Trees are nice but......

[gbrasseur]

Hi Inspectors,

I inspected a house that has very large mature trees that are about 5 feet from the foundation of the house. I was curious as to how you guys write up situations like this. I was going to write it up for the possibility of damage to (foundation and plumbing). How do you guys call this out?

Thanks in advance!

[Jae Williams]

Large shade trees should not be planted within 15 feet of the house. The root system may have an effect on the foundation--the branches may affect the siding. The tree roots may also effect any nearby underground drainage systems.

[Jae Williams]

http://gardenline.usask.ca/trees/wind-dam.html

[Roy D. Cooke, Sr]

Originally Posted by jwilliams4

http://gardenline.usask.ca/trees/wind-dam.html

Good one thanks Jae .
Roy Cooke

[wsiegel]

"The root system may have an effect on the foundation--the branches may affect the siding. The tree roots may also effect any nearby underground drainage systems." Ditto

A lot of times the roots can be cut, but they will need to be monitored, as they still grow.

[kmcmahon]

I grew up and my folks still live in a home where there are two 3' dia 100' White Pine trees about 4' fron the foundation and a foot away from the eaves. never had a problem for the past 37 years to the CMU basement walls.
Although it's not recommended, it's not always an issue either. If they ever come down though, they will take out the entire home

[Joseph Hagarty, CMI]

Note the Tree as Hazardous and recommend review by Arborist to determine Pruning and/or Removal needs.

http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/ho..._haz.htm#intro

[tneyedli1]

Inform the client that just a little off the top might do the trick.
When the client asks how much really, mention a few inches off
the ground level would be ideal.
T.Neyedli
www.alphahomeinspections.ca