Knowing When Close is ‘Too Close’ for a Tree
The recent (almost spring) snowstorm packed a punch to New England. Our phones were busy with homeowners who had experienced downed trees on their property. A call from a panicked homeowner in Windham, NH really stood out. The reason? The tree had fallen directly across her roof. While the damage to the home itself was minimal, the homeowner had been badly shaken by the event. In fact so much so that she wanted us to give her an estimate for removing all of the large trees that were close to her home.
Understanding the Appropriate Distance for a Tree to Be Set from a Home
With the volatility of weather in New England, from snow and ice storms to rain and wind, trees too close or overhanging a home can be a big concern. The general rule of thumb is that large trees, up to 70 feet or more, should be at least twenty feet from the home, fifteen feet for medium trees and eight to ten feet for small trees.
Of course, when this Windham homeowner moved into her residence the tree was small and appropriately placed. Over time the tree has grown significantly to become too close to the home. Any time you plant a tree near your home, you will need to consider the tree’s potential growth over the years.
While there may not be much you can do about the trees already growing near your home, removing them all really is unnecessary, particularly with healthy trees. The key instead, as this Nashua homeowner learned, is to remain vigilant, watching the tree for signs of damage or hanging limbs. Then you can address these concerns if and when they arise.
