Scientists are getting to the root of the problem caused by trees undermining building foundations.

A company called Identi-Tree, launched by the University of Leeds, claims to have developed a process to genetically identify which trees are guilty of causing subsidence problems, helping insurers deal with subsidence claims.

The genetic profiling will identify which tree is causing the subsidence, ensuring that the offending tree can be removed to stop it from causing further damage to property.

Expect anti-social behaviour orders and electronic tagging to be the next steps in the fight against criminal trees and subsidence.

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