Trees located near homes, buildings, and power lines should be carefully maintained on a routine basis. If you have trees in these positions, it’s important to consult with the certified arborist at Westcoast Tree Care for the best course of action whether it’s trimming or a complete tree removal.
Trees & Buildings
Trees can grow very large and develop extensive root systems. The roots of a tree are essential for its overall growth by delivering important nutrients from the ground that allow it to grow and blossom. Even an average sized tree will develop a large root system that penetrates the ground both vertically and horizontally. Without a healthy root system, a tree would be unable to stand upright, especially during a strong storm. Even more, top-heavy trees need stronger, larger roots to help them balance and keep them from falling over due to their excessive weight.
Unfortunately, however, the roots of a tree can grow beneath walls and buildings. When this happens they can disrupt the ground and cause unwanted property damage. Furthermore, limbs and branches can grow to where they touch or rub against nearby buildings and power lines. This can present additional property damage and serious safety hazards if left ignored. That’s why it’s important to plant trees away from buildings and power lines while taking into consideration their future growth. While a tree may seem harmless enough when it’s a young sapling, it will grow. That’s why you should always understand how big a certain species may get when it is fully mature.
Maintaining Trees Located Near Buildings
Tree removal should never be taken lightly. It can be an extremely dangerous and hazardous job that requires the skills of a trained professional. Below are some tips to help minimize any damage from occurring if a tree is located near your home or power lines.
Tree Pruning
Pruning a tree can help keep it balanced and upright while preventing limbs and branches from rubbing or falling onto nearby structures. Never allow a tree located near a building or power lines to get out of hand. Not only can they encroach on your property, but it can also cause roof and structural damage that can be costly to repair. Even more, removing a tree near power line sis especially complicated. If you, the tree or the equipment you are using touches a power line you run the risk of electrocution and death. That’s why certified arborists always assume a power line is active and exercise the utmost caution.
Root Evaluation
It’s important to have the root system of a tree located near your home or other nearby structures evaluated by a certified arborist. Only a tree care professional will be able to advise you with the best course of action needed for invasive tree roots. Never attempt to cut back the roots of a tree to prevent it from damaging nearby walls or buildings. This can place an enormous strain on a tree causing it to become lopsided or even fall over. Even more, a weakened root system due to cutting can make it vulnerable to disease and insect infestation which, in turn, can lead to the overall failure and eventual death of a tree.
Tree Removal
Tree removal is usually a last resort option. However, certain circumstances can warrant the removal of a tree located near a building or power lines. Only a certified arborist can provide you with a qualified tree risk assessment before deciding whether or not a tree needs to be removed. They also have the skills and equipment to safely and efficiently remove a tree.
Tree removal may be necessary if:
- A tree is dead, diseased or dying.
- There is crowding or harming of other nearby trees.
- A tree has been deemed hazardous by a certified arborist.
- A tree needs to be replaced by a more suitable specimen.
- There are hazardous conditions that are impossible to mitigate.
- A tree is located improperly near a homes or nearby power lines.
Portland Tree Care
If you have questions or concerns about any trees on your property that are located near your home or power lines, contact Westcoast Tree Care at 1.800.767.8733. Our certified arborist is a professional tree care expert that will provide you with the best course of action along with a no-cost, no-obligation quote. We have the training and experience to keep your home, family, and property safe.
