Moving to a property with trees can be a dream come true, but it’s not without its challenges. Trees, while they provide numerous benefits, have certain growing requirements. Ignore these, and you could be looking at thousands of dollars in damages.
Common problems include attracting termites, damaging building foundations, and causing tilting in the building.
Choosing the right trees for your property is crucial. For instance, the non-native arborvitae is an excellent choice for a privacy screen along your side yard. However, these trees can grow up to 30 feet high and require regular pruning.
Understanding these factors can help you make an informed decision and enjoy the beauty of your wooded property without the headaches.
Researching the Property
Assessing the characteristics of your potential new property, including the types and conditions of existing trees, is an integral part of your decision-making process.
It’s crucial to have a sufficient understanding of these factors to appropriately manage your trees and ensure their benefits outweigh the potential risks.
Understanding the Types of Trees on the Property
Initially, it’s essential to determine the types of trees on your property. Arborvitaes, for instance, are common due to their cylinder shape and scale-like leaves, preferred for high-growing privacy screens.
They are non-native and have more than 100 varieties. Two recommended types are dark green American arborvitae and Columnar oriental arborvitae, which both thrive in the Washington area and wet soil conditions.
However, these varieties can get as tall as 30 feet and require regular pruning, though an arborvitae’s maintenance is relatively easy with electric shears.
Another factor to consider is whether the trees are perennials. This means they will return each year once planted; a key feature beneficial for maintaining a lush and vibrant property.
Important Fact: Each tree type has specific growth requirements. Understanding these can help avoid costly damages and maintain the tree’s health.
Assessing the Condition of the Trees
Once you’ve identified your trees, it’s important to assess their overall health and condition. For example, dead or dying trees attract termites, which can then migrate to your house.
Check for signs of disease or infestation. Also, observe the tree’s location and proximity to buildings or sidewalks.
Trees too close to homes can potentially cause substantial harm to the structure. Large trees, like willows, have aggressive root systems that search for moisture, leading to foundation damage and tilted rooms.
Noteworthy Statistic: According to a 2018 Consumer Reports homeowners insurance survey, the median amount paid to insurance companies for damage from settled tree claims was $4110.
To protect your property and enjoy the benefits trees offer, you need to diligently manage their growth. Regular pruning and the right tree-choice can ensure that the advantages of having trees on your property far outweigh the risks.
Potential Risks and Benefits
If you’re considering investing in properties with trees, it’s essential to be aware of both the risks and benefits this choice presents.
From preventive costs to foundational and structural problems, being well-informed enables you to make better decisions.
Risks Associated with Trees on the Property
While trees do have their aesthetic advantages, there are some potential problems to note. Trees have specific growth requirements. Ignoring these requirements could cause significant and costly damage in the long run.
Consider the most common issues associated with trees:
- Attracting Termites: Moisture from tree roots can create an ideal living condition for these insects. Termites feed on dead wood, and dying trees make an inviting feast. Having finished with the tree, they could migrate to your house, causing severe damages.
- Damage to Building Foundation: Larger trees, like willows, possess aggressive root systems. They can burrow under your home in search of moisture. Although these roots might not directly damage the concrete, the shifting ground they cause can lead to cracks.
- Tilting: Foundation damage can result in cracks developing in your dry-wall and flooring, potentially causing rooms within your building to tilt.
On another note, if a tree extends over your neighbor’s property – including their fence, house, or yard, they have the right to trim the tree branches back. However, if the trimming is excessive and it kills your tree, they might be legally liable for replacement.
Benefits of Having Trees on the Property
Despite these risks, trees play an integral role in enhancing the aesthetic beauty of your property. They serve as a noise buffer, improving the quality of the environment around your home, and also increase your property’s worth.
Consider these direct benefits of trees:
- Improves Physical Appeal: Instead of dull views, a healthy, strategically-placed tree can offer scenic views and refreshing greenery. Various tree shapes, colors and sizes can aesthetically enhance your property.
- Lowers Soil Irrigation and Replacement Costs: Having trees around your property reduces your spending on soil irrigation and replacement. Shade from mature trees slows water evaporation from your soil, which leads to less frequent lawn watering.
- Increases the Value of Your Property: Your property’s worth can increase with trees. A well-maintained landscape with strategically placed towering trees can potentially increase your property’s worth by an average of 10%.
Having trees is not all about risks; it’s about seeing the bigger picture. Understanding these considerations will help you make an informed choice when investing in tree-inclusive properties.
Weighing the disadvantages against the benefits allows you to maximize the upsides of your potential investment.
Maintenance Considerations
When it comes to properties with trees, you can’t overlook the importance of regular maintenance. Careful upkeep of trees ensures they remain an asset rather than a liability.
Keep in mind that different tree species require specific maintenance routines to prevent growth issues and potential property damage.
Regular Tree Maintenance Tasks
Among the standard tree maintenance tasks, pruning stands out as a necessity. Particularly, Arborvitae, a non-native, cylindrically-shaped evergreen with scalelike leaves.
It’s considered suitable for privacy screens along your yard, thanks to its rich dark green or columnar oriental variants. Be aware, though, they can grow as high as 30 feet and need regular pruning to keep them in check.
Have a look at the associated growth stats for a clearer understanding:
| Tree Type | Max Height | Pruning Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| American Arborvitae | 30 feet | High |
| Columnar Oriental Arborvitae | 30 feet | High |
| Emerald Green Arborvitae | Lower than previous variants | High |
Even with trees like the Emerald Green Arborvitae, which don’t grow as tall, expect to break out the pruning shears – a task that’s relatively straightforward for Arborvitaes.
However, tall trees might pose specific challenges and risks, especially if they’re near windows or a fence line, where the winds can make them drag or hit structures, causing damage.
Hiring Professional Tree Services
Some of you might not feel comfortable managing towering trees or identifying different species and their needs. In that case, you’ve always got professional help at your disposal.
Experts can guide you regarding safe places to plant varying species. Common guidelines suggest planting trees 15 to 30 feet away from your home.
Why so? Here are some potential hazards as an example:
| Hazard | Description |
|---|---|
| Termites | Moisture from tree roots attracting termites, potentially leading to infestations |
| Foundation Damage | Some large trees (like willows) have aggressive roots seeking moisture, leading to shifting grounds and, therefore, possibly causing cracks |
| Tilting | Root disruption to the foundation can cause land displacement and internal structural changes resulting in tilting of your rooms |
Frequently Asked Questions
How close is too close to a house for a tree?
Trees should generally sit approximately 15 feet away from a house. Depending on their size, some large species require more room, while smaller species can sit a bit closer.
How do you know if a tree is too close to your house?
If a tree is overhanging or its branches are touching your roof, it’s likely too close. Such trees present the risk of structural damage to your house and act as a conducive pathway for pests.
What happens to the land when all the trees have been removed?
The removal of all trees and vegetation may lead to climate change, desertification, soil erosion, reduced crop yield, flooding, increased greenhouse gases, among other issues, alongside posing challenges for indigenous people. This situation, commonly referred to as deforestation, occurs due to various reasons.
What are the cons of tree houses?
Living in a treehouse can expose you to adverse weather conditions. Most treehouses are built on stilts, contributing to their lack of stability. While trees can be innately sturdy, they are not exempt from being uprooted in severe storms.
Do tree roots damage house foundations?
Yes, they do. Although trees provide a picturesque view around homes, the root systems of some trees can significantly damage your house’s foundation if planted too close. Roots absorb water from the soil, leading to its drying and the creation of voids under the foundation, resulting in potential damage.
Conclusion
So, you’ve got your sights set on a property with trees. It’s a beautiful choice, but remember, it’s not just about the aesthetics. Understanding the specific needs of different tree species and committing to regular maintenance is key.
You can’t neglect tasks like pruning, especially for trees that grow tall and fast. If you’re not up for the challenge, there’s no shame in calling in the professionals.
They can help manage these towering beauties and keep them from becoming liabilities. And don’t forget about potential hazards.
Be mindful of where you plant your trees to avoid issues like termite infestations and foundation damage. With the right care and precautions, your trees can remain a valuable asset to your property.
