Landscaping is one aspect to a home that can make or break a real estate deal. If you were asked to choose between two identical houses, with the only difference being that one had a lush yard with trees and decorative flowers, which would you pick? Most people would go with the latter house.
However aesthetically pleasing trees may be, most homeowners don’t properly care for the ones they may have on their property. There is much more to ensuring that a tree remains healthy and structurally solid than giving it water on a regular basis. It needs to be pruned to promote growth and monitored for insect infestation as well as any diseases it may be susceptible to. If a tree falls ill, it should be removed hastily as it can prove hazardous. In most instances, the total tree removal cost doesn’t exceed a few hundred dollars.
Most people learn the hard way that they should have done a better job caring for the oak or maple tree in their yard. Usually, an unexpected storm blows through their area bringing with it some strong winds. The end result is damaged personal property caused by a collapsed tree limb or similar. If the tree caused damage to your neighbor’s property, you could be held liable if it is found that you neglected it. It is well worth paying the cost of tree removal at the first sign of problems than putting it off to end up in a court room battling it out. You can always avoid the cost of tree stump grinding and similar services offered at an additional price by renting the equipment to do it yourself.
Regardless, there are some steps you can take to mitigate the possibility of any problems with the trees that surround your home. First off, trim any branches that extend too far out for comfort. These may be hovering over your roof or your neighbor’s property, ready to wreak havoc if the right conditions are present. Have an arborist come inspect the tree on a regular basis and personally take note of any change in the color or texture of the leaves and bark. Discoloration may indicate that certain insects have already begun to extract nutrients from the tree.
Remember that you might also encounter problems underground. A tree’s roots have a nasty way of locating sewer lines and invading them through open joints. This can not only cause blockages, but can damage the pipe in its entirety if it is made out of clay or some other fragile material. If you have an older home, root growth can even interfere with your foundation. Arborists are equipped with the specialized equipment needed to cut back roots that may be causing problems. Treating the issue manually can be a torturous experience and is thus not recommended. Please consult with a professional before cutting random segments of a tree’s roots, as it might respond adversely.
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