Whether I am personally observing problems while walking to front doors when posting fliers in my farm, reviewing comments in a home inspection report, or contemplating the Liquid Amber trees around our own home (planted by previous owners), there is evidence that many homeowners give no thought when they install hardscape features or plant trees and shrubs.
Number 1 mistake? Planting too close to the house or a block wall - As the tree or plant grows, it starts pushing against or overgrowing the roof or cause other structural damage
Number 2 mistake? Planting the wrong kind of tree or type of vegetation - Bird of Paradise and Banana trees grow fast and vigorously with invasive root systems. Setting them in cute enclosed brick planters against the house is an invitation for trouble.
Number 3 mistake? - Piling soil against stucco or a wood fence. As any good home inspector will tell you, the moisture from the soil against the wall of a house or a wood fence is a recipe for serious damage.
Small palm trees may look cute in the store, but planted in a strip 2 ft wide causes the fronds to spill into the walkway and hit visitors squarely in the face. Cutting the offending fronds make the palm look lopsided, yet if the seller wants the buyers to see his home, the pathway must be kept clear.
This tree was planted right on top of the sewer line leading to the street. Predictably, owner has drain stoppages.
Avoiding some of these mistakes will reduce maintenance and repair expense, costly tree removal and above all, will not worry a potential home buyer enough to back away from a purchase.
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