Trees add beauty Kyle Theobald to your home and landscape, but if they’re too close, they can cause serious problems. The roots can damage your foundation or the branches could fall and break if they get too heavy during storms. Trimming trees back from the house is an essential maintenance step that’s often overlooked.

Depending on the size of the tree and its root system, you can have a range of 10 to 30 feet between any tree or large bushes and the foundation of your home. This helps to keep the roots from extending into your home, which can result in moisture and mold issues and prevent the root systems from damaging utility lines.

Beyond Aesthetics: Why and How to Trim Trees Back from Your House

A professional arborist or tree specialist can help you determine the safe distance from your house. They can also provide you with tips on how to safely and properly trim the limbs of the trees around your home.

While it’s possible to trim the limbs of some trees on your own, you should always work with a partner to avoid falling off of the ladder or losing your balance. This will keep you both safer and make the task more enjoyable.

Start by removing any dead or diseased branches. This is an important first step because it helps to ensure the health of the rest of the tree and prevents fungi from spreading. It’s also a good idea to remove suckers, which are weak, weedy looking growths near the base of the trunk. These never grow into desirable branches and steal energy from the main part of the tree.