Getting a Tree Inspection Before Buying a Home

07 Jan

What a Local Arborist Wants Potomac & Frederick Homebuyers to Know

Ahoy, this is Micayla C from A1 Tree Pros. Happy New Year to all (2026 HERE WE GO). Let’s discuss the importance of getting a tree inspection before buying a home. So, earlier today we did a property inspection in northern Montgomery County on behalf of a recent home buyer who literally just moved in her house 48 hours ago.

Upon arrival (thankfully for them), it was easy to see the previous homeowner did a fantastic job maintaining the curb appeal and trees gracing the property.

These sort of interactions provide a welcome sigh of relief for our customers. However often (or rather more times than not) this is not the case.

So without further ado, here’s why this matters more than most buyers realize…..

Buying a home is exciting. It’s also one of the biggest financial decisions most people will ever make. Between inspections, negotiations, and imagining life in a new space, there’s already a TON to think about.

It’s borderline information overload. And because of that, one major part of the property often gets overlooked:

The trees and landscape.

So here is a little food for thought about getting a tree inspection before buying a home

As arborists serving Frederick County and Potomac, Maryland, we see this happen all the time. A home looks beautiful — mature trees, established landscaping, shade, privacy. Buyers fall in love with the setting. Then, shortly after closing, the phone rings.

“Hi, we just bought a house and want a tree assessment.”

And too often, that assessment leads to a difficult conversation.

The Call We Get All the Time (And It’s a Tough One)

We get several calls a month from recent homeowners who didn’t think to give their trees and landscape much thought before buying. Sometimes a large limb hangs over the roof. Sometimes the first strong storm raises concerns. Other times, a neighbor mentions something that makes them uneasy.

After walking the property and completing a tree inspection, we occasionally have to say:

“To make this house safer, you’re looking at $8,000–$10,000 in tree work.”

Those are hard conversations to have with people who just bought a home — and we always wish we’d met them a few weeks earlier.

Most of the time, these ongoing issues were there the whole time. In most cases, these issues were already there — they just hadn’t been identified yet.

Why a Tree Inspection Before Buying a Home Matters

A standard home inspection covers a lot — roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing. What it usually does not cover in depth is tree structure, long-term risk, or tree safety.

That’s where a professional arborist inspection before buying a home becomes important.

Trees are living structures. They can look full and healthy while hiding:

Internal decay
Old storm damage
Weak branch attachments
Structural problems from years of poor pruning

Once you close on a house, those risks — and costs — become yours.

Mature Trees Add Value — But They Aren’t Automatically Safe

In many Potomac and Frederick neighborhoods, mature trees are big selling points. They add character, shade, and curb appeal that new plantings can’t replace quickly.

But let’s keep in mind size does not equal safety.

Some of the most expensive tree projects we see involve large, mature trees that were never evaluated properly. They didn’t fail during the showing. They failed later — during a storm, a heavy snow, or high winds.

That’s why tree structure matters more than appearance.

What Arborists Look For That Most Buyers Miss

When we perform a tree assessment for homebuyers, we’re not just looking at where trees are located. We’re looking at how they’re built.

Some common red flags include:

Multiple large limbs growing from the same point
Tight, upright branch angles
Branches rubbing against each other
Trees leaning toward homes, driveways, or neighboring properties

These issues don’t always cause immediate problems, which is why they’re often overlooked. But structurally weak trees are far more likely to fail during storms.

Trees grow slowly.
Problems develop quietly.
Failures happen suddenly.

Look Down, Not Just Up

Roots are often ignored because they’re harder to see — but they tell an important story.

Before buying a home in Frederick or Potomac, pay attention to:

Cracked or lifted sidewalks
Heaving soil near tree bases
Exposed surface roots
Mulch piled high against tree trunks

Root issues can affect walkways, foundations, and underground utilities. Once the home is purchased, these problems can be costly — and sometimes impossible — to fully correct.

Shrubs and Landscaping Reveal Maintenance Habits

Landscape beds and shrubs often show how a property has been cared for over time.

Things we notice quickly include:

Shrubs repeatedly sheared into tight shapes
Plants thinning or dying in the center
Widespread decline across multiple beds
Everything planted at the same time and aging together

While shrubs are easier to replace than trees, declining landscaping often points to larger issues like poor soil conditions, drainage problems, or long-term neglect.

Ask This Question Before You Buy (Most People Don’t)

Here’s a simple but powerful question for sellers or agents:

“Has this property had professional tree or landscape care?”

Regular pruning, plant health care, and soil management extend the life of trees significantly. A lack of maintenance doesn’t always mean immediate danger — but deferred care almost always shows up eventually.

Many of the $10,000 tree projects we see could have been identified, planned, or negotiated before closing.

Not All Trees Are Long-Term Assets

Some trees were planted decades ago for fast growth and quick visual impact. While they may look impressive early on, certain species are known to develop structural problems or decline as they mature.

Understanding whether a tree is a long-term asset or a future liability helps buyers make informed decisions — especially in established neighborhoods throughout Potomac and Frederick County.

A Little Due Diligence goes a long way compared to Big Surprises

Having a qualified arborist perform a tree inspection before buying a home is one of the smartest — and most overlooked — steps in the home-buying process.

Compared to:

Emergency tree removals
Storm damage repairs
Insurance claims
Unexpected safety concerns

A professional tree assessment is a small investment.

Sometimes we tell buyers everything looks solid.
Other times, we help them avoid a major surprise — or at least walk into ownership informed.

Either way, knowledge is power.

Final Thoughts

Trees and landscapes don’t just make a home — they affect safety, maintenance costs, and peace of mind. can save many thousands. Getting a tree inspection before buying a home

If you’re buying a home in Potomac, Frederick, or the surrounding areas, take time to really look at the trees. Ask questions. And if something doesn’t feel right, consider having an arborist evaluate the property before closing.

At A1 Tree Pros, we’d much rather help someone before they buy than deliver tough news after the keys are handed over.