Mature trees on a property are valued for their beauty and the cooling shade they provide. However, their proximity to the building can be problematic, as they drink a lot of water, especially poplars, weeping willows and silver maples. In search of water and moisture, roots will find their way into available gaps such as foundation drain holes. Or through a damaged or poorly installed sewer line or one with faulty seals. This is why it is not recommended to plant trees within 3 m of foundation drains and other underground pipes.
Therefore, in the context of a real estate transaction, it is prudent and diligent to perform a camera examination of the foundation drain and sewer pipes to verify if the root system of the trees has spread to these areas.
Above ground, leaves and needles will litter a flat roof and may clog the drain. If the roof is sloped, this debris will clog the eavestroughs and may cause them to overflow. It is therefore important to clean the eavestroughs periodically in the fall during leaf fall, as well as in the spring. Also, keep trees away from electrical wires.
Plants and shrubs planted around the perimeter of the house should be planted in such a way as to leave at least 30 centimetres of clearance along the foundation walls. Otherwise, they can trap moisture in the air immediately around them and cause premature degradation of the surrounding structure, not to mention the presence and proliferation of insects that could find refuge in your walls. Climbing vines pose the same problems in addition to providing a natural ladder for small pests, and it is best to eliminate them.
