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

skjaus2015 on 09/12/2021 - 17:40

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.

Home & Garden

Comments

  • Hithere on 09/12/2021 - 17:54
    +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.

    • HeWhoKnows on 10/12/2021 - 07:39
      +1

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

  • Keplaffintech on 09/12/2021 - 17:57
    +4

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

    • trustnoone on 09/12/2021 - 18:18
      +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.

      • KaTst3R on 10/12/2021 - 03:02

        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.

        • Keplaffintech on 11/12/2021 - 10:24

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

    • skjaus2015 on 09/12/2021 - 19:35
      +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.

      • donga100 on 09/12/2021 - 19:47
        +4

        Don't believe the hype.

        • pharkurnell on 09/12/2021 - 22:52
          +3

          agree… had my "gutter guard" removed last week

        • mskeggs on 10/12/2021 - 05:39
          +1

          Agree, close to useless

  • MS Paint on 09/12/2021 - 18:03

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

    Bid away.

    Source

    • skjaus2015 on 09/12/2021 - 20:02

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

    • AndyC1 on 09/12/2021 - 20:03
      +1

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

      • lgacb08 on 10/12/2021 - 13:44

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

  • Benoffie on 09/12/2021 - 18:35
    +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.
    • skjaus2015 on 09/12/2021 - 19:32

      I am in Victoria.
      Thanks for your suggestions. Will call the council tomorrow

      • AndyC1 on 09/12/2021 - 20:05

        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.

  • LordSydney on 09/12/2021 - 18:50

    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.

    • skjaus2015 on 09/12/2021 - 19:33
      +1

      Thanks. +ve views

  • Catullus on 09/12/2021 - 19:16
    +11

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

  • fantombloo on 09/12/2021 - 19:24
    +9

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

    • Downvoter on 09/12/2021 - 19:47
      +6

      Make like a tree and leave

      • skjaus2015 on 09/12/2021 - 20:04
        -1

        Make like a tree ?

      • Dlw on 09/12/2021 - 21:44

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

  • Indomietable on 09/12/2021 - 19:31
    +6

    Maple tree about 5ft from the nearest wall.

    Are you in US?

    • AndyC1 on 09/12/2021 - 20:07
      +2

      he's just yanking the chain.

  • randomusername2017 on 09/12/2021 - 20:00
    +1

    Hide behind the tree.. stealth bid.

  • JIMB0 on 09/12/2021 - 20:27
    +2

    If you don't bid someone else will.

    • plmko on 09/12/2021 - 22:12

      Yes FOMO away

  • rektrading on 09/12/2021 - 22:50

    Asking for forgiveness works.

  • Quantumcat on 09/12/2021 - 23:20
    +1

    It will stop you from having good solar

  • scotty on 10/12/2021 - 06:06
    +1

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

  • Hardlyworkin on 10/12/2021 - 07:43

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

  • 82norm on 10/12/2021 - 07:52
    -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.

    • Ozpit on 10/12/2021 - 10:50
      +1

      Which piece did you keep? Surely not the trunk.

      • 82norm on 10/12/2021 - 13:32

        Haha good one ! Update “peace”

  • Myone888 on 10/12/2021 - 08:45
    -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.

  • Peck on 10/12/2021 - 08:56

    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.

  • eddieboy2 on 10/12/2021 - 09:08

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

  • shaybisc on 10/12/2021 - 10:00

    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.

    • weezlebub on 10/12/2021 - 12:15

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

  • LFO on 10/12/2021 - 13:42

    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.

  • sistermay on 10/12/2021 - 14:00

    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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