Inspector Branches Out

by James Nemastil July 1, 2014

“Inspector Branches Out”

When I first began inspecting houses, trees were not on the home inspection radar. It was not until my brother-in-law asked me to do an inspection of his
property that I got serious about trees.

His house was nothing special; the most memorable item was the unusual 30” crawl space filled with heating ducts. What wasn’t memorable was the row of 40’
high pine trees along the southern property line.

Six months later, he mentioned to my wife that said trees were diseased and had cost him over a thousand dollars to remove. My wife asked me if it was it
normal for inspectors to make comments about trees on a property. I replied that only if the trees were very close to the structure or if they had branches
hanging over the house.

ASHI standards do not really address the issue of trees on a property. I have found, however, that when I started talking about trees on an inspection, my
clients WERE interested and appreciated the extra unexpected information. Realtors also began to note that I was one of the few inspectors who knew
anything about trees.

When it comes to tree identification and non-desirable trees, clients often have knowledge about two water loving trees, willows and cottonwoods, but not
the problems that come with them. Willow and cottonwood trees both grow in wet areas, growing with no real problems if not close to sewer lines or septic
systems. Clients, however, do not know what a nuisance they can be. They both shed small branches constantly and make a mess in the yard. The cottonwood,
besides being just being plain ugly, sheds a heavy white silky material during July that can almost look like a snow squall. My suggestion to buyers,
always prefaced by a recommendation that they might want to talk to an arborist, is to cut them down. It should be noted that we have a statement in our HI
reports that suggest people always have the sewers inspected if there are a lot of trees in the front yard.

Good home inspectors always try to make their clients aware of water conditions on the property, which is often difficult during dry periods. Tree roots at
or near the surface are a sure sign that the yard is often wet or that water routinely flows across the yard. Tree roots on the surface are often directly
correlated to foundation problems. Silver maples and locusts commonly have roots near or at the surface. Neither is considered a desirable yard tree. Their
desirability is that they grow fast.

I find that the most common item I mention about trees is that tree branches or limbs are hanging over a structure. Limbs hanging over a house increase the
chance of animal entry and shingle damage. Debris falling off trees, such as highly acidic pine needles, can cause accelerated deterioration to roofs and
gutters.

I often tell clients that trees are planted too close to a house. How close is too close? That is a good question as it depends on many factors. As a
general rule, if a tree is located closer to the center of the length of a house, the more likelihood that foundation problems will arise as the tree grows
older. Trees planted at corners are less problematic and can be planted closer to the foundation. I also tell clients that planting trees in SE and SW
corners will help with cooling costs due to shade produced by the tree.

Buyers of recently built homes often comment about how great the yard looks with all the new shrubs and trees planted. What many buyers do not realize is
that in a few years these plants will get much bigger and become problematic. I sometimes suggest that if they wait a few years for the Colorado blue
spruce or another type of conifer, which is planted next to the house to get a little bigger, they could have a nice Christmas tree to cut!

Having knowledge of diseases that cause damage or kill trees in your area is also helpful information that clients appreciate. In Northeast Ohio there
exists the Dutch elm disease (which has killed most of the American elms) and the Ash bore (currently killing most of the ash). Large tree removal can be
costly, but noting dead trees, diseased trees, or dead limbs is greatly appreciated by the client.

To be a good home inspector one does not really have to say a lot about trees on a property, but over the years I have found that being knowledgeable about
trees benefits my clients. They see information provided about trees as an added value. Providing information about trees is an aspect of my business that
separates me from the pack. Now go outside and hug a tree.

James L. Nemastil


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