Trees planted close to any house are an exceptional addition to the house. From its beautification to the purification of air in that environment, and more importantly, providing shade for the house.
However, these beneficial attributes of the tree could also be a source of danger to the house.
But then you ask. Can a tree close to your house be removed?
Absolutely Yes is your answer. The closer it is to the house, the higher the risk to its surrounding environment. Let’s explore the dangers of having a tree close to a house and how to efficiently get rid of it. Shall we?
I. Reasons why a tree may need to be removed.
The major reason why tree removal is highly considered is the lingering risk factors attached to it which can be detrimental to the safety of property, loved ones, and the environment. Some of these reasons include.
- Damage to the property: The first reason a tree may need to be removed is the damage it may cause to the foundation or the roofing of the property. Removing such trees can help save against recurring repairs.
- Diseased tree: If a tree is diseased, it will most likely have numerous dead branches. This could lead to dead branches falling or spreading an epidemic. Therefore, removal is the surest bet.
II. Factors to Consider
Removing a tree has several factors that must be carefully considered. Hence, it is not a matter to be taken leisurely. In some cases, professional help is sought before tree removal is done. Some of these factors are highlighted below.
- Distance of the tree from the house: This factor appears to be the most important because a tree in high proximity to your house is a huge threat to life and property. Why is this so? Weather can be funny and stormy weather or places with extreme weather conditions such as tornadoes serve as potentials for property damage given too much closeness to your property. Furthermore, the removal of such trees must be well-planned and executed to eliminate future threats.
- Size and age of the tree: Older trees tend to be weak at some point which makes homeowners in the environment vulnerable to the risk of a fallen tree. In addition, trees that have been around for decades would have deeper roots and be larger. Removal of these types of trees can be complicated. Therefore, expert services and special tools may be required to remove them. This is where tree removal goes beyond just hacking down a tree with a chainsaw.
- Health and condition of the tree: A pest-infested tree says a lot about the condition of the tree. Therefore, it is highly likely to be diseased and weak. This in turn infers that the tree is severely unhealthy. Unhealthy trees are seriously hazardous to the environment. The only solution to this is immediate removal for safety purposes. Additionally, the quick removal of such trees averts the threat of the spread of diseases from the unhealthy tree to people who live close to it.
- Type of tree and its root system: Certain trees have shallow root systems which can critically damage the foundations of a property. These trees are typically advised to be removed. This is because the damage can go beyond just the foundations to even the piping systems. We all know having to repair any part of your property is pocket draining let alone its piping system and if the foundation is destroyed, what can the builder do? For this reason, consulting an arborist who can give professional insights as to what to do and how to do would probably be your preferred option here.
III. Risks and Hazards
Just like the factors considered above, some risks come with removing a tree close to your house. This is why an inexperienced individual cannot carry out these tasks. The risks and hazards that are connected to tree removal are.
- Potential damage to the house and property: The risk of this occurring cannot be downplayed. A tree close to your property can fall in whatever direction it chooses or the direction the cause of its fall decides. Hence the need to consult experts and professionals who are skilled in how tree removals are done correctly. They can help assess the risk potential of such trees and proffer the best cause of action. Deep-rooted trees spread their roots so wide that sometimes foundations are affected. But with the help of a professional, they can be removed to avoid further damage. Furthermore, it typically requires an expert to determine where to begin removal and what equipment is needed at what time, position, or angle.
- Safety risks to people and pets: Beyond potential damage to your property, it will be wise to also observe the safety risks it poses to people and pets. While removing a tree close to your property, the limb of a tree falling in the wrong direction could be costly to safety. The most hazardous occurrence you’d want to avoid is your family and pets or the families and pets around you are being affected by your tree removal exercise. Tree removals not handled by professionals could result in severe injuries or possibly death. Therefore, seek out professional tree removers who can help assess the risks and hazards, and likewise possess advanced equipment that can be used to prevent any of these risks from happening.
In addition, seeking out a professional will not only help you assess your risks, but they are also likely to help you with necessary regulations that guide tree removals in your locality.
They can also assist in acquiring required permits from authorities as there may be paperwork that may be needed for the job. Furthermore, the cost of removing a tree should be a notable consideration as the cost of different professional tree removal companies may vary.
In all, safety comes first and is paramount when considering removing a tree that is close to your property.
IV. Permits and laws for trees near the house.
Permits, laws, rules, and regulations are usually set so that no part of the environment is radically violated. And the people nearby are kept safe. Laws that govern the removal of trees in a neighborhood are necessary to ensure correct, effective, and safe ways of carrying out these processes.
The same goes for permits as briefly mentioned above. Before any tree removal process commences, local authorities in your location must approve all the requirements needed for the removal. Failure to obtain these permits can attract hefty fines and sanctions, not to mention legal penalties as a consequence.
V. Removal Options
For anyone considering having a tree too close to their property removed, either due to environmental concerns or structural concerns, there are a few options to factor in. The options include.
- DIY vs. professional removal: Removing a tree involves certain technicalities. Therefore, when considering a DIY option, it may save you some cost, but you have the technical ability required to execute such tasks. Furthermore, certain permits and requirements must be met before you can be permitted to embark on a tree removal expedition by yourself. This is because should any damage be incurred while at it, you will cover it all. Hiring a professional, on the other hand, saves you the energy of climbing a ladder with a chainsaw in hand by yourself. In addition, professional tree removers have faster and easier access to permits and insurance papers that ensure that they are covered legally and operationally.
- Cost considerations: As slightly explained above, DIYs can save you a large amount in cost, but should things go south these same costs will eventually be incurred. However, when hiring a professional tree removal company’s service, you can get quotations from several companies. This allows you to compare costs and select a pocket-friendly tree removal service. Some tree removal services can be quite high. But this could also be beneficial as you are guaranteed a top-notch job. Reasons some of these professionals charge higher might be due to their expertise, cost of equipment, disposal fees, etc., the size, location, and root system of the tree are also contributing factors.
- Environmental impact and tree replacement options: While removing a tree from your property for safety reasons is important, its environmental factors are likewise crucial. Knowing the benefits trees provide may spur you to consider replacing with another after removal is complete. What better way to do this than consulting an arborist? Otherwise, tree removal service companies also provide such services. You can do well to bargain for this while getting a quote.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, removing a tree is a necessary action to take especially when it is too close to your property and poses a severe danger to your household, your landscape, and your environs. With that said, other contributing factors to tree removal include an unhealthy tree, a tree outgrowing its natural space, and its proximity to utilities.
However, removing a tree too close to your property requires meeting certain standards and abiding by laws established to ensure safety while at it. Conclusively, if you boast of previous tree removal experience, then you can go the DIY way as you will save cost. On the flip side, contact the services of an expert tree removal company and you’ll never regret doing so.
