Is that large tree looming over your home causing you to worry about potential damage or safety risks? Discover how to assess and address the situation before it becomes a costly problem
Do you remember when you bought your house and there was this lovely tree growing on your property? If anything it was a key selling point; you loved how it looked and the leaves were so gorgeous in the Autumn.
You might’ve had some minor worries about it, but the beauty overshadowed any concerns.
Fast forward a few months or years, and now you’re starting to wonder: should I be worried about that big tree growing near my house? In one of my homes, I had a large tree in the front yard, and over time, the sidewalk started to buckle and raise. When I contacted the city, I was shocked to learn it was my responsibility. The roots had already poked through the basement wall, with the potential to encroach on the sewer system. This is one of those things I wish I had paid more attention to.
Truthfully, you should be a bit worried about any tree growing on your property. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to get rid of it, but here are some common problems it might cause:
Damage To Your House
A tree could cause expensive damage to your home in a few ways. If its branches grow too big and long they can come into contact with windows or the roof, damaging both of them. Very tall trees may have bits that fall off in bad weather and can land on a garage or shed. These are examples of “direct” damage to your house – but a tree could cause indirect damage too. Leaves and debris from branches might fall into your gutters and clog them up. Clogged gutters can lead to all sorts of problems, like improper drainage during storms or rainy periods, which causes water to overflow and possibly seep through the roof. You end up with water damage, and it’s technically the tree’s fault.
Additionally, if a tree is right next to your home and some of the branches grow near the roof, it provides the perfect access point for pests. Rodents and other animals could climb the tree, hop onto your roof, and find a way inside. From here, they cause damage inside your home that costs a fortune to fix.
Damage To Your Car
What if your tree grows nowhere near the building itself? Your home is safe from any branches or debris – but what about your car? A tree could grow near your driveway or at the bottom of your front yard near your car parked on the street. As a result, the branches can easily cause damage to your car if they fall and break the glass. It costs a lot of money to replace a windshield, is so you want to ensure your tree never gets close to causing any damage.
Even if it doesn’t look like the branches will fall on your car, debris from the tree can cover your car and make it filthy. It means you’re out there washing it multiple times a month just to remove leaves, foliage, sap, and much more. In situations like this, paying for a tree trimming service makes sense to cut back the branches a tad so they don’t harm your car.
What if Your Tree Falls on a Neighbor’s Home or Car?
We all love our neighbors, but nothing tests that relationship quite like a tree mishap. Imagine waking up after a storm to find that the beautiful tree in your yard has decided to take a nap on your neighbor’s roof or car. Not exactly the kind of surprise anyone wants! While it might seem like an act of nature, the responsibility often falls on the homeowner. Regular tree inspections can help you catch potential issues before they become neighborhood drama. It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on branches that seem a little too close for comfort. A quick call to a professional can give you peace of mind and keep those neighborly relations as strong as ever. After all, a little prevention goes a long way in avoiding a very awkward conversation over the fence!
Damage To Underground Utilities
Okay, your tree isn’t growing next to the house and your car is protected in the garage. Does this mean you shouldn’t worry about it at all? No! Even a tree in the middle of your yard or at the front of your house can cause serious problems if you’re not careful. What’s worse is that these problems tend to happen underground where you can’t see them. You don’t realize something is wrong until an emergency happens.
Roots from trees keep growing and this means they can grow and interrupt your home’s foundations. It could result in all sorts of structural issues for your property – which cost a bomb to fix. Moreover (as the heading for this section alludes to) your tree could damage the underground utilities around your home. You forget they exist, but all around your property are gas and electricity lines bringing power to your home. You’ll also have water pipes and sewage lines lurking beneath the surface – and all of these can be damaged by out-of-control tree roots.
Fixing underground issues costs money and takes a lot of time – it also results in your yard being dug up by utility companies, so you want to avoid this as best as you can. Chopping down a tree might be the only answer.
Damage To Your Garden
Intrusive roots can wreak havoc on your garden by uprooting your lawn and creating unsightly, uneven patches that disrupt the landscape. But that’s just one of the ways a tree can turn from an asset into a liability. If it grows too large or becomes overly dense, it can block essential sunlight from reaching other parts of your yard. This lack of light can stunt the growth of your plants, leaving you with struggling flowerbeds, withering shrubs, and browning lawns. Trust me, I’ve seen firsthand how quickly a lovely tree can become a problem.
A helpful tip:
Regularly inspect your yard for any signs of root encroachment or uneven ground, especially near sidewalks and foundations, to catch potential issues early before they become costly problems.
How To Keep Your Tree In Great Shape
All of these points are reasons to be worried about that big tree growing near your home. However, there’s no guarantee you’ll ever see the problems listed above. Your tree could remain in excellent condition and cause no harm at all.
The secret is ensuring it remains in great shape by getting it trimmed regularly and looked after by tree specialists. Have someone come over once or twice a year to look at the tree and tell you if it’s growing healthily or if there could be issues on the horizon. Most of the time, trees can be maintained by cutting the branches back before they grow too long and cause problems. In extreme cases, you might need to remove the tree entirely as it will end up being a safety hazard. Hope this gives you something to think about and you’ll know how to care for your trees. Also, if you’re thinking of buying a home and stumbled upon this post because you noticed the house has a tree and were wondering if you should be worried, at least you know what to expect! We’re not saying don’t buy the home, but be aware of what you’re getting into when you have a big tree.
Take control of your tree care today!
Download our FREE Tree Maintenance Checklist to ensure your trees stay healthy and safe all year round. Keep your yard beautiful and avoid any unwanted surprises
Conclusion
Taking care of that lovely tree in your yard doesn’t have to be a chore—it’s just another way to protect the home you love and keep peace with your neighbors. With a little attention and the occasional check-up, you can enjoy the beauty of your tree without any of the worry. So, next time you’re out in the yard, give your tree a once-over and make sure it’s living its best life—just like you are! Here’s to a safe, happy home and a tree that’s as charming as ever. Stay rooted in the good stuff!
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