There are so many benefits provided by thriving, older trees in your yard. They’re beautiful all year round; they provide shade in the summer, reducing your energy bills; they add to the value and curb appeal of your home; they provide homes for birds and beneficial insects that are vital to our ecosystem. But there can come a time when a tree is so big that it becomes a hazard or a headache. What kinds of problems can large, older trees cause? How can you know when it’s time to address these issues with a tree service professional? And what are your options when it’s time to do so?
Root Growth
However large the canopy of your tree is, the root ball that has grown underground can be almost as large — or larger. The general rule is that for every inch of the diameter of your tree’s trunk, you should estimate that the tree has 10-12 inches of root ball. When you start to do the math on this, it can be pretty intimidating. But it’s important to keep this measurement in mind when you’re considering large, older trees in your yard — is that big tree in your yard starting to encroach on your home’s foundation, or will it soon start to undermine your driveway? It’s important to keep this in mind when considering larger trees.
Trigonometry and Your Roof
Who says you don’t need math? Using basic trigonometry (or having your local tree service do it for you) you can figure out pretty easily whether a tree in your yard is at risk of hitting your house if it falls. It’s important to know whether a big, old tree would land on your roof or be a near miss if the worst should happen.
Power Lines
If your large, older tree has started to interfere with power lines, or has the potential to fall on power lines during a storm, you need to seriously consider the safety of the tree and the people around it. (In many cases you may be legally obliged to remove the tree or at least have it trimmed back to the point that it is well clear of any power lines.)
Overhanging Public Property
You also need to consider the safety of pedestrians and drivers who are in the vicinity of your tree. If your tree has expanded to overhang public walkways or roads, you need to think about what should happen if your tree, or a heavy limb, should unexpectedly fall. As with the power lines, you may have an obligation to trim your tree to keep it away from public areas and sightlines along roadways.
Nowhere for Grass to Grow
Although the leaves of large, older trees provide fantastic shade and cooling, they also block sunlight from reaching the ground, and can prevent grass from growing underneath them. This may be a small inconvenience that you don’t mind, but for some people, the impact on their lawn may be problematic.
Maintenance Issues
Large trees that grow anywhere in the vicinity of your house, and therefore your roof, can also be a maintenance headache. From endless raking in the fall, to worry about branches falling on your roof, to massive gutter cleaning projects, large trees that grow very close to your home can necessitate extra exterior home maintenance in addition to worries.
As a professional Cincinnati tree service, it’s always our goal to preserve trees when possible, especially stately older trees that grace our beautiful city. But that isn’t always possible. If you need help with a tree removal, tree pruning, or just a professional opinion on the best course of action for your older Cincinnati tree, give us a call. We’re happy to help.
