Blue Atlas Cedar approx 9.5 meters / 32 feet away from corner of house

[korkowa135]

Hi I'm looking at some advice I'm interested in buying a property however there is a large Blue Atlas Cedar approx 9.5 meters / 32 feet away from corner of house. It's mature and approx 27 meters / 89 feet tall.

So when the house was built this tree was identified and it was deemed not to be an issue to the foundations etc.

However I'm wondering now it's a bit taller should I be concerned about it's proximity to the house?

 

Are Blue Atlas Cedar's damaging to foundations? What about the chances of storm damage? Are they robust trees?

Thanks in advance.

[Squaredy]

4 hours ago, korkowa135 said:

Hi I'm looking at some advice I'm interested in buying a property however there is a large Blue Atlas Cedar approx 9.5 meters / 32 feet away from corner of house. It's mature and approx 27 meters / 89 feet tall.

So when the house was built this tree was identified and it was deemed not to be an issue to the foundations etc.

However I'm wondering now it's a bit taller should I be concerned about it's proximity to the house?

 

Are Blue Atlas Cedar's damaging to foundations? What about the chances of storm damage? Are they robust trees?

Thanks in advance.

Photos would be helpful.  Is it protected by a PTO?

[Mark Bolam]

Photos always help.

There are a lot of factors here, the age of the house being a big one.

 

@Squaredy, while PTO’s should always be protected, it’s TPO that is more relevant in this case!

[Squaredy]

1 hour ago, Mark Bolam said:

Photos always help.

There are a lot of factors here, the age of the house being a big one.

 

@Squaredy, while PTO’s should always be protected, it’s TPO that is more relevant in this case!

Ah yes; PTOs are of limited use with trees...

[Steve Bullman]

8 hours ago, korkowa135 said:

What about the chances of storm damage?

I'd say in general they are quite prone to shedding limbs in storms compared to other species.

[JonnyRFT]

It depends on soil structure and foundation depths. If you’re worried about the roots physically damaging the foundations, then I wouldn’t worry too much as they’ll most likely to deflect when they reach a hard surface. Only if there is a pre-existing crack with a source of moisture, will they exploit it. 
 

I’d check SoilScapes for a general idea of your soil structure, and then refer to the table of figures relating to the tree’s zone of influence within the relevant section of NHBC guidance (I think it’s 4.2 from memory). If the soil is clay, then there may be some subterranean movement, however, it doesn’t automatically mean it will damage the property.

 

If you have no issue with the property so far, considering the overall size of the tree, then I would be confident that you won’t see many (if any) issues.

 

In terms of robustness, as mentioned, there are prone to failure under load (snow, wind etc)

[korkowa135]

Hi thanks for all you advice. I can't get a photo but the tree has a TPO on it. The house was developed in 2009 and the plans ensured that there was a Root Protection Area around the tree of around 9.5 meters. It seems like consideration was given to protect it.

 

There has been no damage to the house since it has been built. I think based on your answers the main concern would be storm damage and say a large branch falling onto the house.

 

[korkowa135]

14 hours ago, Steve Bullman said:

I'd say in general they are quite prone to shedding limbs in storms compared to other species.

Thank you it makes me thinkg maybe this property is not the right one.

[Mick Dempsey]

33 minutes ago, korkowa135 said:

Thank you it makes me thinkg maybe this property is not the right one.

Bit rash imo.

 

[Steven P]

Are there branches overhanging the house? Photo could be from a street view type thing perhaps?

[Mark Bolam]

9 hours ago, Mick Dempsey said:

Bit rash imo.

 

I would agree, and with Steven.

 

Structurally there shouldn’t be an issue.

It’s a new house beside a big tree, and foundations will have been designed with this in mind.

 

Location is important.

 

Cedars rarely fail completely, they’re more susceptible to limb failure due to storm damage and snow loading.

 

They can’t be reduced well imo, so you’ve got what you’ve got, and it’s TPO’d.

 

If you like the tree and you can live with it buy the house.

If you don’t and you can’t, move on.