Properties managed by local authorities are at increased risk of subsidence, said Zurich Municipal, after it saw claims more than double in the autumn of 2003, compared with the same period in 2002.
It said tree roots were responsible for two thirds of all cases and it urged all local authorities to check trees on public property.
Zurich Municipal loss control manager Ian Gammans said: "Subsidence problems look set to continue rising into 2004. It is imperative that local authorities act quickly and responsibly to minimise the risk of damage as we are seeing more and more incidents involving damage to properties or injuries to individuals by trees.
"Tree maintenance should be an issue high up on the agenda of all local authority risk managers and regular checks should be undertaken."
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