STORMS TREES AND YOUR HOME

We need trees, they provide many awesome benefits, however we must use common sense when planting them. Storms can always be a problem, especially when trees are next to your home. Planting trees, in the wrong location puts your home at higher risk for damages when there are storms. While there are many reasons not to plant trees to close to the home. Most importantly, always consider storms when planting trees that will grow big, plant away from the home. In a storm, the high winds can cause the tree to bend and possibly snap hitting the home. Remember, if you want to plant a tree for shade, and it is going to be a big tree. Basically, it does not have to be close to the house, because a high tree will cast a shadow quite a distance.

Even trees like this one, which is located 23 ft. away from the home, are a risk. The branch off of this tree, fell and still hit the roof. The weather was a beautiful day, there were no storms. The branch had visible problems, it appears to broke simply because of its weight. Because trees and branches can fall on your home without the help of any storms. Making it necessary to inspect your trees for problems all year long.

Picture of the small dent caused by the branch.

STORMS TREES AND YOUR HOME

TREES AND BRANCHES FALL FOR MANY REASON

Here are a few reasons

• Even healthy trees and branches can break just from their weight alone.
• Trees close to rivers and streams can have the soil washed away from there root system.
• Trees can fall because of the soil conditions around the roots, like sugar sand.
• Water logged land from heavy rain can turn the soil to mud.

STORMS TREES AND YOUR HOME

Before an active hurricane season; remove or trim trees now before your hit with a storm. For more information on preparing for a major storm click the link at the bottom of page.

While trees in a thick wooded setting can be a benefit to protecting your home by blocking the wind. It is important that they are far enough from the home. That if the tallest tree would fall it would not hit the home. If you are going to plant new trees you want to consider the location.

I am going to list just a few things that can either make a tree a nuisance or a dangerous tree. Remember, the tree, may be small when you plant it. However, you should think of it as a full-size tree, because one day that’s what it will be. Examine what problems it may cause in that location, when fully grown.

Here are some things to consider when planting a tree, and why.

STORMS TREES AND YOUR HOME

DON’T PLANT TREES CLOSE TO THE HOUSE

• Roots can pull moisture out of the earth under your foundation causing settling which can crack the foundation and walls.

• Leaves will fall on the roof blocking gutters and valleys which can cause roof leaks which in return can cause water damage in the home.

• If the tree breaks or falls because of a storm, lighting, wind, snow, and ice etc. It could damage the house.

NEVER PLANT TREES CLOSE TO CONCRETE DRIVEWAY

• Roots can pull moisture out of the earth under your driveway causing settling and cracking.

• Roots can raise up driveway, damaging it.

• Falling branches, leaves, and bird droppings will land on your car, van, or boat in the driveway.

NEVER PLANT TREES TO CLOSE TO SEPTIC TANK

• Tree roots can damage the septic system. THIS CAN CAUSE VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIRS

NEVER PLANT TREES NEAR POWER LINES

• Trees, as the grow may eventually reach the power lines. This can present a dangerous situation.
• It can also be a reason for you to lose power to your home during a storm.

TREES OR BRANCHES CLOSE TO THE HOUSE

• Trim or remove trees and branches with the following problems.

• Trees damaged byTermites, Ants, other bugs.

• Damaged from fungus

• Trees damaged by lighting.

• Any trees that are rotten, or dead.

TALL TREES AND THE DANGERS

• Trees that are tall, even if not next to the house, can they fall and hit the house?

• Can any of your trees fall on Boats, Trailers, Riding Mowers etc.?

•  Make sure your trees are healthy, if not have them removed or trimmed.

Click for more information on Preparing for a Major Storm

I love trees, not only are they beautiful to look at, they provide more than 20 important benefits to mankind. There are many reasons why we must save our trees when ever possible. It all starts with being smart about where and how we plant our trees. Planting them in the wrong location may result in their early removal as they grow. We also need to provide our trees with proper maintenance and nutrients to keep our trees healthy.

Thanks for reading my post.

Hope this post has been of some help to you in choosing a safe location to plant your trees.

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