Another tree one…. Managed estate

[NotDeadYet6]

As per previous thread am likely to pull out of house sale due to uncertainty around willow tree close to house, and am viewing tomorrow another house.

New one was built maybe 20 years ago on an estate semi-rural in character and location, lots of greenery and trees on the estate, which is managed by a company.

a silver birch has been planted very close to the house, presumably by the management company and am wondering if/how to remove it in future? Presume they would have to remove it, if it was a risk to structural stability? Or would this be difficulty potentially?

How near is it? Is it a willow, a birch or both?

Why don’t you like trees?

maybe don’t buy a house on an estate with semi rural character, lots of greenery and trees.

If you don't like trees, look for a house on an estate without trees.

You're going to cause yourself and the neighbours all sorts of unnecessary drama if you buy a house then immediately start asking for trees to be cut down.

How close? Silver birch is commonly planted close to houses because the roots are not all that disruptive.

On the other hand they shed annoying little seeds absolutely everywhere so you might prefer to buy a different home.

Exactly. On a recent estate, the footings will be deeper than a silver birch will impact.
The tree planning takes into account the types of trees planed and proximity to buildings.

The trees may well have formed part of the approved plans for the estate: one development in our village had to increase the trees planted to get the permission through. So you might not be permitted to remove it but its position and type would presumably have been chosen to have minimal impact on structural stability of the houses.

planted very close to the house could mean it's a few cms away from the house or several metres away.
If it's more than 4 m away then it's probably ok. If it's more than 8m away it's not a worry.

From my experience of trying to get a council owned tree removed, they would only do anything with it if it became dangerous or was damaging the property.. Otherwise then just left it and let it grow out of control. I’d imagine a private management company would be similar.

Best advice who be never buy a house near a tree which you’d don’t have control of.

On this new house it’s a silver birch about a metre or two from the house. Good to know they are unlikely to affect the house.

Love trees, just not up for dealing with subsidence!