Can I check for tree root damage before making an offer on a new house?

A garden rich in flowers, trees and hedgerows is likely to be a major incentive when choosing a new home but such natural splendour is not always something to get excited about and house hunters should be wary of taking on any property where large trees are likely to cause future problems.

Trees are the responsibility of the landowner and if the house of your dreams has a large tree overhanging a public highway or one that lies in close proximity to the property then it’s worth considering at the outset what the likely costs of on-going maintenance, removal or tree root damage will be. Many insurance companies don’t provide cover relating to tree damage and those which do may restrict liability – all this needs to be investigated prior to making an offer on such a property.

Anyone considering buying a property where trees may cause a problem in the future is advised to arrange a full structural survey before proceeding with any purchase, especially if the species is oak, willow or poplar. Tree roots are not usually responsible for causing damage to the foundations of a house but it is possible. This occurs when they draw too much moisture from the soil during periods of significant drought, causing it to shrink or swell and cause movement to a house. This can result in subsidence, especially in clay soils, and internal cracking around windows and doors. They can also affect drainage systems as tree roots are so sensitive to water. A tree’s roots can extend to two-and-a-half times its height so it’s important to arrange a full structural survey to determine whether any problems are present now or are likely to arise in the future.

If a survey identifies an issue, you’ll be able to find out how much it will cost to solve prior to buying the property and this might give you more negotiating power. Removing a tree might be the only option and the cost will depend on how accessible the tree is and whether it is close to power cables.

There are a number of issues to consider when buying a house with existing trees, even if they don’t cause some of the major problems discussed. Trees can cause large areas of shade in a garden and debris from Evergreens decomposes much slower than other species. Lawns can also become patchy underneath trees as they compete for water, food and light.