Repairs to all historic monuments, listed or not, need to be carried out by an experienced stonemason. Trees can cause serious damage in a variety of ways. During windy conditions they may fall onto or lash against the building and rocking of the roots can cause collapse of the boundary walls. Leaves and twigs block gutters and underground drains. Roots removing moisture from clay soils can lead to shrinkage of the clay causing foundations to move and walls to crack.
Branches falling onto visitors, neighbouring property or cars are a frequent source of claims.
Regular inspections of trees, at least every six months, should be considered essential and at least every five years by a tree surgeon. Ensure that water shed from the buildings drains away from the foundations, but not onto paths. Look out particularly for loose or defective pinnacles, parapets, roof crosses and slipped or missing slates. Inspections should be made after every period of stormy weather. Beware - do not test pinnacles by rocking them.