Should I cut down a tree close to the house? Tree removal might be helpful, but that depends on the health of the tree and its potential for causing damage to the house during a storm.
You could request a free inspection from tree experts in Lexington, KY, like Tree Care Inc., before making the call. Otherwise, learn more below about the warning signs that your tree could cause property damage if it doesn’t come down soon.
How To Decide Whether To Cut Down a Tree That’s Almost Flush Against Your House
No detailed rule exists for when to cut down a tree that seems too close to a piece of property. Arborists will always decide on a case-by-case basis because trees are unique.
Does the species of tree tend to have roots that spread widely? Those roots might put the foundation of the house in danger of damage, and removal would be best. Some trees might also be more dangerous than others because of weakened branches or leaning.
Should I cut down a tree close to the house? It’s helpful to have a certified arborist do a thorough inspection first so that you know just what the risk factors involve. In some cases, your tree expert might recommend simply trimming the tree or adding cables and braces to stabilize it.
The benefit of having an arborist take a look is that their priority is to preserve healthy trees whenever possible. They’ll be honest about whether the situation requires a full removal of the tree or whether there are easier, cheaper alternatives that can still keep your home safe.
Dangers Trees Can Cause When They’re Too Close To the House
If you’re seeing a tree encroaching on your home, you might wonder, “Should I cut down a tree close to the house because of safety concerns?” Removing a dead or live tree that’s close to the house can save your property and your family’s health from:
- Impact damage, including dropped branches on the roof or gutters
- Root damage to the plumbing or foundations
- Gutter clogs from dropped leaves, which lead to water damage
Did you buy a home with an established tree, and you now worry that it’s too close? An arborist can estimate its future growth and make suggestions.
You’ll also want to exercise caution when planting trees in the future. Estimate the final size carefully. A professional arborist can help you make calculations to establish the safest distance to plant your tree away from your home.
Do Weakened Trees Cause a Greater Hazard?
Does the tree look too close to your home, and have diseased branches? It is likely a hazard. Diseased or dead trees nearly always require removal, especially near your house.
A diseased tree could drop branches with no warning. A storm could knock down a damaged tree or cause it to lose branches, leading to a greater hazard. Please don’t put your home and your family’s health in jeopardy!
Pros and Cons of Removing a Tree Close To Your House
Should I cut down a tree close to the house? If it’s dead or diseased, the answer is yes! For healthy trees, weigh the pros and cons and consider the following:
Advantages of Removing a Tree That’s Near a House
Stormy weather with high winds could uproot a tree that’s near the house. If it falls in a certain way, it could hit the house and lead to damage. The closer it is to the home, the greater the chance it will hit some part of the home if it falls.
If the tree near your home is older or infected, you may see dead branches high in the canopy. These branches and limbs could crack and come loose without warning. Cutting down this tree is a preemptive action, as it is best to take out dangerous trees before they have a chance to cause damage.
Danger Signs When a Tree Is Too Close
When a tree is close to your house, cutting it down requires extreme care.
Never try your hand at cutting down the tree in your yard. Tree removal, especially for a plant that’s too close to a house, needs safety equipment, many hands, and expertise. Removing the tree and stump might also cause soil instability around the home’s foundation or a shift that leads to leaks in your basement.
Arborists will pay attention to these risks, as well as to the local regulations regarding tree removal. For example, you might need a permit, or to know about local protections for the tree species in question.
Safest Options for Removing Trees Near a House
Should I cut down a tree close to the house if doing so safely seems difficult? Managing the process requires controlling certain elements, which is why an arborist should handle things. For example, professionals on a tree removal job will:
- Control the direction of the fall using cables, ropes, or a crane
- Trim large branches first
- Keep people away
- Move cars and other assets away
- Wear safety gear
Ultimately, the safest way to remove a tree that’s growing close to your house is to hire a professional like Tree Care Inc. If you try DIY removal and cause damage, your insurance company might deny your claim. Why not check with the insurer to determine whether your policy requires hiring certified arborists to do tree removal before you decide what to do?
Let Tree Care Inc. Help Curb Any Safety Concerns With Your Trees and Protect Your Home
Should I cut down a tree close to the house, or is it safe to leave it in place? Even if the tree is not visibly hanging over the roof, our professional arborist can tell you whether the root system poses a structural risk or could cause foundational damage. The Tree Care Inc. team can then develop a plan for handling the tree with the least disruption to your property. For a free tree inspection, contact us today!
