It is always a good idea to hire a Certified Arborist to look at the trees on a property before you buy, that is, during the "due diligence" period. If there are trees with problems, the inspection could make the difference between stopping the purchase or going through it. Or it could mean that you, rather than the seller, will pay for removal of an unsafe tree after you move in. Tree removal can be a hefty bite in your "house poor" budget.
Here are some things the arborist will be looking for:
- Are any of the trees dead, diseased, or dying?
- Are there areas in the tree or major branches that are hazardous?
- Are the trees too close to the house?
- If construction is planned after the sale goes through, how might it impact the trees?
- Are a tree's roots disturbing the foundation or driveway?
From the ground, this huge tulip tree near the home looked completely healthy. But when the homeowner casually mentioned he had seen a raccoon in the tree, our arborist knew he had to climb up to find out why. Look at the cavity he found! Massive decay going deep into the trunk is a great place for a raccoon to raise its young, but it makes the tree very dangerous!
A removal like this will cost thousands of dollars, likely changing the terms of a home purchase. Get the trees inspected before you sign a contract. Otherwise, you might be stuck with a very expensive tree job.