Buying a Property with Big Tree near side wall? Problem? Do able?

Question

Just looking for some insights with those that might have dealt with trees close to the property/potential foundational stuff. The property is in decent condition besides that. My main concern is around dealing with the tree and/ potential foundation stuff. It is a three-story triplex, with similar layouts and kitchen area right in the middle of the house facing the back of where the tree is. The second and third-floor area kitchen area has a little sag/leaning floor but it's just that area nowhere else. It could be a thing that's from the house older and little bit of foundation settling/just general use or if its an ongoing issue.

John Teachout · Answer

In our other role of running a tree service, I can tell you that you want to get this tree cut asap. Make sure no one tries to pull the stump. Just leave it there. It will take many years for the roots to rot away so once you "kill" the roots by taking off the tree, it's unlikely further action will be required. Based on the mortar in the stones, I'd say this house is 100+ years old?

Marc Winter · Answer

What you have is not a palm tree--it is a deep-rooted deciduous tree, and the roots are under your foundation for sure.  That's not necessarily a terrible thing, however, keep in mind that when you cut down the tree, which you should do asap, the roots will not die right away.

Once they start to decompose, there might be a little more settling.  When the tree is removed, the foundation cracking should not get much worse, so you can start to repair after the removal.

Good luck.

David M. · Answer

@Parth Patel

I’d get an engineer to evaluate your foundation.  It may need some complicated “love.”

Also, I’d properly emplace the A/C compressor.  In the background. Looks like it’s propped up on cinder blocks and leaning over so it’s been held up by the house..

Parth Patel · Answer

Troy, that's rough to hear. Yours seems like a good bit of work, if you're the GC that's a deal though. This is my first investment and first in philly. Yea was thinking the same L&I or permits might have to be pulled to cut down the tree. I think I'll be already cutting down the tree and fixing the basement wall. Definitely some big-ticket items, but mine cash flow propriety near the temple.

Troy Sheets · Answer

I have a very similar situation as pictured. I haven't gotten L&I involved yet but did have an engineer out and am drawing up plans for a full gut rehab. The tree has done slightly more damage than what you're showing and the engineer is requiring me to brace from the basement up to the roof with a temp 2x6 wall, and completely replace that section of foundation wall including the footer. So I have to dig down outside, remove the tree, remove the foundation and any footing and replace it all. It's about a 10' long section of wall. Not sure on cost yet, it'll be lumped in with the rest of the rehab and I'm the GC but I'm guessing it'll be an extra $8k or so (my cost). Lots of miserable manual labor to get this done but it's overall easier since I'm already gutting the house.

Steve F. · Answer

curious about the  cost on this in philly . . .

Kevin M. · Answer

Although I am not a rootologist, I wanted to chime in and note that Philadelphia License and Inspections has been particularly harsh regarding building foundation assessments over the last year. They have implemented new rules regarding engineer involvement in any work affecting foundations and have been handing out unsafe structure tags left and right. Keep this in mind as affecting the risk climate. Good luck

Parth Patel · Answer

John, that's correct its a row home in Philadelphia most of the houses are 100+ years old. I'd get the tree cut ASAP after getting the house, just don't want to jump into something that may be too much of a headache or something that's not fixable.

Parth Patel · Answer

Marc, thanks for the insight. After buying the house, I was looking to cut down the tree ASAP. Then just grading like concrete or something around the back of the house to stop moisture from coming into the basement or affecting the sidewalls. Then just keep watch on the crack and get that fixes next.

Buying a Property with Big Tree near side wall? Problem? Do able?

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