A Practical Guide to the Law in Relation to Tree Root Subsidence Claims’ is an essential resource for anyone involved in tree related subsidence disputes. Written by Sarah Dodd, solicitor and founder of Tree Law Limited, this comprehensive guide explains the law, procedure, and evidence that underpin tree root subsidence claims in the UK.
Covering everything from liability and causation to expert evidence, case law, and insurance considerations, the book gives clear practical guidance to lawyers, insurers, loss adjusters, engineers, surveyors, and local authorities. It draws together key decisions such as Delaware Mansions v Westminster City Council, Berent v Family Mosaic, and Solloway v Hampshire County Council, alongside the most recent case developments up to September 2025.
Structured for everyday use, this guide includes straightforward explanations, checklists, and examples that make complex legal principles easy to apply in practice. It’s the go-to reference for professionals managing tree root subsidence damage claims, from mitigation, claims to recover damages and TPO compensation claims.
Whether you’re advising a homeowner, defending a local authority, or negotiating with an insurer, this book helps you understand the law, reduce risk, and resolve tree related disputes efficiently.
Sarah Dodd is the founding owner and CEO of Tree Law. Sarah set up Tree Law in November 2021 following 20 years working in corporate UK law firms. Driven by the passion to manage legal issues involving trees with the trees at the heart of the advice that is given. Sarah’s experience spans across civil and commercial litigation and touches on planning and criminal law. The clients that Sarah works for are insurance companies, local authorities, commercial land owners, individuals and environmental interest groups.
Sarah is a regular speaker at industry events and hosts the annual Tree Law Conference. Sarah has sat as Chair of the industry’s Subsidence Forum between 2021 and 2023. Sarah is a member of the London Tree Officers’ Association, the Arboricultural Association and the Trees and Design Action Group.
Sarah is the creator of Tree Law’s Subsidence Calculator®️ which allows for the calculation of the carbon footprint of the repair solutions in a subsidence claim to allow the most environmentally friendly solution to be chosen.
Admitted to the Roll of Solicitors, January 2002
University of Cambridge Sustainability in Business – January 2022
College of Law – Legal Practice Course
University of Bristol – Law LLB
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