Should You Schedule Tree Removal for a Tree Close to the House?

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Homeowners might dread the idea of tree removal for their property, as trees offer lots of cooling shade in summertime while improving outdoor air quality, and also enhance your view from both inside and outside the home! However, there are times when it’s vital that you call a tree service near you, to protect your home, lawn, and landscaping features, as well as other fixtures and features on your property.

Schedule tree removal for a tree too close to a structure, if it’s branches hang over the house or an outbuilding, or if it’s in danger of collapsing no matter its location. It’s also recommended a property owner call a tree service near you if you suspect the tree is diseased or is infested with termites or another pests, or if the tree struggles to grow and thrive.

Since trees offer so many benefits for a property, potentially even increasing your home’s overall values, it’s often difficult for homeowners to know when to call a tree removal service. A property owner might also wonder if there is anything they can do to ensure a tree is healthy and doesn’t pose a danger to their house or garage, or to a neighboring property as well.

To ensure you keep your property’s trees in good condition and as healthy as possible, note a few tips on tree care for your yard or commercial property. It’s also vital that you consider when it’s time to consider tree removal no matter how much you love that tree and its appearance! You can discuss your concerns with a tree service contractor near you as well, as they can offer personalized tips and advice for your home and property in particular.

When Is It Time to Schedule Tree Removal?

While a tree removal is a big decision for any homeowner or commercial property owner, you might note when it’s the right choice for your property. It’s also good to understand why removing a tree is the best decision in some cases, so you know what to discuss with an arborist near you and  also know why they might recommend tree trimming or complete removal.

• In most cases, a large, mature tree should be located no closer than 20 feet to a house or other outbuilding, to ensure its roots don’t wrap themselves around that structure’s foundation or buried pipes and wires.
• No matter its distance from a house or other structure, it’s vital that a property owner note a tree’s proximity to underground wires and pipes. Tree roots easily wrap themselves around these fixtures; as those roots continue to grow and expand, they might squeeze and crack those pipes or pull wires out of place.
• Along with buried wires, a property owner needs to note if a tree’s branches are encroaching on overhead wires and cables! While those branches might not touch wires and cables on a calm day, consider if strong gusts of wind can blow those branches into wires, cables, and other overhead fixtures and cause damage.
• Tree branches scraping a roof might scrape and strip asphalt shingles, tile, flashing, chimney brick, and other materials, increasing the risk of roof damage and resultant water leaks. Fallen branches as well as leaves, twigs, sap, moss, and other debris also damage roof materials and clog gutters. If you cannot prune back those branches enough to protect a roof, it’s probably time to consider tree removal.
• Note, too, that dead branches are often at risk of snapping and falling anytime. Pruning back unhealthy, dry branches offers some protection but if you notice that all or most branches seem unhealthy, it’s often best to simply arrange for tree removal.
• An arborist can sometimes treat pest infestation and disease; however, in some cases a tree might simply be so damaged or unhealthy that it’s beyond repair and restoration. In that case, consider its removal so that pests don’t make their way to your home and the tree doesn’t lose branches or outright topple over!
• A tree that simply doesn’t thrive might not be native to your area; as with flowers, shrubs, grass, and other vegetation, tree species need a certain climate to grow healthy and strong. A nonnative tree that doesn’t respond to your attempts at feeding and pruning typically needs removal.
• While trees add lots of beauty to a property, they can also block too much sunlight so that grass and landscaping struggle to grow, or your home interior seems dim and dark. You also might just simply prefer a more open space on your property or don’t enjoy the appearance of a certain tree species. In that case, remember that it’s your property to do with as you please; as long as there are no local or HOA regulations preventing you from removing that tree, consider calling a tree service near you.

Tips on Caring for a Tree and Avoiding Otherwise Unnecessary Removal

If you love those mature trees on your property, how do you care for them and avoid otherwise unnecessary removal? Regular pruning and trimming is recommended for mature trees, to remove dead and decaying branches and ensure the tree’s trunk and lower branches get plenty of sunlight and fresh air.

While tree pruning ensures a tree’s overall health, note that improper trimming methods can actually harm that tree! Branches should be cut at a certain angle so they don’t burn in the sun and to avoid chipping and splitting. An experienced arborist or tree service also knows the best branches to trim and remove so that a tree thrives, but without compromising its thick, lush appearance.

A homeowner would also do well to ensure their property’s soil is healthy and can support tree roots! Overly moist or dry soil might lead to root rot or choke a tree of healthy hydration, leading to dry, dead branches. Consult an arborist or landscape engineer about your property’s soil health and then consider adding an irrigation or sprinkler system, retaining wall, and other such features as needed.

Tree Removal Is Not a DIY Job!

Despite your best efforts, it might be time for tree removal services on your property. Before you go online and look for tree and stump removal videos, consider some vital reasons to leave this work to the pros.

One important consideration is that large, overgrown trees might need trimming along the top before they’re toppled, to ensure they fall in the direction you expect and so they don’t damage surrounding property. Trimming large branches is often more difficult and dangerous than homeowners realize; with the wrong cut, they can swing toward you or fall in a direction you least expect, risking property damage and injury.

During the toppling process, trees also don’t always fall in the direction you expect! Experienced tree removal contractors take great pains to secure tree trunks and cut wedges in the trunk so that it weakens and splits where expected, rather than cutting it straight through. Without that skill and knowhow, you might topple a tree right onto your home, garage, or a neighbor’s property, causing thousands of dollars in damages.

When trimming overhead branches or trying to topple a tree, it’s also easy to overlook surrounding obstacles. Falling or swinging branches might snag wires and cables, and a property owner can easily swing their axe into something behind them. It’s also not unusual for someone not accustomed to swinging an axe to lose their grip on its handle, risking that axe flying in any direction and causing property damage or injury.

Digging up a stump is also more complicated than homeowners might realize. If roots are wrapped around pipes or wires, they’ll be pulled up right along with that stump! Removing a stump might also leave a dangerous pit in your property; covering it with fill dirt means having to get a truck onto your yard and using the wrong soil type can mean an unhealthy lawn.

Related Questions

Do you need a permit to remove a tree from your property?

Building codes and regulations vary from location to location so it’s vital that a homeowner check with their local regulatory office before DIY tree removal. If your property is deed restricted or governed by an HOA or other such oversight, it’s also vital that you check with their bylaws before making any changes to your home or yard.

Can you relocate a tree on your property?

One excellent way to remove a tree growing too close to your home or that is blocking your view without compromising your property’s appearance is by relocating that tree. An arborist or landscaping engineer can note your property’s size and if there is another spot able to accommodate that tree, while your city or county might send someone, free of charge, to mark off buried power lines and pipes that need protection.

Is tree removal unhealthy for soil?

Tree keep moisture in the soil and provide shade for grass and landscaping, as said. However, diseased trees, overly large trees, and other such trees might choke the ground or drop too much debris onto the grass and surrounding flowers. Talk to an arborist or landscaper about how tree removal might affect your property’s soil conditions.