The shady nature of plants

By Frank G. Ross

Included in a thorough home inspection are the trees, vines and bushes growing around the outside of a home and the effect they have on the home.

Trees are valuable items to have around.  Not only do they bring shade and song birds, but they may even provide fruit. On occasion, however, a tree may cause damage to a home.  Trees growing too close to a home pose the greatest threat.  Movement by branches in contact with a roof could cause harm.  A tree does not stand still like a statue but moves in even the gentlest breeze and in SW Utah we get some mighty strong breeze at times! A severe storm could cause large limbs to break from a tree and fall on the roof causing damage.  I have seen roofs where asphalt shingles were pried off by tree limbs long ago exposing the bare wood sheathing to weather. In many cases the impairment goes unnoticed since the tree branches also hide the destruction they cause. Fascia boards, the trim along the edge of the roof, have been rubbed by branches until only a minimum of material remains.  At one inspection I observed a small tree branch coming up through the flashing around a chimney! A tree with branches growing over a chimney can cause a chimney not to draw properly.  Trees also have leaves or needles which can fill up rain gutters and down spouts. Leaves and needles also tend to pile up in roof valleys and can cause a roof to drain improperly. A tree can also cause havoc with overhead electric service lines. In such a case the electric power company should be asked for advice.

A tree too close to the house may also tend to send roots toward the foundation which may negatively impact the home. Roots can also cause problems for sewer lines and side walks and can be a cause for concern for driveways as well.

Ivy or vines growing up walls or the chimney of a home may look pleasant and give the home some character but the problem is what may not be visible. The vines or ivy can hide pests such as bees, wasps, mice, termites or ants. The vines also physically attach themselves to the house and this can cause damage to the exterior siding, brick or wood. Vines have been seen to grow up into the eaves and into the attic.  I observed some vines in an attic over twenty feet long and still growing! Additionally, I have seen vines actually growing over and under concrete tiles on a roof extending from one side of the roof to the other.

Bushes and shrubs along the foundation of a house are said to soften hard edges and add beauty with blooming flowers and sweet scents. But once again these bushes and shrubs tend to hide problems such as foundation cracks, rotten wood siding, cracks in stucco and brick homes, termite tubes, ants and more. Additionally, these plants require water to keep them growing and healthy. It is not a good idea to keep the soil around a foundation too moist yet many homeowners install watering sprinklers and bubblers for their foundation plantings to water them. At the same time the water is soaking the foundation of their home. Many, many times I have seen water damage from this kind of watering.

Even a low water, desert type of planting needs consideration.  Although the plants in a desert landscape take less water, if they are too close to the house they can tend to hide problems as well. It’s not uncommon for me to see homes where piles of dirt have been hauled in then shaped into rolling hills and mounds.  When this soil is actually up against the home, often a stucco home, it can hide pests and problems just as the plants would.

The idea is to think smart. Look closely at the trees, bushes, vines and shrubs and consider what they could be hiding.  Then decide if they should be pruned or removed. As a certified home inspector I make suggestions for buyers and homeowners to consider regarding the vegetation around the home.  Ultimately the final decision is theirs.  As I’ve said before, the report is not a “to do list” but is an evaluation of the home along with some suggestions.  Of course, if unsafe conditions are found then the suggestion turns into an “immediate action is recommended for your safety” item, with the final decision being left to the home buyer or home owner.

Frank Ross is a Certified Utah Home Inspector for Pillar to Post Professional Home Inspection and a full member of the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors.  Readers may contact Mr. Ross at (435) 867-6400 or frank.ross@pillartopost.com.  You can learn more about Pillar To Post Professional Home Inspection at www.pillarposthomeinspection.com