We recently completed a foundation project for a garden house where things were a bit trickier than usual – the site was right next to protected trees, including a Lombardy Poplar and a category B1 Maple. These trees had clearly defined Root Protection Areas (RPAs), which meant traditional digging for foundations wasn’t an option.
That’s where our no-dig solution with helical piles came in. Tree roots are sensitive, and digging can easily damage them – not ideal when dealing with planning conditions or ecology reports. Helical piles are perfect in situations like this because they can be screwed into the ground with minimal soil disturbance, avoiding root systems altogether.
According to the planning notes, a “no-dig design” was required, and due to the soil’s susceptibility to volume changes, a simple surface slab wasn’t enough. The recommendation? A structural solution like piling – which is exactly what we delivered.
We designed and installed a pile-supported base that met all the necessary conditions. No mess, no damage to tree roots, and a solid, level foundation ready for the concrete slab above.
If you’re planning a garden office or garden house and your plot is near trees or protected land, helical piles might be your best bet.
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