small summer house shed combo

Question

I have a big London plane tree at the bottom of my garden.  I'd like to have a garden shed / summer house at the bottom of the garden.  
The London plain produces abundant leaves.  
Would that cause a problem to the structure in the long run? 
I would prefer paving slabs, rather than concrete as a base. 
Would that be ok?

Jamie · Accepted Answer

The leaves would not become a problem as long as you remember to have a yearly blow through at minimum, as for your base if the slabs are laid properly it is a good substitute to using concrete for a base

Jonny · Answer

Hey,

A shed or summer house under a London plane tree can work fine, but there are a couple of things to keep in mind. The tree will drop a lot of leaves and debris, so regular clearing is important to stop damp or rot. A raised shed with good airflow underneath is a good idea, and you’ll want to keep gutters clear if it has them.

Using paving slabs as a base is generally fine, as long as it’s well-prepared and level. Just avoid laying it too close to the main trunk to reduce the risk of root disturbance or uneven settling over time.

Jonny

Adam · Answer

It would be a task to clean the leaves they would make the summer house appear dirty a  t some points but rain and general upkeep of the structure should prevent any issues with leaves. In regards to the base/foundation it would be dependent on the weight of the structure and the type of ground you plan to build on, also you should take into account drainage and the possibility of the structure sinking due to an unsuitable base/foundation

Gary · Answer

Hello this is a great question.

Having a big London plane tree within your garden I would take onboard these  considerations:

The Leaves… London plane trees do and will produce a lot of leaves, especially within the autumn spell. So regular leaf clearance around and on the shed roof to prevent buildup, which might cause moisture retention or block gutters if you have them.


The roots… here we go!! The tree roots could potentially affect the stability of the shed foundation over a period of time, especially if the roots grow underneath. It is very important to check that the root spread.

For moisture and shade I would consider creating a shaded, damp environment, which might encourage moss or mildew growth on the shed, so ventilation and maintenance are definitely key.

Regarding the base..  Paving slabs can be a good alternative than to concrete. Because this can allow some flexibility and drainage, which can be beneficial under trees where the roots might shift the ground slightly.

Make sure though that the slab base is level, well-drained, and that the slabs are laid on a compacted, stable sub-base (like crushed stone or gravel) also known as MOT TYPE1 to prevent movement.

Overall, paving slabs are okay, but careful preparation is essential for the durable foundation near a large tree. Good luck! 

Gary,

John · Answer

Leaves are basically just a problem with autumn need brushed up .but worth the hassle as u get to look at the nature in yuor garden .u don't want to be cutting down as the roots alone travel for feet + so I'd just brush up couple times a year no hassle. And slabs are fine.

John · Answer

The leaves shouldn’t cause a problem may have described them off the roof every now and again

As for the base, if you want slabs, I would use a 50mm concrete Council  slab on top of 100mm bed

Jon · Answer

The problem with a London Plane is the root structure, which tends to make surface roots; this would be problematic for your shed/summerhouse base. So you want to place it away from root system.

Jon(Gardener)

Jack · Answer

So long as you barely meets the standards you should have no problems.

Kevin · Answer

Just be careful if the tree roots. This will cause a problem for concrete or paving slabs.

Kane · Answer

Yes that would be fine and wouldn’t cause a problem with the structure

small summer house shed combo

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