Summer is the optimum time to plant new trees, especially as the heat encourages leafy top growth to provide that cooling supply of a shade we all love. Trees and shrubs are a brilliant way to fill a gap in your garden, provide more privacy, screen sights and sounds from next door, as well as adding beauty and colour to your garden. But before you start getting carried away either planting, or drastically cutting back, the NHBC (National House-Building Council), asks to spare a thought for your home.

With over 60 years experience of house building NHBC, the UK's leading warranty provider for new homes, is reminding people of potential problems caused by new planting and the damage roots can cause to your property.

When an established tree is removed from an area, or a new one is added, it affects the moisture content of surrounding soil. Depending on the circumstances this can cause shrinkage or swelling of the soil, and the effect is particularly strong in clay areas. Where ground movement is excessive this can damage house foundations due to subsidence or heave. Always get the opinion of an expert if planning to plant trees or when a large tree dies or has been severely pruned.

The NHBC has practical advice on avoiding pitfalls:

• In clay soil, plant trees well away from your home. Find out how tall the mature tree will be and make sure it is positioned at least three quarters of this distance from the house.
• For elm, poplar, oak, eucalyptus, willow and some cypress species make sure the distance from the house is one and a quarter times the height of the mature tree.
• Before cutting down or pruning a mature tree, check with your local authority to make sure that it is not protected by planning conditions, conservation area restrictions or a Tree Preservation Order.
• Allow enough room for trunks and large roots to grow safely. Be particularly careful if planting near drains or lightweight structures.
• Be careful not to plant trees near your neighbour's house. This might cut out light or cause damage and you could be liable for the cost of repair. - Make sure trees and shrubs are watered sufficiently to give them a good start in life.
• Regular pruning of fast growing, thirsty trees such as cypress leyland will help to reduce the amount of water taken from the soil.