Having beautiful, mature trees around your home has many benefits. Trees provide shade, privacy and can add to the value of your home. However, when a tree is growing a little too close for comfort to your house, it can cause concerns about tree failure, falling branches, root damage and what could happen during a severe storm.  If you’re considering whether or not to remove a tree that is close to your house, here are some of the things to think about before you make your decision.

How Close Is Too Close?

There is no ‘one size fits all’ safe measurement that determines whether a tree is safe or not. A small ornamental tree growing a few metres from your home may present little risk, whereas a large, mature gum tree showing signs of distress could pose a great deal of risk.

There are a number of factors that need to be considered when determining whether it’s best to remove a tree or not. The size, species, health and age of the tree, the root system and conditions of the surrounding soil all need to be weighed up. This is best done by a professional Arborist who can assess the tree, its conditions and surroundings and advise if it would be best to have it removed.

Could The Tree’s Roots Cause Damage?

Tree roots can cause considerable damage to homes and are one of the biggest concerns for homeowners and is another consideration when considering tree removal.

Roots can crack house foundations, lift driveways and damage pools and retaining walls. Tree roots can also damage pipes and plumbing. Your Arborist will consider your particular tree and how extensive its root system is as certain types of trees have more aggressive root systems than others.

Pruning vs Removal

In some cases, removal isn’t necessary and the tree may just need to be professionally pruned. Pruning, when done correctly, can achieve a number of goals such as reducing the weight of problematic branches, creating clearance between the tree and your roof line, removing dead or damaged limbs and creating a more balanced, structurally sound tree. It is important to note however that improper pruning can have the opposite effect and can weaken a tree, potentially making it more dangerous. This decision is best made by a professional Arborist once the tree has been fully assessed.

Signs Of Issues

A healthy, structurally sound tree can be growing relatively close to your house for years without issue. However, you should arrange an inspection by an Arborist if you notice these warning signs that could indicate your tree is unwell and potentially at risk:

• Tree is suddenly leaning
• Cracked, peeling bark
• Cracks or hollows in the trunk
• Pest infestation
• Fungus growing on or around the tree
• Significant presence of deadwood
• Significant leaf loss
• Leaf changes such as wilting, discolouration or change in size
• Exposed roots

Have The Tree Assessed

Choosing whether or not to remove a tree can be a difficult decision, particularly when dealing with a much loved, mature tree. Getting professional advice from an experienced Arborist will help you make an informed decision and help protect your home while avoiding the unnecessary removal of a healthy tree that doesn’t pose any risk. A qualified Arborist will assess the tree’s condition, structure, surrounding soil and conditions, root system and proximity to your home as well as other structures, powerlines and underground services and recommend whether pruning, ongoing maintenance or full removal is the safest and most appropriate course of action. Your chosen Arborist should be experienced, fully insured and have all of the necessary tools and equipment for the job – too easy.

Professional Tree Removal

Tree work can be highly dangerous and it is not advisable to attempt to do it yourself. Save yourself the headache, risk and potential for costly damages and let the professionals take care of the entire process end to end. From checking permissions with local council to full clean up.

For all your tree removal and maintenance needs, speak to the professional arborists at Aussie Tree Solutions today. We have been taking care of South-East Queensland trees for over forty years and provide a comprehensive range of tree care services from tree removal to stump grinding, emergency tree work to consulting Arborist services and everything in between! Whatever your tree issue, we’ll get to the root of it!