Trees close to house, Brisbane...

clandestino

Hi there,

We are considering purchasing a house that has two nice big trees growing right in front of it... see attached pic.


Now, I love the look of those trees (don't even know what they are, think they are gum trees) and should we buy the place, would want to keep them there.


But, knowing next to nothing about trees, I don't want to make any hasty, uninformed decisions.

What things should I be wary of, when considering purchasing a house that has trees growing within 2 or 3 metres? Given that we are considering putting an offer in, what steps should I take next ???!

cheers

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Eric Frei

Get more than a building inspection, get a structural engineers report. They actually use a laser level to see if the house has subsided. Subsidence is the main issue.

You'll also want an arborist report to make sure the trees are healthy and structurally sound.

You then decide based on the information provided.

Another recent thread you can learn from.

Mango tree near our house causing subsidence...

Here's more info

Soil subsidence and trees

Twin topped - peaked hoop pine | Suggestions | Subsidence?

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clandestino

thanks very much for the response Ekka. Please check your emails when you get a chance

Also - any ideas on what I should expect for a ballpark figure for a structural engineers report ?

Eric Frei

Ring around, from experience anywhere between $1k and $2k. But you pay maybe up to $500 for a building inspection anyway.

See if any council records exist for underpinning, or ask the structural engineer to check.

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clandestino

Thanks for that.

Here's another pic, for good measure. I believe that they are gum trees of some variety.

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