Buying A Home? Don’t Forget To Inspect The Trees!
Shrewd house hunters always await a professional inspection before purchasing a home. Too often, though, homebuyers completely neglect to inspect the trees surrounding the house and property.
It’s always a good idea to hire an ISA Certified Arborist before buying a house. A yard may require extensive tree maintenance or have other tree issues you’ll need to take care of. Partnering with an Oregon and Washington arborist will help you avoid unexpected surprises down the road.
Why Inspect Your Trees?
Inspecting the trees in a yard before purchasing a house ensures the property aligns with all local landscaping regulations. A professional and certified Washington and Oregon arborist knows what to look for and will help ensure you make a fully informed decision.
Beyond regulations, the most important reason for a pre-purchase home and property tree inspection is safety. Problematic trees pose a great risk of damaging your property or endangering your family.
Tree Issues to Watch for When Purchasing a Home
Your realtor or home inspector may not understand how to spot signs of a problematic tree. An ISA Certified Arborist, on the other hand, will know exactly what to look for. They will ensure you are fully informed as you make the big decision to buy a home in Oregon or Washington.
Here are a few of the things an ISA Certified Arborist will look for when inspecting a house and property.
Tree Species
Beyond potential tree dangers or issues, it’s smart to know the species of trees you’ll be dealing with. Here in Washington and Oregon, there are over 60 native tree species alone!
Arborists will begin by determining the type of trees on the property. Then, they’ll educate you on what to expect, including:
- Seasonal characteristics of the trees
- Maintenance requirements
- Common issues
Whether or not you have any interest in trees, knowing the species surrounding your property is very important for maintaining your new house and yard.
Dead, Dying, or Diseased Trees
Dead, dying, or diseased trees on your property don’t just look bad, they are also a huge inconvenience and potentially catastrophic. Dead or dying trees attract pests and can fall without warning. Diseased or pest infected trees can spread to other trees around your property.
A dead or dying tree on your property can’t fix itself. It will be your job as the new homeowner to take care of the issue. This can be an expensive undertaking, especially if it’s a large tree and requires removal.
There are 3 tell-tale signs an Arborist will look for to determine the health of your tree:
- Trunk Damage: As a tree ages, old bark will fall off and grow a new layer. A tree without bark can be an indication of failing health. An Arborist will also look for vertical cracks and damage along the tree trunk.
- Fungus: Fungus along the trunk or branches of a tree may indicate internal rot. A rotting tree means it’s either dying or already dead.
- Damaged Roots: Some signals an Arborist will look for are small branches popping up from the base of the tree trunk. This is known as epicormic shoots and means the tree is under extreme stress. Another sign of damaged roots can be a tree leaning to one side.
Trees Too Close to the House
At a glance, a big maple tree in the front yard adds character to the property. But if the tree isn’t sturdy, there’s a chance it could come crashing down on your house during a storm. A tree decades old can have hidden problems that the current owner isn’t aware of.
Even if the tree is sturdy and safe, an Arborist can analyze the amount of yearly maintenance will be required.
Here some questions an Arborist can help you answer:
- Will regular pruning be required?
- Will you be dealing with an abundance of leaves to clean during the fall?
- Is the tree close enough to drop branches or debris into your gutter?
- Does the tree have nuts or fruit you’ll need to take care of?
A tree may not be very close to your house, but if it’s big enough, its branches may pose an issue. Unruly tree branches can fall on your roof or car, crash through windows, or deposit debris around your yard.
Roots Disturbing the House Foundation
A beautiful tree in your yard could be causing a significant threat to the foundation of your home.
Roots grow in search of water and nutrients. Depending on the type of soil surrounding your house, this can cause structural damage to your property.
For instance, if your house sits on compact clay soil, roots pushing their way though can affect the placement of this soil. This can cause your foundation to shift and crack.
Another type of soil that is easily damaged by roots is loose dirt and rock. This material will easily shift and become displaced as roots move through.
ISA Certified Arborists can get a read on the type of soil around your property. They will give you an idea of how roots are affecting your foundation, or how they may cause problems down the road.
Problematic Tree Pests
Perhaps the most annoying tree issue to be aware of is a pest infestation. Depending on the Pacific Northwest area you live in, there are certain tree pests to be aware of. An Arborist will tell you exactly what type of insects to watch out for and whether or not a tree is currently infected.
A pest-infected tree can pose many problems. Some bugs can chew through the wood and bark of your tree, making it unsound and unsafe. Others will eat away at your tree, slowly killing it. If you’re dealing with a serious infestation, it’s possible the bugs have spread to other trees on the property.
Beyond insects and pests, it’s also smart to be aware of other critters than may be living in your trees. From squirrels and raccoons to bees, owls, and other birds.
What If the Tree Inspection Reveals a Problem?
A tree issue on the property doesn’t always mean you shouldn’t purchase the house. But it should play a role in your decision. If the house or property has a severe tree issue, it could cost you hundreds (and even thousands) of dollars. You may be able to negotiate a lower price on the home or have the seller pay for the cost of maintenance.
If you’re looking at a home in the Oregon or Washington area, contact us. We’ll ensure you’re getting the best deal for your money and eliminate unwanted surprises by conducting a pre-purchase home and property tree inspection. Our ISA Certified Arborists are happy to help you.
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