Trees are a good complement to any home. However, they can be quite the headache as well if they’re too close to your home. We’re not just talking about how trees that are too close are also potential fire hazards. We’re talking about a problem that not many people think of immediately.

You shouldn’t just worry about the branches and the leaves of the tree. Most people forget about the roots as well. They stay hidden so well that we forget how these can grow longer underneath our feet. Eventually, tree roots can invade our home and it can result in pressing problems that need your attention.

The “Root” Of The Problem

Roots can continue growing even after the tree has reached it’s maximum size. In some cases, the roots burrow so deep into the soil that you don’t see what’s going on underneath. What you may not know is that the roots have already started to affect your home’s foundation.

Tree roots can be very powerful. If you’ve seen trees that are growing in urban areas, you might see how some of the roots are able to raise the pavement underneath. They can break through these, even the small ones.

As tree roots are constantly looking for water and nutrients, they constantly extend, eventually reaching your home. This can be a problem if the soil around your home consists of clay, loose dirt, and rocks. Pavement isn’t a problem for tree roots, let alone these types of soils.

The roots will continue to move and grow. This results in the soil around your home and beneath it to shift. This causes cracks in the concrete which eventually results in a weaker foundation for your home. You might also begin to spot uneven ceilings, misaligned support beams, and cracks on your walls.

If left untreated for a long time, the problem can be a serious property and life hazard.

Another way trees affect your home is with how they react to weather. During droughts for instance, roots can shrink. The soil around them will be affected as the roots begin to fall back. Both shrinkage and expansion affect your home’s overall integrity.

How To Spot Root Problems

The easiest way to spot this is by checking in the soil around the tree and the house. Roots that have grown too long or have become invasive will start to protrude from the ground. This sign is also a good way to figure out how far the roots have grown so there’s an upside to it.

After that, you can check if the problem has started to affect your home’s foundation. Look for cracks on the wall – particularly the basement. Even small cracks are a sign that something is pushing at the walls already. Once these signs appear, call for help immediately as that means that the roots are starting to do damage.

Preventing Root Problems

There are a few ways you can address these problems. The most common would be to set up a root barrier in your home. This requires professional work as the roots need to be cut away before a barrier is made around your house.

This solution is more complex. However, it allows your home to stay safe without you having to sacrifice the tree in your property. Some people choose this because they like having some green around their home.

Some people choose to have the trees and the roots removed entirely. This is an even more complex problem as it’s harder to do especially when the roots have fanned out massively around your property already.

If you’re just in the process of planting a tree in your yard, then you’re very early in preventing the problem. A good solution would be to simply avoid trees that have aggressive roots. Generally, steer clear of willows, elm trees, and silver maples which have roots that can be invasive.

Of course, it is also a good idea to plant the tree far from the house.

You shouldn’t be afraid to have trees on your property. As long as the tree is growing in a controlled setting, the roots should pose any serious problems to your home.

Tree roots might not seem like a major problem now but it’s a lot pricier to begin worrying about the problem when it’s already too late. Trees might be a good addition to any property but they can be a problem if you aren’t careful with how they grow and develop.

If you’re having any issues with roots on your residential or commercial property, don’t be afraid to reach out to us for help. Henshaws Tree Services are experts in this kind of work. Don’t let the roots ruin the foundation of your home so let us get to the root of the problem as soon as possible.

Trees can complement homes and commercial properties very well. However, they need to be maintained properly or you risk having them grow extensively. Overgrown branches are the most common problem property owners have with trees but the good news is that there are ways around it.

Overgrown branches might not seem like a problem at first. However, it can eventually reach powerlines and your home. These can be a fire hazard on your property if not taken care of.

With proper maintenance, tree branches are never going to be a problem in your home. Here are a few important tips to consider when pruning, cutting, or trimming overgrown branches.

1. Call On The Pros

This is a complex and sometimes dangerous job. There’s a reason why services like ours at Henshaws Tree Service exists and that’s to serve people like you.

Our personnel are professionally and well-equipped with the right tools to make sure that your tree gets the treatment it deserves. In most cases, people are putting themselves at great risk by doing the job themselves without the proper safety gear and pruning equipment.

If you have a tall tree that needs to be pruned and you don’t have the equipment, it’s best to call on the pros for help. This is to ensure that you don’t put yourself in danger while going through this necessary process.

2. Get The Proper Gear

You don’t need a chainsaw to trim an overgrown branch. What you do need are some brand new pruning shears. These are basically large and sharp scissors that will let you cut through branches with ease. Don’t trim your trees with bad tools because it can be dangerous to do so.

Pruners come in various forms. For far-off branches, opt for extendable pruning tools. There are some automatic pruning tools that function similarly to a chainsaw. These are arguably better but they are also more expensive as well.

You should also get some heavy-duty gardening gloves. These give you a tighter grip on your tools. Additionally, they make sure that your hands don’t hurt as you’re trimming the tree. Pruning without the right gloves can lead to blisters and other hand injuries.

3. Proper Way To Prune

The biggest mistake people make when trimming a tree is thinking that it’s as easy as cutting off the branch. However, there’s a proper way to trim a tree. The proper method guarantees that your tree is still going to be healthy and the branches are going to grow properly in the future.

To trim the branch, look for the bud where it comes out. Cut the branch 2-inches away from that bud. Make sure to cut at a 45-degree angle. This prevents water damage and tree damage. With the right tools, the process is going to be a lot easier.

Aside from protecting the tree from damage, cutting at a 45-degree angle also ensures that the branch will grow properly. If you cut it straight, the branch will grow in a straight direction which means it can once again reach obstructions in its way.

4. Best Time To Prune A Tree

In truth, you can prune a tree whenever you want to. However, if you want them to grow better, it’s best to prune them when they are most dormant. In this case, that would be during winter.

This is a good season to prune trees because it encourages growth once the season becomes warmer. Once autumn hits, the leaves will begin to fall off, thus making it easier for you to detect which branches need to be cut down to size.

5. What Not To Cut

Generally, you’d want to avoid branches that are between 5 to 10 centimetres. Doing so might be bad for the health of your tree. Only cut branches of this size unless it’s really necessary.

You should focus on trimming only the branches that are less than five centimetres in diameter as these are easier to cut. They won’t also cause any downsides to the overall health of your tree.

6. What To Cut

Focus on branches that are growing too long or those that are close to the powerlines or your home. It would also be wise to trim the branches that are

Also, look for branches that have already dried out. These are the ones that can pose a serious risk to the health of your trees. You can trim to make the tree look better but focus on keeping it healthy first.

Tree trimming is more essential than you think. Not only does it make your home safer, it can also make sure that your tree is growing better. It might be a painstaking process but the results you get at the end of the day is well worth it.

If you’re having a tough time doing the job, don’t be afraid to call on professional help instead.