Trees are a beautiful addition to your yard and landscape. However, they can also be dangerous to your home if they are diseased or damaged.
Every year homeowners are killed or have their property destroyed by trees or tree limbs that fall during storms. This is why it is important to have your trees inspected and considered for removal.
Trees That Are Too Close To Your House
Trees add beauty and value to your property, but they can also be a danger when they are planted or growing too close to your house. When this happens, you could have a fallen branch or trunk damage your home and cause serious problems. This is why it’s important to have trees removed when necessary.
One common sign that a tree is too close to your house is the presence of cracks in the foundation. These cracks may seem minor at first but can grow over time and become a major problem. Another common issue is when tree roots start to encroach on sidewalks, driveways, and even sewer and water lines. When this happens, it can lead to concrete settling and drainage issues.
Then there are the trees that are encroaching on power lines, which can be extremely dangerous. If the encroaching tree were to fall, it could knock out your power or cause an electric shock. It’s best to have these types of trees removed before they end up causing severe damage or harming someone.
However, there are other times when a tree needs to be removed. Some of these reasons include:
Trees That Are Too Large
A tree that is too large for its space and has dangerous lean or overhanging branches can pose property damage risks, including falling debris during storms. In addition, a tree that is dead or dying may need to be removed for safety reasons. Removing these types of trees protects your property from injuries and reduces the risk of expensive repair bills due to damage caused by falling limbs or roots.
Removing an overgrown tree can also open up space for future landscaping projects, lawns and gardens that can boost curb appeal and attract potential buyers looking for a well-maintained home with open outdoor spaces. Tree removal can also help to ensure that there are no encroaching trees and roots on driveways, sidewalks or other paved areas, protecting them from cracking and damage.
Every year, stories appear in the news of homeowners being injured or their homes being damaged by fallen limbs or entire trees during a storm. Proper maintenance of trees, including trimming and pruning, can help to prevent this type of damage from occurring. However, if you notice a tree that is in danger of falling, it should be removed immediately to avoid property damage and potential injuries. Many cities require permits to remove trees of a certain size or location, so it’s important to check local rules and regulations before starting any work on your landscape.
Trees That Are Decaying
If a tree on your property is showing signs of decay or is in an unstable location, it may need to be removed. Falling trees can cause serious damage to your home and endanger the safety of those on your property. In addition, repeated claims on homeowners insurance due to fallen debris from diseased or unstable trees can lead to higher premiums and even denial of coverage.
Fortunately, there are several warning signs to look out for in your trees that indicate the time for removal has come. Cracks that run vertically on a trunk, for example, indicate structural weakness and can pose a risk of falling during a storm or high wind. Fungal growth or mushroom-like formations at the base of a tree are also indicative of decay and a need for removal.
Removing an overgrown or encroaching tree can help improve your home’s curb appeal and make it easier for you to maintain your yard. It can also benefit the health of your other trees by reducing competition for sunlight and water. Removing overcrowded or encroaching trees can be more beneficial to the health of your entire property than simply trimming or pruning individual trees. In addition, removing trees that are causing harm to your home or posing a safety threat can save you money in the long run by reducing the need for costly repairs and protecting your property value.
Hazardous trees
Trees that are unhealthy or damaged can be a serious safety risk to property and people. They may fall without warning during storms or high winds, causing damage to homes and vehicles and potentially injuring people. They can also become a tripping hazard for pedestrians and pets. Trees that are located near buildings or power lines are particularly dangerous as they may have more potential to cause damage.
Even healthy trees can hide hazards, which is why vigilance is so important for homeowners. Subtle warning signs often appear before a hazardous tree becomes an issue, such as large, dead limbs in the canopy or cracks that run vertically along the trunk of the tree. Fungus growth, mushrooms growing at the base of the tree and shelf-like conks are also signs of structural problems.
Hazardous trees may also have root damage, which can lead to the death of the entire tree over time. This type of damage is common during construction projects, droughts, or other environmental stressors and can be difficult to spot. Signs of root damage include wilting, undersized leaves, thinning foliage, and stunted growth.
As a property owner, it’s essential to have the expertise of a professional when removing trees. In addition to ensuring that the job is done safely and correctly, working with an experienced tree service provider can help you navigate local rules and permissions. This can prevent run-ins with city officials or your neighborhood association and avoid costly fines or requirements to replace the removed tree.