Keeping Your Trees HealthyKeeping Your Trees Healthy

Trees have numerous benefits, but they can also cause problems in your home. The size, health, type, and location of the trees all determine the danger the trees pose in your home. Below are some of the potential dangers the wrong trees might cause.

Plumbing Damage

Tree roots can intrude into plumbing pipes and block or even crack the pipes. Drainage or sewer pipes are particularly vulnerable because, in addition to the water, they are also full of nutrients that trees need. A tree on or near your septic tank can also block the outlet pipes. In some cases, the blockages or damages can even cause sewer drains to back up into the house.

Power Line Damage

Living trees have considerable moisture, and moisture conducts water. Thus, tall trees can cause electrical problems when they come into contact with multiple cables on electricity posts. Weak trees or tree branches can also fall on and damage power lines, causing neighborhood-wide power outage. Those who come into contact with such trees or down power lines also risk electrical shock or electrocution.

Foundation Damage

It is not easy for tree roots to damage structurally sound home foundations. However, if a foundation is already showing signs of age and wear, such as shifting or cracking, tree roots can worsen the damage. Large trees growing close to the house are likely to cause such damage.

Roof Damage

Trees can cause roof damage in more ways than one. For one, a huge tree or lots of trees near the house can keep the roof shaded most of the time. This not good in a wet climate because the roof won't dry, and a roof that is wet all the time experiences accelerated wear and tear due to corrosion and rot. Secondly, bits of trees might fall on the roof and block the drainage channels. Lastly, tree branches or even whole trees might fall on the roof and cause serious damage.

Lawn Damage

Some trees won't let your lawn thrive if they have to compete for water and nutrients. This is particularly true with trees that require lots of nutrients and water and have their roots close to the soil surface. Your grass or garden flowers or plants won't thrive if you have lots of such trees in your yard.

Hopefully, the trees in your home don't pose any of the above dangers. If they do, contact a tree pruning company to assess whether you need to trim or remove the trees to deal with the dangers.