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Old 04-19-2012, 11:25 PM
 
12 posts, read 141,287 times
Reputation: 11

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Hi,

Please see attached picture. I am interested in making an offer for this house. However, there is a medium/large tree right in front of the house, literally within 5 ft of the house. It has been trimmed regularly. Also, there's a crack on the pavement in front (not sure which tree it could be from, assuming it's due to the root). I'll appreciate answers to the following:

1. Should I be concerned about its roots affecting the foundation/plumbing/gas pipes etc? Of course I will get an inspection if my offer goes through, but just wanted to get your opinion, especially from someone who might have dealt with a similar situation.

2. Am I better off cutting it down? If so, how much would it cost? Should I then be worried about the roots rotting?

3. Any idea what type of tree it is?

Thanks
Attached Thumbnails
Is this tree too close to the house?-house1.jpg  
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Old 04-19-2012, 11:33 PM
 
Location: Lower east side of Toronto
10,564 posts, read 12,825,816 times
Reputation: 9400
Looks like a fine and sturdy tree. It appears pretty mature and I would not worry about the roots..If there is no sign of the roots growing into the basement...or clogging drains - you are fine..Make sure that no branches are touching the building...nature will eat your building..with wind and motion...keep the gutters clean..and check them fairly often...get a good tree guy to trim it up to take any extra weight off of any branches that might come down in a storm..


If it needs a trim..there are ways of doing it right not to ruin the beauty of the tree...It looks wonderful...find out what it is- If it is a hard wood..the thing will stand safe for your life time..if it breaks easily during storms..that is another matter.

On the over view..it makes your place look better...no point in getting rid of beauty.
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Old 04-19-2012, 11:38 PM
 
Location: Lower east side of Toronto
10,564 posts, read 12,825,816 times
Reputation: 9400
The tree is fine...if it cracked the drive way cutting it down would not make sense..leave it be..the tree in front looks like it might be dying...that can be taken down if that is the case. Personally I would never take down a healthy tree.
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Old 04-20-2012, 10:11 AM
 
Location: San Francisco
434 posts, read 1,019,492 times
Reputation: 202
A house is a big investment; I think you're wise to double check. I suggest posting this message on an online forum frequented by arborists; they're likely to give you an educated view of what concerns you might have about that tree, if any.

Of course, finding an online forum frequented by arborists might not be easy. As an alternative, you can plan to speak or consult with a professional as part of the home inspection process.

Good luck!
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Old 04-20-2012, 12:31 PM
 
12,823 posts, read 24,411,374 times
Reputation: 11042
As part of the inspection ask to dig down adjacent to the foundation. If the roots from the tree have gone under the foundation, challenge it. Those roots could crack or lift up the foundation.
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Old 04-20-2012, 01:07 PM
 
Location: Mokelumne Hill, CA & El Pescadero, BCS MX.
6,957 posts, read 22,317,496 times
Reputation: 6471
We have a master gardener program in CA, perhaps there is something similar in your area. They come out for free and answer questions like yours.

Edit... Ooops I see this in in the SF forum, I thought I was in the real estate forum. Check with your county's agricultural extension office for their master gardeners program.
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Old 04-20-2012, 01:09 PM
 
Location: Los Altos Hills, CA
36,660 posts, read 67,557,504 times
Reputation: 21249
Quote:
Originally Posted by BayAreaHillbilly View Post
As part of the inspection ask to dig down adjacent to the foundation. If the roots from the tree have gone under the foundation, challenge it. Those roots could crack or lift up the foundation.
My thoughts exactly. Check the foundation.
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Old 04-21-2012, 06:02 AM
 
Location: Quimper Peninsula
1,981 posts, read 3,153,062 times
Reputation: 1771
The tree will concentrate it's efforts away from the house where it can get water... No water under the foundation...

Have it inspected, be sure your insurance would cover any damage...

Don't worry about it...

Nice looking tree.... That one in front under the power line is ugly... all butchered up!
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Old 04-22-2012, 12:19 PM
 
25,619 posts, read 36,717,554 times
Reputation: 23295
Quote:
Originally Posted by TrueTimbers View Post
The tree will concentrate it's efforts away from the house where it can get water... No water under the foundation...

Have it inspected, be sure your insurance would cover any damage...

Don't worry about it...

Nice looking tree.... That one in front under the power line is ugly... all butchered up!
That is a fruitless mulberry and should be trimmed down to the main trunk every year. Looks like it missed a few years.

OP see my comments to your question in the Garden section.
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Old 04-22-2012, 04:23 PM
 
Location: Arizona
1,204 posts, read 2,528,150 times
Reputation: 1551
Where abouts is this house? To me it kind of looks like an oak tree, but without seeing it's leaves it's hard to tell.

I would ask the realtor to ask the homeowners what kind and how old the tree is. That way you can look it up or call someone and speak with them.
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