How to Tell If Your Tree Is Planted in the Wrong Place

When planted wisely, trees can provide your garden with a whole host of benefits. They offer shade for those hot summer days, create a relaxing atmosphere, help you reduce your energy bills, and even increase the value of your home by as much as 20%. Unfortunately, if you plant your tree without carefully considering its future and its surroundings, you may discover too late that you planted it in the wrong location. 

According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), between 3 and 6 billion trees are felled globally each year. With statistics like that, it makes you think twice about adding yet another tree to that list. However, a tree planted in the wrong spot can cause untold damage and chaos unless it is removed in a timely and professional manner. 

Power Lines

If there are power lines nearby and your tree has yet to reach full maturity, check that there is enough space to accommodate your tree and the power lines otherwise your tree may become a dangerous hazard. 

Suffering Garden

If, while lovingly creating your garden you miscalculated and planted your tree where it shades out your lawn, plants and shrubs, you will either have to get extremely creative with a redesign, or remove your tree before it grows any further. 

Neighbors Affected 

If your tree's branches or roots are intruding on your neighbor's property, causing damage to their home and garden, you might find your tree becomes the subject of a conflict that never ends. If, however, your neighbors don't mind the tree you might be able to seek another solution, such as pruning. 

Surrounding Area at Risk

Once or twice yearly, check your tree. Sometimes, poorly located trees can become hazardous to passersby and vehicles, when their branches grow into the street. As trees mature, they can even buckle nearby fences and pavements. In more severe cases trees can cause catastrophic damage if too closely situated to a house. 

Roots Causing Havoc

Certain tree species, such as Poplars, Silver Maples, and Willows have aggressive root systems that can damage underground utility lines if improperly placed. Some gardens are just too small to accommodate the root systems of these trees. 

While it can be disheartening to see a tree you have grown fond of cut down, there is often no other alternative. Before taking action, however, check with your local council to see what their Tree Preservation Orders (TPO) are, as many trees are protected and you could face a huge fine if you breach your council's TPO. 

For more information, talk to a professional tree remover.