Hornbeam hedge

ireneprashar17

Hello all - I need some advice. I have signs of subsidence in my house and my insurance company says my Hornbeam Hedge is to blame (the hedge is about 8ft high, mixed with Holly and lots of ivy but pruned regularly). They now tell me I need to remove the hedge up to 15m away from my house. From my own research I understand that Hornbeam roots don’t really spread that far. Does anyone have any advice? Are there any trees I could replace it with that don’t have far spreading roots? I would be so sad to have to dig out 15 trees and replace with a fence. 

Perki

How close is the hedge to the house ? Shame to remove an established hedge and its going to take quite a while to replace. I hate to say it but it may be better to replace with a fence , at least you know they will be no roots affecting the foundations thats if it is the hedge which I am sure could be questionable . Replacing the hedge with another hedge may not please your house insurance either .

Rubytoo

Sorry to hear this.
How did the subsidence issue/decision come about?
Have you sought independent advice from a buildings surveyor?

I think people will need more information before offering advice.

Sorry to ask so many questions.
I can't see a hedge being a cause of some big subsidence issue unless it is right up against the house.  You sound like you don't think so either and want to keep it.

Insurance company fall back stock answer. Sorry cannot think of the correct term.
Though i can think of a rude one.

Where is the hedge in relation to the house?
What kind of foundation does the house have?
Soil type?
How risk averse are you?

Sorry but really if the insurance company is involved for whatever reason, getting your own surveyor would help you make a proper decision and help you to feel confident in the future with any decision like this.
Good luck. I hope you will be able to post more and it would help others with such difficulties too to know the outcome.