So I'm about to buy a house and am very satisfied with the house itself, however, in the back, there are quite a few of giant cedar trees that are like 50+ feet high. I'm concerned and afraid that they may one day fall onto my house. This is the only reason that's preventing me from buying this house. Am I crazy? Can some tree experts or someone with this kind of knowledge chime in here please? Thank you!

 

Giant Cedar trees rarely fall...they are deep rooted. If you are seriously concerned, ask the seller to cover 1/2 or all of the costs to remove them.

But if you can, save them...I love trees! They provide great shade, privacy and scenery. They also increase property value.

 

Are you serious? I would love to have trees on my backyard specially big and old ones.

 

insurance

 

[QUOTE=airgate,Jul 31 2008, 02:54 PM] Giant Cedar trees rarely fall...they are deep rooted.

 

Insurance is worthless if the trees crush me underneath like a little fly.

 

like airgate stated above about deep rooted trees. I would think twice because the roots can really do some big damage to your property later on. Like my house, the tree roots damaged the pipes around my property.

 

I would by the house. The risk is worth having the trees IMHO.

 

It's worth the risk. When they become a hazard you bring in a crew for a couple days and they will take em down without touching your house. They sure sound like a selling feature to me.

I've heard things like whatever the unpruned top looks like in terms of size should be doubled or tripled to determine the size of the root ball.

Check for foundation damage though, roots can wreak havoc on the structure of the home in a short period of time. They sound like they've been there for a LOT of time.

 

Thanks for the responses! I will look into the potential damages of the water pipes, etc. However, it must be mentioned that the trees have existed LONG before the house. The house is just built. So I'm sure they built the water system with the trees in mind. Moreover, I also must say that the trees are not right in the backyard, but about 30 feet away from the house, so the water system shouldn't be affected by them, but I'll still look into it. Thanks!