Charlotte:
The Problems of a Tree Near Your House
The benefits of planting a tree in your yard are many and varied, from the convenience of growing your own fruit, to the reduced amount of energy your AC unit will use if your home is shaded. But there are distinct downsides that can come with installing trees, especially if you don’t take care to keep them far enough from your home, septic system, and other critical systems. Here are some reasons not to plant tree near your house:
Foundational Problems
Your home’s foundations are what hold the whole thing up. You may be used to thinking about your house as a strong and unmovable object, however tree roots can damage the house foundations. Roots that extend under your home may suck the soil dry, causing it to shrink until that side of the house lowers slightly. As you can imagine, this often causes tilted foundation, which can result in not only the inconvenience of sloping floors, but also significant instability and damage. For example, the foundation wall may become cracked and structurally compromised. Windows and doors may cease to close correctly, and cracks may appear in your walls. For this reason, it is advised to keep all trees a good distance from your house. Even a young tree should be planted at least as far away from the house as it’s expected height at maturity. Often the nurses take will give details of how tall the tree can be expected to grow.
Other Damage to Your Home
Branches can cause damage to roofs and guttering. Suckers and expanding roots can lift paving and lightweight structures, such as garages and sheds. Roots may enter and block drains. If the drain leaks, it can lead to the formation of cavities where water flows into the soil. This may sound like a catalogue of things that can go wrong by a tree growing too close to your house, but the reality is, some or all of these things are possible to happen.
Damage from Falling Tree Limbs
If you live in an area prone to frequent storms, this should also be of primary concern. The last thing you want or need to experience is a tree falling on your home, garage or car, after last night’s storm! Or even worse, a tree branch falling on power lines, or you or a member of your family. This is another very important reason to consider the placement of your trees, and also the type of trees you plant. For example, the cottonwood tree is very unsuitable. Problems begin with having a very shallow and soft root system. Its wood is prone to rotting, making it very unstable during severe storms. Aside from the fact that the tree itself is fairly brittle, it can also be damaged by insects and diseases, which makes it even more exposed to the elements.
If you suspect a tree close to your home is weak, fragile, or suspect it is diseased or rotten, get in touch with an arborist to get it checked out. And if you’ve experienced storm damage, then call for an emergency tree removal.
Risk of invasion from pests, like termites and hornets
Trees close to your home, also provide an ecosystem for pests, such as termites and rodents. Rotting wood, such as old stumps, is more likely to attract pests, but even healthy trees can. Trees also keep them well-hidden, so you can’t see them. This is another reason you shouldn’t plant the trees too close to your home. The closer the tree is to your house, the closer the pests are, which increases the likelihood of them invading your home. Rodents can even climb into open windows and vents using trees.
Cutting Down a Tree Close to Your House
If you believe you have a big tree too close to your house, don’t just get out your saw blades and start measuring. Even if you’ve already cut many trees off your property and feel you could handle these steps, it is better to call in a professional for your tree cutting & removal needs.
Here at Treescape, we want you, your family, and your home to be safe at all times – so if you’ve identified some trees that are growing too close to your house – do not take them down yourself contact us for a free estimate. And when planting new trees do consider the points above.