British homes and gardens are suffering as a result of warmer temperatures, according to new research.
A study by Halifax found that 80 per cent of garden managers reported a rise in the number of homeowners with subsidence in the past year.
In the past five years, subsidence claims have gone up by 50 per cent. Subsidence occurs during prolonged periods of dry weather, when the root systems of plants take the last few drops of water from the soil. The dryness of the soil leads to subsidence which can destabilise the property's foundations.
The rising temperatures have also led to an increase in the number of people looking for exotic plants and trees, such as bamboos, palms and phormiums to grow in their gardens.
And with the Met Office forecasting above average temperatures for the summer, this number is set to grow.
Neil Curling of Halifax said: "Last year's water restrictions highlighted the threatening conditions for subsidence.
"With Britain having already experienced unprecedented high temperatures in 2007, and an extremely dry April, we are concerned that increasing numbers of properties could be affected and are urging householders to be vigilant to this threat."
With warm weather approaching, homeowners will need to make sure they are covered to protect against damage.
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