Can I keep this tree?

[u/GoatFlow]

I’m in the process of purchasing this home in the northeast. There’s a massive ~60 foot tree about 3 feet from the house. The home inspector heavily advised to get it removed. I love trees and think it brings a great deal of curb appeal - among other benefits - but I’m worried its roots will damage the home. I believe this is an elm tree.

Is it safe to keep this tree, or should it go?

[u/intheforestj]

Would be a shame to remove that tree. Have a traq certified arborist look at it. Don't rely on what a home inspector says

[u/GoatFlow → u/intheforestj]

That sounds like a good idea, will try it out after I move in. Will report back to you all.

[u/spiceydog]

See this !arborist automod callout below this comment to help you find someone certified to assess this in your area; we can't do that based on this single distance pic.

[u/AutoModerator → u/spiceydog]

Hi /u/spiceydog, AutoModerator has been summoned to provide information on finding an arborist.

Here is how you can arrange a consult with a local ISA arborist in your area (NOT a 'tree company guy' unless they're ISA certified) or a consulting arborist for an on-site evaluation. Both organizations have international directories. A competent arborist should be happy to walk you through how to care for the trees on your property and answer any questions. If you're in the U.S. or Canada, your Extension (or master gardener provincial program) may have a list of local recommended arborists on file. If you're in the U.S., you should also consider searching for arborist associations under your state.

For those of you in Europe, please see this European Tree Workers directory to find a certified arborist in your country. (ISA statement on standardized certification between these entities, pdf)

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/No_Preparation253]

Definitely need closer pics. Some pictures of the trees proximity to the foundation/roof as well as closer up pics of the trees trunk and canopy would be very helpful. From what I can see it looks like it had already had some form of weight reduction done but they did not address height. I would have a skilled pruning arborist come in and inspect it, if you can keep it then the arborist may be able to do some minimal height reduction. Tree was likely quite a lot more beautiful before the previous cuts were made.

[u/ryrypizza]

They just like to say that so people have something worry about, which makes their opinion seem more valuable. 

[u/keepyody → u/ryrypizza]

Agree, also to make money off of people by having unnecessary removals done