Why You Should Remove Trees Too Close to Your House

A tree near your home can look harmless, until it starts causing damage.

Trees add shade, privacy, and character to a property. But when they grow too close to the house, they can quickly become a safety risk and a costly maintenance problem. Branches can hang over the roof, roots can push into plumbing, and leaves can block gutters throughout the year.

At Harvey Tree Care, we help homeowners across Harvey, Yarloop, Benger, Brunswick, Waroona, Burekup and surrounding areas deal with trees that are growing too close to homes, sheds, fences, driveways, and other structures. Sometimes careful pruning is enough. Other times, professional tree removal is the safer long-term option.

Here’s what you need to know.

Why Trees Too Close to the House Become a Problem

A small tree planted near the home may not seem like an issue at first. But over time, the canopy spreads, roots expand, and the trunk grows thicker. What once looked neat and manageable can eventually become too close for comfort.

Trees near the house can cause problems with:

• Roofs and gutters
• Driveways and paving
• Plumbing and stormwater pipes
• Retaining walls and fences
• Foundations and building edges
• Sheds, patios, and outdoor structures

The longer the tree is left unmanaged, the harder and more expensive the problem can become.

Overhanging Branches Can Damage Roofs and Gutters

Branches hanging over the roof are one of the most common issues we see. Even if the tree is healthy, overhanging limbs can scrape roofing materials, drop leaves into gutters, and cause damage during strong winds.

Common problems include:

• Blocked gutters
• Broken roof tiles
• Scratched or damaged metal roofing
• Leaf litter building up in valleys
• Branches hitting the roof during storms
• Increased fire fuel close to the home

If branches are small and the tree is otherwise healthy, tree pruning services may be enough to manage the risk. But if large limbs are growing directly over the home, removal may be the safer option.

Roots Can Affect Plumbing, Paving, and Foundations

Tree roots naturally search for water and nutrients. Unfortunately, this often leads them towards pipes, drains, and damp soil close to homes.

Problem roots can:

• Crack or lift paving
• Damage driveways
• Invade plumbing or septic systems
• Push against retaining walls
• Create uneven ground
• Affect building edges and footings

Not every tree root will damage a house, but trees planted too close to structures create a higher risk. If roots are already causing damage, Harvey Tree Care can assess whether tree root removal, stump grinding, or full tree removal is the best solution.

Trees Can Increase Fire Risk Near the Home

In Western Australia, fire safety is an important part of property maintenance. Trees growing too close to homes can add fuel near structures, especially when they drop dry leaves, bark, twigs, or dead branches.

Risk increases when:

• Branches overhang the roof
• Deadwood builds up in the canopy
• Dry leaves collect near walls or gutters
• Shrubs and low branches create fuel ladders
• Trees sit close to sheds, fences, or timber structures

Smart pruning can reduce some fire risks, but a tree growing too close to the house may still be unsafe during extreme conditions. In some cases, removal creates a safer clearance zone around the home.

Moisture, Mould, and Leaf Build-Up

Large trees close to the house can block sunlight and airflow. This can leave shaded areas damp for longer, especially around walls, paving, and outdoor living areas.

Over time, this may contribute to:

• Mossy paths
• Slippery surfaces
• Mould on exterior walls
• Damp garden beds against the home
• More frequent gutter cleaning
• General yard mess from leaves, seeds, and bark

While these issues might seem minor at first, they add to ongoing maintenance and can make outdoor areas less usable.

When Pruning Is Enough

Not every tree close to the house needs to be removed. If the tree is healthy, well-structured, and not causing serious root damage, pruning may be the right option.

Pruning may be suitable when:

• Only smaller branches are overhanging the roof
• The tree has a strong structure
• Roots are not causing damage
• There is enough space for future growth
• The tree provides useful shade or privacy
• The risk can be managed with regular maintenance

Professional arborists can thin, shape, and reduce the canopy without putting unnecessary stress on the tree.

When Tree Removal Is the Better Option

Tree removal may be recommended when the tree is too close to the home and cannot be safely managed through pruning alone.

Removal may be the safer option if:

• Large limbs overhang the roof
• Roots are damaging pipes, paving, or foundations
• The trunk is growing too close to a structure
• The tree is leaning towards the house
• The tree is diseased, dead, or unstable
• The species is unsuitable for the location
• Ongoing pruning would only be a temporary fix

A professional tree removal service ensures the tree is dismantled safely and removed without damaging nearby structures.

Why You Should Avoid DIY Removal Near a House

Removing a tree close to a home is not a DIY job. Even smaller trees can behave unpredictably once cutting begins. Branches can swing, trunks can shift, and roots may affect stability.

DIY removal can lead to:

• Roof or gutter damage
• Broken fences or windows
• Injury from falling limbs
• Damage to nearby services
• Incomplete stump and root removal
• More expensive cleanup later

Arborists use proper equipment, rigging, and safe cutting methods to control each part of the removal.

What Happens After the Tree Is Removed?

Once the tree is removed, you may also need stump grinding or root removal depending on how you plan to use the area.

Stump grinding helps:

• Prevent regrowth
• Remove trip hazards
• Clear space for landscaping
• Reduce pest risk
• Improve the appearance of the yard

If roots have damaged paving or plumbing, extra root removal may also be required. Harvey Tree Care can advise on the best approach during the site assessment.

Local Tree Removal and Pruning Experts

If you have a tree growing too close to your house, it’s worth getting professional advice before the problem gets worse. Harvey Tree Care provides safe, reliable tree removal, tree pruning services, stump grinding, and tree root removal across Harvey, Yarloop, Benger, Brunswick, Waroona, Burekup and nearby areas.

Our arborists can assess the tree, explain your options, and recommend the safest way to protect your home and property.

Contact Harvey Tree Care today for a free quote and expert advice on trees growing too close to your home.