted from their original positions. Additionally, look for signs of doors or windows not fitting correctly, indicating potential movement of the surrounding ground.
- Displaced or Broken Pipework: Subsidence can cause stress on underground pipes and drainage systems, leading to leaks or blockages. Keep an eye out for any sudden waterlogging in your garden, as it may indicate a broken or displaced pipe. Unexplained dampness, sinkholes, or pools of water in unexpected areas can also be signs of subsidence-related issues affecting your garden’s drainage.
- Damaged Fencing or Retaining Walls: Fencing and retaining walls play an important role in providing stability and defining the boundaries of your garden. If you notice leaning, cracking, or bowing in these structures, it may indicate underlying subsidence problems. Keep a regular check on the condition of your fences and walls, especially after extreme weather events or prolonged periods of heavy rainfall.
- Stressed Vegetation: Plants are remarkably sensitive to changes in their environment, and subsidence can impact their growth and health. Look out for signs of stress in your garden’s vegetation, such as stunted growth, wilting, or yellowing leaves. Uneven patches of grass or areas where plants are struggling to establish roots can also indicate subsidence-related issues, as the shifting ground affects their access to nutrients and water.
Maintaining a healthy garden involves more than just regular pruning and watering. By familiarising yourself with the signs of subsidence, you can be proactive in identifying potential problems before they escalate. If you notice any of the aforementioned indicators, it’s crucial to consult a professional surveyor or structural engineer who can assess the situation and recommend appropriate measures to rectify the subsidence issues. Early detection and timely action will not only protect your garden but also safeguard the structural integrity of your entire. If you think you see signs of subsidence in your garden then give our team of experienced loss assessors a call on 01 5620082 and we can help you navigate the process with your insurance company and insure you get the full settlement you deserve to reinstate your property to its original condition.
