Should I Remove a Tree That’s Close to My House?

Short answer: Not necessarily. A healthy tree near the house can often be kept with the right trimming. Removal makes sense if it’s dead, leaning toward the house, damaging the foundation or roof, or has serious structural problems.

When a Trim Is Enough

• Branches over the roof or touching the siding. See branches over the roof.
• A heavy crown that catches wind. See crown thinning.
• A few dead limbs. See deadwood removal.

When Removal Makes Sense

• The tree is dead or dying.
• It’s leaning toward the house and the lean is new or worsening.
• The trunk is split, hollow or rotting.
• Roots are clearly damaging the foundation or pipes.
• It’s a species that doesn’t suit the spot and will only keep getting bigger.

Honest Advice, Your Call

A mature tree adds shade and value to a home, so we don’t recommend taking one down unless there’s a good reason. We’ll look at it with you, tell you straight what we see, and then it’s your decision.

If It Does Come Down

Trees next to houses are taken down in small sections and lowered carefully, away from the roof, windows and eaves.