Tree Dangers. Please proof this new inspection article.

[gromicko (Nick Gromicko, CMI)]

http://www.nachi.org/tree-dangers.htm

[dgriffin (Duke Griffin)]

I wonder, Nick and Rob, if a mention of the transfer of pests to the building structure and roof would be helpful. Also, as I am currently dealing with, the tree can lean into the building crushing both the gutter and the roof edge.
My thoughts gentlemen
The article reads well, with no typos that jumped off the page at me.

[dmacy (David C. Macy, CMI)]

I did not read or see an explanation of the potential of tree root infiltration to below ground drainage.

Tree roots can cause issues with sanitary, storm, gas and water supply lines.
Recommend having a sanitary, storm lateral inspection to determine integrity of below ground lines that are not visible to inspect with a non invasive general inspection.

Now on the energy side of things trees are beneficial for shading and reducing heating costs if located properly on the South and West side of the home.

I am sure Ben G. will address this with his future energy courses.

[dedwards (Doug Edwards)]

Did a home on Saturday. This tree had been struck by lightning. You can see the crack spiraling down the side. Half the tree is dead, very tall and many large limbs over the roof of the house.

[acox (Andrew Cox)]

@dgriffin

I wonder, Nick and Rob, if a mention of the transfer of pests to the building structure and roof would be helpful.

I agree - had one the other day with 5 different citrus trees contacting the house - all 4 sides. The attic was infested with rats and/or mice. Looks like they just climb the tree, eat, and retire to the boudoir inside…:shock:

[rlondon (Rob London)]

David and Duke,

Both are very good points and I put them in the article. Thanks!

[rmangold (Richard Mangold, Lic# 450.003803)]

1. Trees with structural defects **are **likely to cause failure …
2. When planting trees, they should be kept far from the house. It is impossible for the homeowner to reliably predict how far… Nick, I thought that there was a standard of 10 feet or more.
3. Nick, maybe something should be said about the size of a large tree when it overhangs the structure and neighbors property and/or structure.

[rlondon (Rob London)]

@rmangold

1. Trees with structural defects **are **likely to cause failure …

Read closer

@rmangold

2. When planting trees, they should be kept far from the house. It is impossible for the homeowner to reliably predict how far… Nick, I thought that there was a standard of 10 feet or more.

I never heard of such a standard, and it wouldn’t make sense for there to be one…roots vary too much by species and all sorts of other things. If someone wants to plant some trees near their house they can do a little research to find out more about the root structure for that species.
[/quote]

@rmangold

3. Nick, maybe something should be said about the size of a large tree when it overhangs the structure and neighbors property and/or structure.

I’m not really sure what you mean

[jfunderburk (Joe Funderburk, CMI)]

You mention the hazard of structural defects in trees to property. But you should also stress the hazard to humans, particularly children. A diseased or dead tree limb is often referred to as a “widow maker”. Think about children that may spend hours outside playing beneath a limb in danger of breaking off.

You should stress the consequences of overhanging tree limbs. A little bit of ice or a strong wind, and you could have thousands of dollars worth of damage to a roof.

Finally, I don’t recall the article mentioning that home inspectors should look for above ground service entrance lines or communication lines stressed by tree limbs. A power outage hazard.

[jfunderburk (Joe Funderburk, CMI)]

@jfunderburk

Think about children that may spend hours outside playing beneath a limb in danger of breaking off.

I don’t know what I was thinking. Children don’t play outside anymore! The computers, TVs, and potato chips are INSIDE.

[rlondon (Rob London)]

@jfunderburk

You mention the hazard of structural defects in trees to property. But you should also stress the hazard to humans, particularly children. A diseased or dead tree limb is often referred to as a “widow maker”. Think about children that may spend hours outside playing beneath a limb in danger of breaking off.

You should stress the consequences of overhanging tree limbs. A little bit of ice or a strong wind, and you could have thousands of dollars worth of damage to a roof.

Finally, I don’t recall the article mentioning that home inspectors should look for above ground service entrance lines or communication lines stressed by tree limbs. A power outage hazard.

made a few changes