Remove a tree or wait?

Question

Recently purchased a property with build potential.  There's a tree that can be removed without requiring a permit, and it probably has 2+ years before it grows large enough that we would need a permit.  The tree is at the edge of our property, abutting a neighbor's property that is also zoned for more build potential.

We are interested in looking at that next door property some day and maybe negotiating to buy it from our neighbors.  Then we would have a larger foot print and be able to build much more at a better cost.

Here's my question, for any developers that may have experience with buying buildable lots with tree issues:

Would we be shooting ourselves in the foot by removing the tree prior to trying to negotiate to purchase the next door property?  Would their property value increase because we got rid of our tree that could impede a developer's ability to build on their property?  Or is that not really a consideration for developers?

Account Closed · Answer

Not sure I'd spend the money now to remove a tree that might be a problem in the future (it sounds like it'll only be a problem if you acquire the adjacent lot "some day", yes?).

Is the concern a permitting one or a financial one or both?  Is there a potential that this tree might find its way into a tree-save plan when you go to develop the lots?

Lance Wakefield · Answer

I always do my tree removal first thing when i get new property, but thats just me. I don't think it would be a major negotiating point unless this is really large tree it should only be a few hundred dollars to remove.

Ryan Murphy · Answer

Account Closed

Thanks for the replies.

I will, at some point, definitely remove this tree.  The zoning on this property allows for 6 townhomes to be built.  Right now, the tree thickness is small enough that it doesn't require any permitting.  It can grow thicker to where it will need a permit and cause other headaches, but we can monitor that and get rid of it before that happens, and that shouldn't be a problem for 2-5 years, maybe more.

I prefer to get rid of it now so it's just one less thing to think about later.  But I am also interested in pursuing the neighbor's property.  The roots of this tree creep into their property, as the tree is literally at the very edge of our property.  The point is, I have the right to remove the tree when we want to develop, but they would not have the right to remove it if/when they wanted to develop or sell to another developer.  They couldn't just cut the roots at their property line because that would kill our tree, and we could complain, causing them problems, etc.

The thought occurred to me that if I leave the tree there, maybe it makes their property less desirable for another developer, and therefore worth less, so that would be an advantage to me when I'm ready to pursue their property?

We currently own the property individually, so rent covers the mortgage, and we can hang onto it for as long as we want before we decide to build.  Seattle is going through growing pains, and this area hasn't been developed as much yet, so our plan is to wait 2-5 years before doing anything.  This gives me time to work on pursuing the neighbor's property - maybe they won't sell anyway, but I just want to make sure I don't give away any major potential advantages.

So the bottom line question is: would the tree have much of an impact on the desirability of the neighbor's property (specifically for developers), giving me any advantage to keep it there for now?  Or is this too small of an issue to cause any impact on a developer's decision to buy their property or lower the price any because of the tree issue?

Account Closed · Answer

@Ryan Murphy, I don't see it as an advantage or disadvantage, nor would it factor into my decision from a development standpoint.

If your're genuinely interested in the neighbor's lot, you might want to start planting seeds with them for that now... who's to say that they won't sell it out from underneath you should someone approach them about buying it between now and your someday?

Ryan Murphy · Answer

Just to follow up, I ended up getting rid of the tree.  Thanks for the feedback!

Matthew Paul · Answer

I am working on a small sub division , the engineer told me to get rid of 4 large trees before we submit the paperwork .  Once they are gone its a non issue in the future

Wilson Churchill · Answer

I hate trees, at least when they are on my property. They always cause problems, eventually, either by falling onto buildings or by ruining sewer lines..

Manolo D. · Answer

I could cut the tree overhang anyway if it is overhanging in my property line, your tree will be like half tree. Not really that crazy for a tree to increase any value.

Remove a tree or wait?

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