Are you settling for overgrown vegetation because you’re unsure that removing it is worth it? As the trusted provider of tree services in Houston, TX, Tree Care Inc. can trim back foliage, bushes, and more. With our proactive solutions, you can gain several benefits that make the investment well worth it.
What Does Overgrown Vegetation Include?
When should you consider your vegetation excessive? When any tree, shrub, or grassy area looks unmanageable or wild, consider it overgrown.
Many homeowners are aware of the problems a poorly maintained tree can pose. However, don’t underestimate the benefits of regular trimming for all the plants on your property.
The Seven Biggest Risks of Excessive Vegetation
Why should you invest in regular yard maintenance? Below are seven reasons to consider.
1. Unkempt Vegetation Diminishes Curb Appeal and Property Value
No one likes the appearance of overgrown trees and shrubs. It significantly reduces curb appeal by making the yard look old, damaged, or uncared for. It can make the home seem abandoned, and people may assume the interior is no better.
The reduced appearance can adversely affect your property value. Your neighbors may disapprove because your home also reflects poorly on their dwellings.
2. Excessive Plant Life Poses a Fire Hazard
Overgrown vegetation poses a serious fire risk, especially in periods of drought. Too many trees or shrubs can act like tinder when a piece of machinery sparks or the sun shines directly on them.
When you trim back the leaves and keep the grass mowed, it slows the spread of fire. It can give emergency services time to respond and put it out before it reaches the property.
3. Too Much Foliage Provides a Haven for Pests
If you’ve lived with an overgrown yard for some time, you’re probably well aware of how vulnerable it makes your home to pest infestation. The following types of creatures love tall grass and unkempt bushes:
- Rodents: Mice and voles often nest in tall grass or beneath shrubs. Eventually, they’ll make their way into your walls.
- Snakes: Even if you don’t live in a place with venomous snakes, you probably don’t want any snakes in your yard. They’ll follow the rodents to your property.
- Mosquitos: Excessive foliage and grass provide a place for standing water and a breeding place for mosquitos.
- Ticks: You’ll notice more ticks on a property with excessive vegetation, which may leave you vulnerable to illnesses like Lyme disease.
- Fleas: If you have dogs or pets that spend time outside, invest in premium flea prevention since these critters love tall grass.
- Possums: Overgrown bushes and trees provide a habitat for larger rodents like possums and raccoons, which usually bring disease, too.
4. It Allows Plant Illnesses To Spread Faster
When you have overgrown vegetation, any disease your trees catch can quickly spread. It may not contain the problem in your yard, either, compromising your neighbors’ properties as well.
Plant diseases most often take the form of fungus. Have you ever mowed down a mushroom only to see many more sprout around the yard? Keeping the trees and bushes trimmed gives an arborist a chance to control the spread before it becomes out of control.
5. Overhanging Tree Branches Can Damage Property
Branches and leaves pose a serious threat to your home when they grow out of control. The property damage risks include the following:
- Dropping branches: When a canopy has too many branches, it often becomes brittle and easily drops branches on your home or vehicle.
- Toppling trunks: A dense canopy makes a tree top heavy, and heavy winds may topple it in extreme weather.
- Encroaching roots: Without proper tree maintenance, roots can put pressure on the foundation or shift the soil, causing structural interference.
- Damaged equipment: Residential equipment like mowers and weed wackers can’t always cut through thick vegetation. You may find yourself replacing them more often.
6. Trees May Increase the Chances of a Power Outage
Have you seen trees growing beneath power lines and not given it a second thought? Without regular trimming, they could wreak havoc on the entire neighborhood and cause a widespread power outage. They’re more likely to attract lightning strikes or damage power lines in high winds.
In many cases, the city or utility company will trim the canopy when it threatens wires. However, you still have to notify them of the problem.
7. A Lack of Maintenance Increases Homeowner Liability
What happens when property owners neglect landscape maintenance? If the overgrown vegetation causes property damage or injures a person, they assume a significant amount of the liability to pay for the damages.
Insurance companies often cover tree emergencies, especially after severe weather. However, if the owner didn’t practice due diligence with regular maintenance and hazard prevention, it could void the coverage.
The Best Options for Preventing Vegetation From Becoming Too Dense
How can you prevent foliage and grass from growing out of hand? Use the following best practices.
Schedule Annual Maintenance From Experts
Many species of trees need trimming and pruning annually. You should never attempt these tasks yourself. They put you in danger, and you could harm the tree.
Regularly Mow and Pull Weeds
Mow the grass when it reaches about three inches high. Most homeowners perform this service every three to five days in the summer and every seven to ten days in the fall. Stay vigilant about removing weeds like dandelions that can spread rapidly.
Install Landscaping and Incorporate Barriers
Incorporating landscaping can help control how quickly plants grow. Garden beds and pathways provide a natural barrier. Also, consider installing plastic or metal mesh around your foundation to prevent roots from encroaching.
Schedule a Tree Maintenance Appointment Today
Are you ready to deal with the overgrown vegetation on your property? You won’t find a better option for obtaining land clearing benefits than with Tree Care Inc. We have over 30 years of experience, and your safety and satisfaction are our top priority.
Obtain a free estimate by calling (713) 234-0914.
