Is a tree in the garden thwarting your plans to build a patio? Are you thinking about cutting it down to make room for this outdoor enhancement? That would of course make construction easier, but you should know: In many countries, a permit is required to cut down a tree, even if it is on your private property. The good news is that you don’t have to give up your dream of a patio in the garden, and you don’t have to cut down the tree either. Trees and patios can coexist harmoniously side by side – that is, if you plan the patio properly and build it around the trunk. Thanks to the tree canopy, your patio can also get plenty of natural shade, so you can entertain guests outside even on sunny days. Trees also keep the air clean, slow soil erosion, and attract wildlife. If you want to add a wooden deck to your home before selling, the tree can also increase the resale value.

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However, building a deck around a tree is more complicated than cutting a cutout in the decking. First, you need to make sure the tree is a good outdoor companion. As you’ll see below, in some cases it may be best to place the deck away from the tree canopy. You also need to make sure the tree is healthy enough to withstand decking. Finally, the deck design needs to give the tree enough room to grow and not interfere with its roots.

There are a few factors to consider when assessing whether the tree is suitable for the patio. First of all, some trees have certain undesirable characteristics that you may not notice until they are permanently on your patio. Pine trees, for example, naturally drip sap. In spring and summer, you may see particularly large amounts of this sticky liquid landing on your patio. Maple trees may also experience dripping sap at this time of year. Other species, such as oak, elm, and ash, can be prone to insect infestations, which result in the release of honeydew (insect droppings) that drip from the trees’ leaves and resemble sap. If the tree in question is capable of producing these fluids, it is best to relocate the patio. Otherwise, you will have to mop up the tree sap every time it drips.

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Sap is not the only pest a tree can cause around the patio. The catalpa tree, for example, can litter your patio with tiny seed pods. Horse chestnuts bear large fruits that can be dangerous if they fall from the branch. Even if the tree in your yard is not associated with any known pests, you need to make sure it is healthy enough to survive patio construction without any problems. Before you start planning and building the patio, it is advisable to hire an arborist for a consultation.

While the arborist is assessing the health of your tree, ask them what size the trunk will be when fully grown. Getting this information is an important first step in preparing your DIY deck plans, as it will help you figure out how much clearance you need to leave. Additionally, decks generally require foundations (or other suitable support structures, depending on your jurisdiction), so you should ask the arborist about the potential impact of excavation and foundation construction on the tree’s roots. Ask them to explain what distance from the tree is safe enough for this type of work. At this stage, it’s a good idea to contact a deck builder, who can provide you with design drawings showing the locations of the foundations—and their proximity to the roots. You’ll need these drawings anyway to get a permit to build the deck.

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Drainage is another factor you need to consider when designing the deck. If the decking is sloped toward the hole with the tree, when it rains, far too much water will flow to the tree’s trunk. This excess water can cause root rot. On the other hand, if you build the deck in such a way that rainwater doesn’t get to the tree, the roots won’t get enough moisture. Make sure the deck builder designs the deck so that the tree gets as much rainwater as it would get naturally. Once you’ve taken these important considerations into account, apply for permits and start building!