If you’re thinking about buying a home, the trees on the property should be evaluated. Trees add shade and curb appeal, but they can also be a source of headaches and costly repairs.
Mature trees, which are trees that are more than five years old, can cause a variety of problems. Here are five things to look at when purchasing a home with trees.
ROOTS
Did you know that tree roots can extend three times farther than the tree itself. Unfortunately, this means they can cause extensive damage to sewer pipes, walkways and driveways. Additionally, if a mature tree is too close to the house, it could cause damage to the home’s foundation. All of these issues can lead to the need for costly repairs to the property, and in some cases, tree removal may be necessary.
BRANCHES
Tall trees are impressive, but they can be dangerous if they aren’t regularly pruned. Strong winds and storms may knock trees down or snap off large branches. This could result in an injury or damage to the property.
SHADE
A shady spot to relax in the summer is nice, but if you have too many trees with dense canopies, you may not have enough available sunlight to grow a garden. Moreover, grass may struggle to thrive and your lawn could end up being lacklustre if there’s insufficient light.
DROPPINGS
A crab-apple or chokecherry may be lovely in spring, but in fall these trees will leave a mess. Additionally, mature deciduous trees will shed thousands of leaves in your yard. Other trees may shed pollen, seeds, pods, pinecones and other debris at various times of the year. This means you could end up having to do more maintenance in the yard than you’d prefer.
DISEASES
Diseased and pest-ridden trees require remediation. Look for insect holes, discolouration and other signs of tree diseases. Tree pruning or tree removal may be needed to prevent a disease from spreading to other plant life, and you may want to ask the home seller to pay for these tree services if you make an offer on the property.
TREE CARE IN EDMONTON FOR EVERY SEASON OF THE YEAR!
When it comes to tree care, All Season Tree Service stands above the rest. Our professional arborists have been caring for trees in Edmonton and the surrounding area since 1992. If you’re considering buying a home, contact us to learn more about our tree inspection services.