SAve, BEautify and Love Your Trees: Tree CAre Tips

In the right location, a healthy tree can add to the value of your home. However, trees do require maintenance as they are constantly growing. If left to their own devices and not trimmed each season in order to control and limit their growth, some tree species may offer you more than just shade, cool air, and fruit. Sometimes, they might bring unwanted guests.

Possums

If you don't grow veggies or fruit in your garden, then possums probably don't pose much of a threat to your peace of mind. However, because possum habitats are in constant decline across Australia due to tree-felling and competition with other animals for the few remaining tree hollows, your roof space may provide an alternative nesting site.

Mature trees with canopies close to the roof of your home may provide a roaming possum family with access to your roof. Once they set up a nest in your roof, removing them will prove difficult. Not only will they be using your roof space as a nest, however, it will also serve as their toilet.

Rats and Mice

Like possums, rats and mice can gain entry to your home via tree branches. However, unlike possums, smaller rodents may also find their way into the rest of your home leaving droppings and raiding food wherever they go.

Stinging Insects

Australia is home to hundreds of wasp species, many of which build their papery nests up in the high branches of mature trees. Naturally, a wasp nest close to your home is dangerous to you and your family, as these aggressive stinging insects might fly into your home through open windows and cause havoc.

You can remove the wasp nest but there will always be a chance that another wasp nest could be established in the future.

Tree Branches are also a Risk to Your Roof

As well as the threat from rodents and insects, your roof is also at risk of damage. During storms, branches that might have seemed safe may be swept across your roof by gales, tearing shingles loose and ripping gaping hole. Falling branches are also a risk when trees are too close to your home.

Evaluate the trees in your yard and decide whether or not they may pose a threat to your home and its occupants. You'll have a better idea of the risks if you know the area and the climate well. If you have just bought a house with a tree in close proximity to your home your best option will be to call a tree removal company who can evaluate the risk and remove the tree if necessary.