Looking to Bid on a House but House Has Big Tree about 5ft from The Nearest Wall Next to It. What's Your Advice ?

I am looking to bid on a house which has a big mature Maple tree about 5ft from the nearest wall. Had a look under the house. House is on cemented stump.
The tree has overhanging branches over the roof.
Wondering if somebody had experience in buying a similar sort of property . What implications can it have in future besides the roots getting into the sewer pipes.

What inspection can be done beforehand to make sure its not damaging the property ? What could be done in future to mitigate any issue due to tree ?

Thanks in advance.

Comments

  • +2

    Some Maple trees are protected in Victoria. It'll depend on which one it is, some grow 10 metres and more.

    It might pay to have a chat with the local Council before bidding.

    • +1

      Look for any cracks in the wall near the tree - both inside and outside
      If not there is nothing to worry about

  • +4

    Consider where it will drop its leaves, and if that will cause a problem for gutters, pools etc.

    • +3

      Consider where it will drop its leaves, and if that will cause a problem for gutters, pools etc.

      Want to echo this, I've rented a few places where the leaves blocked gutters causing rain to overflow into building causing mold which can suck if you're not home/at work/away for a few weeks. Also cleaning is super annoying.

      • I want to echo what you echoed. Blocked gutter is the most annoying shit. There must be a better design whereby overflow goes outwards instead of into the building. I rather not have a gutter if it keeps getting blocked.

        • Gutters on more recently built houses overflow outwards rather than into the building.

    • +1

      I have seen gutter guards which are made of Aluminum( or some metal) they have fine mesh and hence keep away the leaves and seeds.

      • +4

        Don't believe the hype.

        • +3

          agree… had my "gutter guard" removed last week

        • +1

          Agree, close to useless

  • The council owns the tree and is therefore responsible for it.

    Bid away.

    Source

    • Thanks for the link.
      Read and found some useful informaiton.

    • +1

      Until in a storm it demolishes the house and because it was on your land you are stuffed.

      • Further to the twist, insurer claims it was an act of God and refuses to payout.

  • +1

    Without knowing what State you're in, if the tree is on your property, I say the following:

    • Check with council to see if tree is listed (SA has a register of significant and protected trees)
    • Check to see if is listed as a pest species (State Dept of Environment should tell you)
    • Get building inspection done, preferably one that has experience with trees. Make sure they have excellent references. A good inspection will set you back $800-1000 and ought to take 2-4 hours. (I've seen some right dodgy ones)
    • Factor in either living with it or removal. Removal may be $20k+ depending on size etc.
    • I am in Victoria.
      Thanks for your suggestions. Will call the council tomorrow

      • Also ring up an arborist and ask them how much it would cost to have a quick look at the tree and let you know what the answers to your questions are that are relevant to the arborist.

  • What implications can it have in future besides the roots getting into the sewer pipes.

    Leaves in gutters / pool, branch on roof / car / kids.

    What inspection can be done beforehand to make sure its not damaging the property ?

    Get a building & pest inspection and ask them to pay special attention to it. If you're really worried about it, get an arborist to have a look at it.

    What could be done in future to mitigate any issue due to tree ?

    Depends on the tree, is it on the property or a neighbours property? If you want to remove it, what are the local council regulations like? Some councils allow removal of trees with approval, some are more lenient with removal if you have plans to plant more trees.

    • +1

      Thanks. +ve views

  • +11

    The tree will protect you and keep you cool. Plant a few more.

  • +9

    Problem with trees? Move on and leave it for someone who doesn't have that problem.

    • +6

      Make like a tree and leave

      • -1

        Make like a tree ?

      • Why don’t you make like a tree and get out of here

  • +6

    Maple tree about 5ft from the nearest wall.

    Are you in US?

    • +2

      he's just yanking the chain.

  • +1

    Hide behind the tree.. stealth bid.

  • +2

    If you don't bid someone else will.

    • Yes FOMO away

  • Asking for forgiveness works.

  • +1

    It will stop you from having good solar

  • +1

    Had a liquid amber in the neighbours' backyard with branches hanging over the fence as well. Non-stop raking leaves throughout the autumn.

  • Given the current climate someone will probably bid about 100k more then your limit as they like the tree.

  • -1

    Big trees near homes is just bad news. Also consider if it’s near the neighbours boundary as well. Our neighbour continuously whinged about our pine tree at our rental property, even though her arguments were lame about the supposed damage it was causing. Just to keep the piece we had it removed.

    • +1

      Which piece did you keep? Surely not the trunk.

      • Haha good one ! Update “peace”

  • -2

    I wud not buy house with big tree. Councils are like dictators, ask them and you get all sorts of negative response esp mature trees!
    They are here to keep jacking up rates.

  • Look online at the Coucil's tree preservation orders, ability to remove trees etc. online. I think that you have a lot of leverage to remove the tree due to the closeness to the house. My council's online details of such are pretty generous.

  • Trees are a minefield…..look for another house.

  • I would identify the particular type of maple it is because some have invasive roots and some have compact roots.If it's a Japanese maple you're laughing - beautiful and non-invasive.

    • i thought the general rule of thumb is that the roots will be about the same spread as the brances?

  • which has a big mature Maple tree about 5ft from the nearest wall.

    Trees in suburbia = endless source of disagreements.

    Usual disagreements can be summarized as:

    • you love the tree but the neighbors hate the tree and will be complaining and bitching about that "damned ugly" tree.

    • you hate the tree and wish to cut it but neighbors love the old and established tree and will hate you for ever if you do kill "their beloved" tree.

    Of course there are council laws and restrictions on top of everything else regarding these green beauties.

    Either headaches of friction in the making.

  • My advice is to steer clear of this property unless you can buy it at a below your budget price. Speaking from personal experience, 1) council will give you headaches (at least Brisbane City Council will) if you want to cut down the tree, 2) you are then left with the possible damages from its roots, or forever raking the fallen leaves or twigs on your roof or ground 3) it can cost you an arm and a leg to cut it down, costs more if you want the stump grind too. My advice - factor that into your purchase costs, otherwise let tree lovers buy it and regret later.
    Don't forget, there are always houses for sale, don't get carried away because of the sentiments of the current market, buying a house is a big thing, think carefully. :)

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