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Find Out How Trees on Your Property Affect Your Investment

As a home buyer, you may want to know the general health and safety of large shade trees growing on a property. If there are problems with large trees on the property, then that can have an impact on your investment. The reasons for the tree assessment can range from diligent disclosure to risk management and maintenance budgeting. In these cases, it is important to document observations, conclusions, and recommendations in a written report.

MJN Home Inspections, Inc. provides ISA Certified Arborist Consulting as an optional service to homeowners. Although NOT part of the Home Inspection Standards of Practice, an evaluation of trees on your property can help identify potential hazards that may impact your new investment. I work closely with numerous tree removal firms that can help mitigate or remove hazards.

Hazardous Trees

At this point, you may be wondering just what is a hazardous tree? There are several reasons a tree may be considered hazardous:

• The tree has a structural defect, or the tree is too close to the property structure.
• Hazardous property structure areas are where personal injury or property damage could occur if the tree, or a portion of the tree, fails.
• Other hazardous areas include sidewalks, walkways, roads, vehicles, structures, playgrounds, or other areas where people are likely to gather.
• Common hazards include dead branches, dead trees, stubs from topping cuts, broken branches, tight angled crotches, multiple leaders, and unbalanced crowns.
• Structurally sound and healthy trees may also be hazardous if they interfere with utilities, roadways, walkways, raise sidewalks or obstruct the vision of motorists.