Tree removal, sick tree care, falling branches and root encroachment can be costly expenses when you own a home, so it’s a good idea to have the property’s trees evaluated for hazards, diseases and potential problems before making a final decision. “For instance, sometimes root systems encroach on foundations and cause major damage,” says Mary Allison, owner of Strictly Trees in Santa Rosa. “That’s something that could be overlooked by the inspector and end up costing a lot of money in the long run.”
Homebuyers can avoid potential problems by using common sense when evaluating properties. Tell-tale signs of unhealthy trees include:
• Dropped branches on the ground under the trees
• Deadwood and blank spots with no foliage
• Off-color leaves • Insect infestations
• Oozing areas on the trunk
• Other visual signs of distress
To confirm if a tree is healthy, hire a knowledgeable arborist or tree care company to evaluate the tree and provide a health report. Ms. Allison says this can be used as a powerful negotiating tool when buying a home. “If you know you’re buying a property that needs extensive tree work, you could potentially get the seller to remove that cost from the cost of the house, especially if the tree is hazardous.”
Ms. Allison adds that tree service companies can also provide tree evaluations for insurance purposes and for homeowners who are thinking of selling their properties. “Healthy trees can bring in more during a property sale,” she says. “If a homeowner can prove they’ve been maintaining their trees every year, their property should be worth more.”
