If you’re a homeowner, and considering planting trees near your property but unsure on the risks then this blog is especially for you.
Naturally, you’ll want to do everything possible to enhance your property’s value and general appearance. Planting trees is one of the simplest, most cost-effective, and most environmentally friendly ways of doing this – but it can come with risks if not done right. In this article, we’ll take a look at everything you need to consider when planting trees near your property/house Trees go a long way to enhancing your property.
Trees do a whole of things: they provide shade, create a welcoming natural environment, foster biodiversity, and improve air quality. That’s all before mentioning the simple fact that – when kept healthy – they just look great outside your house.
But before breaking ground and planting rows of the nearest available trees outside your property, there are some risks to be aware of, as well as considerations about the best species to plant and the soil type you’re working with within your property.
At About Trees, our tree care specialists have dealt with homeowners who have transformed their gardens into tree-filled nature havens – and others who have called upon us because their tree-planting efforts caused them problems they hadn’t previously foreseen.
Let’s take a look at the risks and considerations you’ll need to keep in mind when planting trees near your property:
The key risks of planting trees near home
While we don’t need to stress again the benefits of planting trees near your home, planting them too close can pose several dangers.
Root damage
Plenty goes on beneath the surface of your trees – and some of it can harm your property’s foundations.
Tree roots can cause structural damage to your home, your footpaths, and your underground plumbing. This is because roots tend to seek moisture and nutrients.
In doing so, they can invade sewer lines or cause upheaval in foundation work. Proximity to buildings should be carefully measured – and if in any doubt, you should immediately contact us for advice.
Overhanging branches
You’ll no doubt have seen haunted house films with unruly tree branches scraping along window panes – but it’s important to be aware that trees planted too close to a property come with their own horror stories…
Overhanging branches can damage roofs, gutters, and façades during storms or high winds, while fallen branches can also pose safety risks to people.
Maintenance burdens
Following on from the overhanging branches consideration, homeowners should be aware that trees will require maintenance – and if they’re planted too close to a property, then that maintenance can quickly become a burden.
Trees planted too close to a homeowner’s property will require frequent trimming or pruning, while trees planted too close to a neighbouring house require plenty of maintenance and could even require tree cutting if they impinge on a neighbour’s land.
The importance of soil type
Trees need good soil for a range of essentials, including air, minerals, nutrients, anchorage, and – importantly – water absorption.
Before you decide on the positioning and the species of tree to plant on your property, it’s vital to assess your soil type. As a Kent based tree specialist, we know that the soil in this region varies, meaning that certain trees might achieve stronger growth in certain soils.
If your property has clay soil, you should be aware that this type drains poorly, leading to problematic root growth for many tree species. Meanwhile, sandy loam (also found in abundance in Kent) offers opportunities for a variety of species to grow well.
A soil test, carried out by a tree care specialist, can provide insights into pH levels and nutrient concentration, which is crucial for understanding the soil and choosing the suitable tree species.
Choosing the right species for your property
To ensure ideal growth and longevity for the trees surrounding your property, getting the species right is important. Here are several tree species to consider if you live on a property based in Kent:
Silver Birch (Betula pendula)
Silver birch trees are great because they thrive in various soil types and are relatively low maintenance. They can also improve biodiversity in the area surrounding your property, as they attract birds.
Yew (Taxus baccata)
Yew trees are aesthetically pleasing and well-known for their longevity. This is an ideal tree choice for your property, providing the planting area you’re working with isn’t overly wet (as it will start to yellow in this type of soil).
Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)
Rowan trees are known for performing well in poor and rocky soils, meaning they will be well-suited for a whole range of properties. They will also attract plenty of wildlife to your garden!
Optimum planting time of the year
It’ll no doubt make sense that timing is as crucial for growing healthy trees as choosing the suitable species and getting the right soil conditions.
Spring is the best time to plant trees, with warmer, rising temperatures and increased soil moisture. Planting in early spring can ensure that root systems are established before summer (although if you plant too early, your young trees might be affected by a later winter frost – we don’t need to stress that British winters can be unpredictable!)
Later summer/autumn can be a good time for planting trees if you’re in a region with milder winters.
At this time of year, soil conditions will be ideal, and tree roots will be well-equipped to absorb moisture and nutrients by the time the growing season officially begins.
Again, we must stress that planting should occur well before winter, or your tree roots will be frozen before they get a chance to grow.
In conclusion
If you’re considering planting trees near your property, it’s always worth taking onboard the above considerations.
If you are in any doubt about the right choice of species – or whether there are any risks to your choice – please contact the team at About Trees as we are Kent’s tree care specialist.