Trees and property surveys: what buyers need to know

There is a growing awareness of how important trees and greenery are in helping to offset carbon dioxide — and with May 2026 recorded as the hottest on record in the UK, and scientists predicting hotter summers and wetter winters ahead, the appeal of planting more of them is understandable.

But before you plan a small copse for the back garden, it is worth understanding the potential impact trees can have on a property — particularly one you are looking to buy.

Subsidence is one of the main concerns with trees close to a property. Tree roots draw water from the soil surrounding a building's foundations, which can create voids beneath the structure. Over time, the weight of the building shifts into those voids, causing cracking and, in serious cases, significant structural damage.

Root damage is a related risk. Tree roots will spread outward in search of water, and they are not especially choosy about what gets in the way. Existing cracks in pipes and drainage systems are particularly vulnerable — roots can infiltrate them, causing blockages, water ingress and broader flooding issues.

Tree failure is also worth considering. Trees are living things and, like all living things, they deteriorate. Decay, fungal growth and structural weakening can lead to branches falling and striking the property. In more serious cases, a whole tree can come down. Increasingly wet weather compounds this: surface soil can wash away, destabilising the tree's own foundations and increasing the risk of collapse.

Position and overhang matter too. Understanding how large a tree will grow — both in height and spread — is important when assessing its risk to a nearby property. A significant overhang can lead to leaf litter and debris blocking gutters and drainage, causing damp. Large branches extending over the roof or walls of a home carry an obvious risk if they fall.

Tree protection orders (TPOs) are another consideration. Councils can place a TPO on trees within a property's boundaries, meaning the owner cannot carry out any work on them without prior council approval. It is worth checking whether any trees are protected before buying, as this limits what you can do with them.

Smaller but still costly issues round out the picture. Not every tree problem involves structural damage — the berries, fruit and sap that fall from certain trees can cause persistent staining and mess, leading to regular cleaning costs for cars and hard surfaces around the property.

When a chartered surveyor assesses a property, they will look beyond the building itself — anything within the property's boundaries that could affect its stability or condition is fair game. Trees are a routine part of that assessment.

This is why appointing an experienced chartered surveyor before you buy gives you a clearer picture of what you are taking on: the likely maintenance, any projects to plan for, and whether the asking price still makes sense in light of what they find.

Take a moment to consider what you want from a survey and any specific areas of concern. If you need to understand the condition and structural integrity of a property you are planning to buy, Surveyor Local can help.

We connect you with a nationwide panel of chartered surveyors, all of whom are members of RICS. Call for a no-obligation quote, or use our online quote generator to get an instant estimate.