Your decision to buy your new home may have been influenced by the mature trees that you have in your back garden. You might think that they add value to the property, but do they also have a "dark" side? Do you need to be worried about the damage that they could cause?

Why Trees Could Be Problematic

Undoubtedly, trees are very beneficial in everyday life. People need to encourage their growth, as they provide vital oxygen, and can help keep power bills down by providing much-needed shade in the summertime. There are certain species, though, that could be problematic if they are placed close to your home. Certain types of tree require a great deal of room underneath the ground in order to grow properly and therefore generate a wide-ranging root structure.

Avoid Buildings

It is very rarely a good idea to site a tree close to the foundations of any building, as this could cause structural issues in the future. You also need to be careful as underground water and sewer installations here will invariably be impacted by the root structure. Also, pathways and boundary walls in the garden can be lifted up as the tree continues its inexorable search for nourishing moisture.

In Search of Water

When a tree is in search of water in order to grow, it will aggressively look for this underneath pavement as the subsoil environment is somewhat cooler than the surrounding areas and therefore more conducive to growth. The pavement on top reflects the sun's heat, unlike soil which will absorb it instead. The tree's root system will also gravitate towards moisture that may be leaking from, or found as condensation on the outside of water or sewerage pipes. Unfortunately, this means that the root structure will invariably cause damage to those pipes in the process.

Know Which Trees to Target

You do need to be careful when selecting trees for removal, or indeed when considering plantation. Ornamental figs and rubber trees should never be considered, as their systems are particularly large and they will need a lot of unhindered room if they are to grow properly. Other species to avoid include the black poplar or the weeping willow, as they need even more moisture to grow to their full potential. These trees will seek out areas underneath paving and will also move towards underground pipes close to the home in order to gather their needed moisture.

For help removing problematic trees, talking to a tree felling service.

Share