Improving Your Home’s Curb Appeal

3 Problems with Not Trimming Overgrown Shade Trees Next to Your House

If you have shade trees such as red or white maples growing next to your house, you may allow the branches to overgrow so that they provide extra shade for your home to keep it cooler. However, if you do not keep the branches trimmed back and away from your house, there are some problems that may arise.

1. Gutters Become Clogged Faster

Your gutters are an integral part of your home's structure. They collect the rainwater that washes down off of your roof and directs it away from your home, which helps keep the water from damaging your siding and foundation, as well as preventing leaks into your foundation and basement.

However, if you have trees growing over the gutters, the leaves, seed pods, and sticks will accumulate in your gutters and clog them up faster. The rainwater will overflow, and you will wind up having to clean the gutters out more often to prevent water damage.

2. Potential Damage During Storms

Another problem with trees with overgrown branches next to your house is the potential for damage during storms. If a storm brings with it high winds, heavy snow, or ice, the branches on the trees may bump into your roof or siding. This could then make shingles or pieces of siding come loose and fall off.

Or, the branches may fall off and cause severe damage to your roof, making it necessary to have it repaired. There is also the potential of bodily harm to you or a loved one if the branch were to fall at the wrong moment when someone is standing underneath the tree.

3. Higher Risk of Pests in Your House

Overgrown trees next to your house may not only cause structural damage. They can also provide a superhighway that all sorts of pests can use as a means to get into your house. If rats or mice are in your area, they may decide to climb the tree, crawl on your house, and find openings through which they can enter. The same goes for insects, such as ants, termites, or even roaches. Keeping the branches trimmed and leaving a space between them and your house will cut off the pests' potential pathways.

Especially if the trees are large, you do not need to have the branches and leaves growing over and touching your house to get extra shade. Contact a tree trimming service so that they can trim and control your unruly tree branches, helping you to prevent the above problems from occurring. 


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