Trees are a beautiful part of our landscape and many homeowners have them on their property. But, if trees are placed close to a home, can they present a problem? Let’s look at some of those potential issues.
Damage to foundations. Tree roots can damage foundations in a few ways. If the roots are large enough to reach under a house, they can cause the foundation to lift. If the foundation has cracks in it, tree roots can find their way in.
If a tree is damaged or even old, it can become a potential hazard. Falling branches and tree limbs can damage the home, fall on power and communication lines, and even pose a risk to human life.
Something that may not be thought of is that if trees are situated too close to a property, it can present a fire risk. It will also be easier for small animals or insects to access the building.
The leaves and branches from trees can accumulate in the home’s gutters causing blockages. Too much water or even ice from these blockages can lead to water entering the home.
If you have a tree close to your home, how can you make sure it does not become a problem? Do not try to remove the tree’s roots. This makes the tree sturdy and secure and much more likely to fall. Have a periodic check over of the tree to determine its condition, you might want to use some binoculars to have a closer look at the top of it. If you determine that the tree is in a great state of decay or is dead, its best for the tree to be removed as this poses a danger to the home.