There’s nothing quite like a tree-lined property: shade on hot summer days, picturesque fall colors, and a touch of privacy from the neighbors. But while trees can add beauty and value to a home, they can also bring hidden risks, especially if they’ve been neglected.
When you're buying a home, it can be easy to fall in love with a backyard full of towering oaks. But before you make an offer on a property with trees, keep these factors in mind during a home tour.
Large branches hanging over the roof might provide shade, but they also pose a risk. Storms, high winds, or even a weak limb can send branches crashing down, damaging shingles, gutters, or even the structure itself.
Be mindful of the following:
A dead tree isn’t just an eyesore; it’s a liability. If a strong wind sends it toppling onto your house, or possibly worse, a neighbor’s, you could be on the hook for costly repairs.
What to look for:
Those big, beautiful trees didn’t get that way overnight. Their roots have been spreading for decades, sometimes invading places they shouldn’t, like the foundation, sidewalks, or plumbing.
Signs of possible issues:
A neighbor’s tree extending over the fence might not seem like a big deal, until it starts dropping leaves, fruit, or branches onto your property. At best, this scenario creates additional landscaping maintenance for a next-door neighbor. At worst, it causes damage to the adjacent property.
Check for:
Trees can be a wonderful and even desired amenity, but they are not without some risk.
Pros of Trees on a Property
If you’re considering putting in an offer on a property with large or questionable trees, it is worthwhile to conduct a thorough home and property inspection. You may also want to reach out to an arborist who can assess tree health and flag any potential hazards.
Inspecting water and sewer lines for tree root intrusion is crucial, especially if the property has mature trees near the foundation, sewer system, or septic tank. Set yourself up for success by looking for warning signs and understanding your inspection options.
Slow drains: If multiple drains (toilets, sinks, tubs) are slow, it could mean roots are restricting flow.
Gurgling sounds: Bubbling or gurgling noises from drains or toilets may indicate a blockage.
Frequent backups: If the owner has experienced repeated clogs or sewage backups, tree roots could be the culprit. Owners and the seller’s agent are required to disclose any known problems, even if the property is being listed as-is. "As-is" simply means no repairs nor concession for repairs will be made on any existing or discovered issues.
Soggy or sunken patches in the yard: Unexplained wet areas, extra-green patches of grass, or sunken indentations in the yard are an indication there may be a crack in a line, where extra water is seeping into the yard.
Sewer smell: A foul odor around the yard or inside the home near drains is a sign of a potentially significant sewer line problem.
There are a few additional considerations when it comes to tree concerns on a potential property.
Some counties or municipalities have restrictions on tree removal, particularly if the tree is considered a champion tree (one of the largest of its species in the area) or part of a designated conservation area or wetland.
Always check with local authorities before assuming you can cut down or alter a tree.
Not all home insurance policies cover damage from fallen trees, especially if the tree was already dead or in poor condition when you purchased the home. Before you make an offer, ask your insurer about coverage and whether a tree inspection is required.
Remember that if you're seeking a mortgage for a home, virtually all underwriting mandates that a home’s roof be in insurable condition. Any roof damage could risk the insurability of the property and delay closing, as the damage must be corrected with either repairs or a full roof replacement before underwriters will certify the loan.
If a neighbor’s tree is overhanging your future property, it’s better to address concerns before you move in, rather than after damage occurs.
The law varies by state, but in most cases:
As a buyer, there are effective mitigation strategies to include in your initial offer when considering a tree-laden property.
You can include a contingency stating that the offer is subject to a plumbing and sewer inspection to check for root intrusion, particularly if there are warning signs that damage is present.
The contingency will need to list the terms and remedies if significant damage is found, such as the buyer and seller agree to negotiate remediation or repairs, a price reduction to account for the needed repairs, or the ability to void the offer, if a compromise cannot be reached. The contingency should specify that the inspection expense is at the Buyers cost, as they are the requesting party.
If a tree poses a clear risk, such as dead limbs overhanging the house, you may want to negotiate its removal as a condition of the sale. Some sellers are willing to handle maintenance costs to secure the deal.
However, remember, if a home being offered as-is, the seller has signaled they will not be offering a concession for or making repairs and you will need to anticipate these repairs in order to close the deal.
A home with beautiful, mature trees can be a dream or an insidious nightmare. The key is knowing what to look for before you buy. With a little due diligence, you can safely enjoy the benefits of trees on your property while minimizing risks and future expenses.
If you’re a military homebuyer interested in learning more about the home buying process, don’t miss MilitaryByOwner’s free home buying guides.