Shed under a large tree

[NickXX]

Hi all,

I want to build a shed under a large (Yew) tree as it's probably the best spot in the garden for a 10x8ft shed, and isn't visible from the house. Are there shed bases which are designed for going over roots? I'm not worried about movement as it's a mature tree, but more about getting water to the tree roots.

Positives:
- The area is dry/shaded, so not much actually grows in the space.
- Out of sight of the house.

Negatives:
- I'm worried that building a shed over the root area might harm the tree.
- Mossy/dirty looking roof? I'd keep on top of keeping the roof clear, but maybe tree sap would be a never ending battle.


It will mostly be for storing garden tools and bits, but it would be nice if it looked decorative, so I'm tempted by either a summer shed/potting shed from Tiger.

https://www.tigersheds.com/product/tiger-summer-sh...
https://www.tigersheds.com/product/tiger-potting-s...

Does this look like a reasonable location, or will I end up with a filthy shed and a dead tree?

Thanks,
Nick

[NickXX]

Thanks all. I’ve seen wooden frames with 4 spikes at each corner which look like a very simple solution to get the base raised off the ground and level. Are there any problems with these? They seem too good to be true compared to a gravel/concrete base.

I’m guessing that the big negative is that the shed is about 1 foot off the ground, so might be difficult getting heavy stuff in/out (not that I’ll be storing anything heavy in it).

[NickXX]

Roboticarm said:

I had a shed with basically sat on metal posts I to the ground attached to a frame upon which the shed base sat, about half a foot off the ground. Was sturdy enough to hold a motorbike too.

Something like this https://www.diy.com/departments/quickjack-6ft-x-4f...

Helps on uneven ground so should help you avoid the roots

Edited by Roboticarm on Sunday 21st April 21:20

Thanks - this looks perfect.

[NickXX]

Aluminati said:

You can just see our shed totally under trees. ( The old looking cladding covers a ply box)

Sits on screw anchors 6” off the ground and has done for 6-7 years without issue.

Thank you - is it a wooden framed base that you have sitting on the anchors (which the shed then sits on)?

[NickXX]

I’ve gone for a 10x8 wooden frame base with Quick Jack spikes, so thanks all.

Looking at the ground it’s going on, I’ve got a ~40cm tree stump, which I believe would have been cut down 6 years ago. There had been a trampoline over it until recently, which I think kept the ground bare underneath. Now there isn’t, it’s starting to grow small shoots.

I’m loathed to get rid of the stump entirely (I’ve been hacking away at it at an axe). If I hack the shoots off and cover it with ground membrane before putting the base down, is this likely enough to keep it dormant? I’m a bit worried now that I’ll have a tree growing through my shed.

[NickXX]

Thanks for all of the suggestions. Finally got the shed up! I went with the quickjack spikes and a wooden base, which was very straightforward to put together and was perfect for what I needed. The instructions suggested drilling holes (which I did) but it didn’t help much- the best tool in the end was a massive sledgehammer which drove them home very quickly…





Just need to build a decking step to it now, and it’s done.