Key takeaways
- The ISA says a healthy tree increases in value with age, and poorly maintained trees can be a significant liability.
- Ask your inspector what the inspection agreement covers about trees. Do not assume it is included.
- Use the ISA risk checklist: dead branches, cracks, cavities, mushrooms, topped trees and recent construction.
- Find out which rules apply: HOA, city right-of-way, Tahoe Basin or your fire district.
Mature trees raise a home's value and cool it in summer. They also carry costs that nobody wrote into the listing. A walk around the yard with a plan is cheaper than finding out in November.
What can I see on my own?
Start with the ISA's tree owner checklist. Look for large dead branches, hanging branches, loose bark on the trunk, cracks or splits in the trunk or branch unions, cavities or rotten wood, mushrooms at the base, unusual yellowing or small leaves, and signs the tree has been topped or heavily pruned. Look at the ground too: the ISA lists changes in soil level, new lawn or pavement and nearby construction as questions to ask.
Photograph anything you see. Do not stand under a questionable tree to look closely.
- Dead limbs or a dead top
- Cracks, cavities or mushrooms on the trunk or at the base
- A lean that looks recent or soil heaved on one side
- Topped or heavily pruned trees
- Branches over the roof, power lines or the driveway
What does a home inspection cover?
Home inspections cover the house and its systems. The American Society of Home Inspectors publishes standards of practice for its members, and inspectors work to the scope of their inspection agreement. We did not find a standard that makes tree health part of a typical inspection, so ask your inspector in writing what the report does and does not say about trees.
If a large tree stands over the roof, close to the foundation or near the sewer line, book a separate visit. Our arborist consultation covers it.
What about roots and utilities?
The ISA says roots commonly spread many times the breadth of the crown, and that older cement, clay or cast-iron pipes that have degraded can attract roots. If a house has older pipes and a mature tree near the line, ask the seller for any sewer scope or repair history. See tree roots, sidewalks and sewer lines.
Also check for overhead lines. NV Energy does not clear the service drop to a home, which is the owner's responsibility. See trees and power lines.
What rules might limit what I can do?
Find out before closing whether an HOA controls tree work (HOA tree rules), whether a tree sits in the city right-of-way, whether the lot is in the Tahoe Basin where TRPA requires a permit for live trees over 14 inches DBH, and which fire district covers the address. Many Northern Nevada homes sit in high wildfire-risk areas, and the fire district sets expectations for defensible space. See fire protection districts in our service area and insurance and defensible space.
Who can look at the trees for me?
An ISA Certified Arborist can assess the trees, put findings in writing and tell you what is routine and what is not. The ISA offers a credential verification tool. We have two ISA Certified Arborists on staff and give free estimates. Call 775.232.8243 and tell the office how many days you have in your inspection period.
Sources
- International Society of Arboriculture, Trees Are Good: Recognizing Tree Risk (brochure) (read October 17, 2026)
- International Society of Arboriculture, Trees Are Good: Mature Tree Care (brochure) (read October 17, 2026)
- International Society of Arboriculture, Trees Are Good: Avoiding Tree and Utility Conflicts (brochure) (read October 17, 2026)
- American Society of Home Inspectors: Standards of Practice (read October 17, 2026)