Trees are obviously of benefit to the environment.
They take in carbon dioxide and give out oxygen, so it is great to have lots of trees around.
It is important to know though is how to position trees around your property, and to be aware of what can go wrong – especially in these wet, windy months.
Keeping the distance
When trees are located too close to the house, branches often grow out over your roof. This results in leaf and tree matter dropping on your roof and collecting in your gutters and can cause blockages and prevent proper draining. This results in leaking gutters, water pooling in certain places and can lead to damaged walls or ceilings. A bit of a problem in the winter months! These over hanging branches can be a great source of fire wood.
Little neighbours
Moisture build up around the gutter also provides a nice little environment for termites, so best to keep the gutters clear. You also need to keep an eye out for old stumps and dead trees around your property – prime real estate for termites, especially when the weather is wet! The little critters have been known to travel up to 50 metres to find food, so making your property less attractive for them by taking a stroll around the yard and getting rid of any potential trouble spots is important in keeping them out of your home.
