Generally, trees should be about 15 feet away from a house. Some large species need a little more space, while smaller ones may be a little closer. How far should trees be from your house? As a general rule, trees should be planted at a distance of 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters) from your home. However, the final measurement depends on a number of factors, such as whether the tree is damaged or has shallow roots.
The height of a tree can also help you determine how far from your home the tree should be planted. Large trees, those that reach heights of 70 feet or more, should be planted at least 20 feet from your home. Medium-sized trees, those that grow up to 70 feet tall, should be planted at least 15 feet from your home. Finally, small trees that grow no more than 30 feet should be planted at least eight to ten feet from your home.
If your tree was in good health and fell across property boundaries in your neighbor's house during a storm, then your neighbor's homeowners insurance should be able to assess and cover the damage. Trees can be a valuable asset to your property's value when planted at a safe distance and maintained properly. We have served the Portland metropolitan area and all surrounding communities since 2000, with more than 30 years of experience in residential and commercial tree care. After all, a tree should improve the landscaping of a house and, ideally, increase the property value of your home.
In the event that a medium-sized tree that is too close to your home has caused damage or fell to the roof, most homeowners insurance policies will help you pay the costs of repairs and removal of trees. In addition to considering the height of a tree and its extent, you will also want to consider the root system of a tree. A mature tree can also damage lawns, foundations, or driveways when its root system expands in search of water and nutrients. You need to consider the size of the tree at maturity when deciding where to plant a tree in your garden.
Talk to your local officials and neighbor to discuss possible solutions and preserve the health of the tree. Therefore, it is important that you contact a certified arborist to evaluate the health of your tree frequently. Unfortunately, if your tree was sick or dying, then it will be your responsibility to deal with the incident together with the help of your insurance company. If you want to plant a new tree in your garden, remember to consider the total width and height that the tree will reach when fully grown.
If a third or more of the trunk of the tree is hollow inside, it will be necessary to remove it as a precaution.