What To Do When A Tree is Growing Too Close to Your House

Do you have a tree that looks way too close to your house and you do not know what to do about it? Or are you unsure whether or not the tree is a credible threat in the first place?

If so, this article is for you.

The Importance Of Tree Identification

The truth is that every tree is different, so you will need to research the specific tree variety to really know if it is too close to your house or not. Tree varieties are diverse and have vastly different growth patterns, canopy diameters, and maximum heights.

For example, apple and pear trees need a 10-meter buffer, whereas some arborists say that willow trees need 40 meters because they are notorious for damaging underground water lines and cracking poured pavements.

In summary, there is no "golden rule" of minimum tree distances. So you need to research the suspect tree to know for sure.

Here are four reasons why you might conclude that a tree is too close to your house and what you can do about it.

1. Tree Roots Encroaching On Your House

Tree roots are on an endless quest for water. They are not trying to destroy your house. Contrary to popular belief, trees do not even like concrete. They are unlikely to enter small cracks in the concrete foundation unless there is water inside.

The only reason a tree might find the substructure of your house appetizing is if you have a leakage somewhere. For older buildings with clay piping, it is quite common for water to seep through minuscule cracks in the pipe walls providing perfect damp soil for tree roots. When this happens, it is only a matter of time before some opportunistic tree taps into it and starts drinking.

Other culprits may be a leaking shower base or a leaking tap on the side of the house. So if you are having trouble with roots growing under your house, it might be time to call a plumber. He might prescribe replacing defective piping with new PVC piping or some other plumbing solution.

Having removed the water source, the tree will soon give up in favour of greener pastures. It is important to not just cut the tree roots as this will treat the symptom but not the cause of the problem, even injuring the tree in the process. In this instance, it is time for some maintenance, either DIY or professional.

2. Tree Branches Growing Above Your Roof 

This is not ideal because apart from dropping leaves that clog up your gutters, heavier branches can fall and damage to your roof or even injure someone.

If the tree is not too tall and the branches are small enough, a DIY operation may be all that is needed. Safely climb up with your pruning clippers or hand saw and cut the tree back to a manageable distance that does not compromise your roof.

If on the other hand the tree is tall and the branches are substantial, it is time to call a professional to guarantee your roof does not get damaged and nobody gets hurt in the process.

Arborists or tree surgeons, as some call them, are specially trained to operate on trees safely, causing minimal trauma to the tree. Tree surgery is a high-risk occupation, but industry professionals are well trained to mitigate the hazards.

For those in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Hunter Valley, Port Stephens, Warners Bay, and surrounding areas, look no further than Cutting Edge Tree Maintenance, the #1 Newcastle Arborists.

With a focus on providing safe and reliable tree services, they will do the job without risk to persons or property. As trained and certified arborists, they specialize in tree pruning services that include raising and reduction, thinning and topping. They will also make sure that no permanent damage is done to your tree. Like any living thing, trees can die prematurely if they are badly injured. Your tree is in safe hands with Cutting Edge Tree Maintenance.

3. Tall Trees Visibly Leaning In The Direction Of Your Property 

 This is a potentially dangerous situation that merits further investigation. The first thing to do is to get a professional appraisal on whether or not the tree poses an imminent risk to persons or property. It could be that the tree has a lean, but poses no risk given factors such as the degree of leaning, the age of the tree, health and structural integrity. This is one appraisal we would not recommend for the DIY warrior.

This is a job for the professionals. In this case, Cutting Edge Tree Maintenance has you covered. They are competent in hazardous tree assessment. Never risk injury or damage to your property, call one of their arborists or visit the tree services Newcastle website for a free onsite appraisal.

4. Dead Or Dying Trees On Your Property 

 If you have a dead tree on your property that is still standing, you have a hazard on your property, regardless whether it is too close to your house or not. Falling trees or branches pose an ongoing risk to you and your house. Some brave DIY warriors may be keen to rent a chainsaw and do the lumberjack thing, but we would not recommend that unless it is a very small tree or a large shrub.

According to the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA): In 2015 alone, 58 accidents and 34 fatalities were recorded due to DIY tree care attempts. Six of the victims were under 13 and were innocent bystanders, not participants. So do not take a chance, call the professionals to firstly confirm that the tree is dead, and secondly, to dispose of it safely if needed.

Other Factors To Take Into Consideration

Having trees on your property offers far more pros than cons, so cutting them back or down should not be taken lightly. Dodgy construction practices and lack of proper roof maintenance are far more likely to cause damage to your house than wandering tree roots or branches.

Rather than automatically firing up the chainsaw, do some research on the suspect-tree and look for ways of addressing the cause, not just the symptom. Even still, we hate to say it, but in populated environments, there are times when there is no option but to prune or even cut down these majestic living things.

If that is true in your case, while there is a place for minor DIY tree-care and home maintenance, call in professional help for anything above the basics.  

Cutting Edge Tree Maintenance

Address:  42 Wakal St, Charlestown NSW 2290, Australia

Phone: (02) 4003 4400

Website: https://newcastletreeandstumpremoval.com.au/