Why You Should Keep Trees and Plants Trimmed Away from Your Home
Lush landscaping can boost curb appeal—but when trees and bushes start creeping too close to your house, they can cause more harm than good. At Brick by Brick Home Inspection, we routinely spot issues during inspections caused by overgrown vegetation.
Keeping trees, shrubs, and vines properly trimmed isn’t just about appearances—it's about protecting your home’s structure, roof, and foundation.
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What Happens When Trees and Plants Get Too Close?
1. Roof and Gutter Damage
Overhanging branches can rub against your roof, wearing down shingles and leading to leaks.
Falling leaves, twigs, and seeds can clog your gutters and downspouts, causing water to back up and damage fascia boards and siding.
2. Pest Highways
Branches that touch the roof or siding act as a bridge for pests like squirrels, raccoons, and ants to enter your attic or crawlspace.
Dense bushes near your foundation can hide termite activity or give rodents a place to nest.
3. Moisture and Mold Issues
When plants crowd too closely to exterior walls, they prevent sunlight and air from drying moisture after rain. Constant dampness can lead to mold, mildew, and rot—especially around wood siding or basement windows.
4. Foundation Trouble
Tree roots can extend far and wide underground. Large trees planted too close to your house may interfere with the foundation, causing cracking or shifting over time. I've personally seen this many times, and what could have been a simple fix years ago is now costly and complicated.
Recommended Clearance Guidelines
To protect your home, we recommend keeping:
Tree branches at least 6 to 10 feet away from the roof
Shrubs and bushes trimmed at least 1 to 2 feet away from siding
Vines and climbing plants completely off the structure—these can trap moisture and damage mortar, wood, or vinyl siding
What We See as Inspectors
During inspections, we commonly find:
* Roof damage from scraping limbs
* Pest entry points around soffits and vents
* Damp siding or mold growth hidden behind hedges
* Gutter systems completely blocked by leaves and branches
* Tree roots contributing to driveway or foundation cracking
These issues are often preventable with a little landscaping maintenance.
Protect Your Home—Brick by Brick
At Brick by Brick Home Inspection, our job is to look beyond the obvious and identify risks to your home—many of which start right outside. Whether you're buying a new home or just taking care of the one you have, proper tree and plant trimming is a simple but powerful way to prevent damage.
At Brick by Brick Home Inspection, we provide:
Year-round home inspections for Fort Wayne and the surrounding areas
Straightforward digital reports with recommendations
A 100 day protection plan for peace of mind
Schedule your inspection today ===> (707)527-2277 or brickbybrickfw.com
