The Comprehensive Guide to Buying a House with Established Trees in the Garden
The Allure of Greens in the Backyard
Imagine having your personal space amidst the greenery – a safe haven where you can unwind, right within the comfort of your home. Now, imagine the home comes with an established tree or trees in the garden. For many, buying a house with trees presents a delightful prospect, as mature trees augment a property’s aesthetic value, provide shade, and improve air quality.
Appreciating the Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)
While trees certainly elevate the beauty and appeal of a property, several considerations come into play when purchasing a home with established trees in the UK. One such significant consideration is the Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs).
A TPO is an order made by a local planning authority (LPA) in England to protect specific trees, groups of trees or woodlands in the interest of amenity. If a tree is subject to a TPO, seeking consent from the LPA is a prerequisite before carrying out any activities to cut down, top, lop, uproot, wilfully damage, or destroy these trees.
There are several types of TPOs, and the extent of their effect can vary massively. This makes it crucial to understand the exact nature of the TPO before planning any pruning or felling operations. The importance of checking TPOs cannot be underestimated as failure to comply can lead to legal action and hefty fines.
Unravelling the Legal Considerations
Besides TPOs, there are other legal considerations you need to be aware of when buying a house with trees. Key among them is tree owner liabilities. If a tree on your property causes harm to people or damage to property, you may be held liable. This makes it crucial to have a tree risk assessment done to understand the potential risks and liabilities.
Another important legal consideration concerns root boundaries. Trees do not confine their roots within the boundary lines, and they can spread into neighbouring properties. If a tree is causing structural damage due to root spread, this may lead to legal disputes. Hence, understanding the potential risks associated with trees in the garden is an absolute must before committing to a purchase.
Understanding the Maintenance and Its Costs
Maintenance on a property is not just about the walls and the roofs; it’s about the trees, too. Tree maintenance involves regular pruning, removal of dead or diseased trees, and monitoring the health and vitality of the trees. These activities can incur substantial costs, depending on the tree’s size, species, health, and surrounding environment.
Moreover, the additional expenses associated with tree maintenance can affect your property’s overall running costs. Conscious negotiations factoring in these costs may help you strike a favourable property deal.
Recognising the Risk of Subsidence and its Repercussions
Trees can have unseen, adverse effects on properties. One such issue is subsidence, a slow sinking of the ground, primarily due to soil shrinkage. Large trees, particularly those of the Willow and Poplar species, absorb large quantities of water. This can dehydrate the soil, leading to its shrinkage, and the property ground might slope or sink, causing substantial structural damage.
Subsidence risk highlights the significance of a thorough property survey before finalising your purchase. A detailed survey can reveal the tell-tale signs of tree-induced subsidence, enabling you to take the necessary steps for mitigation.
Tackling the Threat of Tree Collapse
While trees add aesthetic beauty to a property, a structurally weak or diseased tree can pose a risk of collapse. There’s a potential cost involved in the event of a tree fall causing property damage, or worse, personal injury.
Once again, regular tree inspections and timely interventions can prevent an unfortunate event. Your conveyancing solicitor should be able to guide you on the specific insurance requirements relating to tree-related hazards.
Your Investment – Our Priority
As a prospective homeowner, making a well-informed decision is key to ensuring the security and value of your investment. Choosing a house with a tree-filled garden should not only satisfy your love for nature but also cater to practical, legal, and financial considerations.
At Flettons, we’re committed to safeguarding your investment. When considering a property purchase, trust our seasoned expertise to reveal any hidden threats. For a thorough building survey, get your instant quote through our quote calculator or reach out directly at 0203 691 0451. Your home’s safety is our top priority.
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