Trees are a valuable addition to any landscape. Not only do they provide beauty and shade, but they’re also vital to ensuring clean air and a healthy ecosystem. Furthermore, healthy trees can increase the resale value of a home. However, there are some instances in which trees become a liability rather than an asset.

According to the team at McAllister Tree Service in Cornelia, GA, tree removal may be necessary if a tree is too close to your house. Below, these professionals share three potential risks of a tree that is situated nearby: 

• It Could Fall: Dead or damaged trees close to your house could pose a danger to your safety because they are prone to breakage. If a branch leans over the house, a severe storm could cause it to collapse onto the roof. If the entire tree should fall, it could be deadly. But even a fallen branch could permanently damage the house, resulting in thousands of dollars in repairs. Instead of anxiously awaiting the next storm, consider preventative tree removal. 
• It Could Attract Pests: Diseased and dead trees attract pests, such as termites and ants. If they are close to your house, these insects could move indoors. A professional arborist may be able to save a diseased tree, but if it’s dead, it must be removed immediately to prevent infestation. 
• The Roots Could Damage the House: Roots may also be an issue if they’re close to your septic system or house. Roots usually extend downward into the earth, but sometimes, they grow laterally. Roots grow continually in a search for moisture, so an old, established tree could have roots extending as far as 30 feet beyond its branches. If they grow into pipes or septic lines, it could cause them to clog or burst. If the roots grow beneath the house’s foundation, it could cause the soil to shift, moving the foundation with it. This can cause the foundation to crack, which costs several thousand dollars to repair. 

If you’re concerned a tree may be too close to your home, contact an arborist for an evaluation.  For Habersham County residents, McAllister Tree Service is the one-stop-shop for tree removal, pruning, and preservation services. Call (706) 778-7527 or visit their website to schedule an appointment with one of their experienced tree surgeons.