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Tall trees near property

Hi,
i need to ask some advice about something i know nothing about. we are interested in a property with a few tall trees at the front of the house, is this a potential problem?

the only thing i seem to remember about trees are that they are no good too close to property, as buildings insurance usually ask a question about tall trees being in close proximity to the property.

ive done a search and googled but done seem to find anything too negative about tall trees, can anyone shed any light?
thanks!
«1

Comments

  • dimbo61
    dimbo61 Posts: 13,727 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    You may not be allowed to just chop them down.
    Find out what type of tree they are IE ash, oak,pine.
    You might need to give the council a call or ask the vendor
  • trulys
    trulys Posts: 63 Forumite
    First of all, you should find out whether they are protected by a Tree Preservation Order. If they are, you'll need permission from the Council before pruning them.

    Obviously one of the main concerns will be the fact that they could cause significant damage to a property should they fall during a storm, or the like. Your buildings insurance policy should be checked to ensure that it covers you against damage caused by trees falling.

    Also, any works to the trees should be carried out by a tree surgeon/arboriculturalist who will know how to deal with such trees - for instance, if you prune too much off a tree, you could cause it to die, which could lead to 'heave' (soil swelling due to an increase in moisture after removing a tree). This also occurs if you remove a large tree in one go, rather than in stages.

    During dry spells, trees will absorb more moisture from the ground, causing shrinkage, and the possibility of subsidence and structural cracking.

    So there's lots to think about - the best thing to do would be to seek the advice of an arboriculturalist before you buy and see what they think you're likely to come up against!
  • sandsni
    sandsni Posts: 683 Forumite
    Also, tall trees generally mean far-reaching roots, and if the roots have reached any walls they could cause problems structurally.
  • Davesnave
    Davesnave Posts: 34,741 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Not enough info really. How tall is tall? How far from the house? What species? The specifics matter. Where the drains are matters too!

    Half a dozen leylandii aren't going to as much of a problem as three big poplars, for example.

    Not many houses have trees with TPOs, but if it's in a conservation area there may well be rules regarding felling.
  • Better_Days
    Better_Days Posts: 2,742 Forumite
    I've been Money Tipped!
    edited 10 May 2013 at 7:20AM
    We considered buying a house which had a large (taller than the chalet bungalow) oak tree near to the house.

    Also of relevence is the soil the property is on. You can find maps on the internet which identify broadly soil types. And has already been mentioned - some trees are much more likely to cause damage to the property than others. Do a more detailed internet search - there is a lot of general info available. You may like to start here http://www.trees.org.uk/faqs/Trees-damaging-property

    I contacted some tree specialists - arborists - via email, there were none in my county - and although they can advise, at the end of the day it will be you who takes the risk.
    It is a good idea to be alone in a garden at dawn or dark so that all its shy presences may haunt you and possess you in a reverie of suspended thought.
    James Douglas
  • dominoman
    dominoman Posts: 973 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 500 Posts Combo Breaker
    Are they on your land?

    As a general rule if the trees are younger than the property there is no problem in cutting them down.
  • ghosti
    ghosti Posts: 84 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10 Posts Combo Breaker
    thanks for the advice everyone. i have completely no idea when it comes to trees, couldnt tell one from another, lol. ive done some reading around on the advice already given and think the way to go is to get an aboricultural report done if we go any further with this property. best leave tree things to the tree specialists, for peace of mind. thanks!
  • I_have_spoken
    I_have_spoken Posts: 5,051 Forumite
    I bought a place last year with a copper beech 4m from the house, the top of crown was certainly higher than the gutter (2 storey).

    Had it removed ASAP, very heavy wet clay and no signs of problems so far.
  • geoffky
    geoffky Posts: 6,835 Forumite
    I have spent the last three years cutting down trees from the house we bought..
    Just finished this week with a massive sycamore tree and just 6ft trunks on 16 leylandi to cut down once a hedge is fully established....
    The house is unrecognisable from when we first moved in..
    We have light and bricks are no longer green..
    It is nice to see the value of your house going up'' Why ?
    Unless you are planning to sell up and not live anywhere, I can;t see the advantage.
    If you are planning to upsize the new house will cost more.
    If you are planning to downsize your new house will cost more than it should
    If you are trying to buy your first house its almost impossible.
  • witchy1066
    witchy1066 Posts: 640 Forumite
    I think the guideline for trees are ....

    if the trees are taller than 10 metres
    or
    within 5 metres of the building

    could be a problem

    HTH

    J
    xxx
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