​This is a question a lot of homeowners may wonder about, especially if there are trees located very close to their homes. While there are several factors that would determine this, such as the type of tree, as well as its age and condition, we are going to talk about some of the damage a tree could potentially do to your home.
 
Tree roots can do a lot of damage to a home’s foundation if they grow large enough.  For example, they may make their way underneath the foundations of the house and cause them to lift. If there are cracks that already exist in the foundations, roots will also likely make their way into those cracks.
 
What damage can a tree do above the ground? There is the risk of large branches or tree limbs falling which could do a lot of damage to the roof of the home. They could even take out power and communication lines. Worse still, a falling tree limb or large branch could put a person at a serious risk of injury.
 
A build-up of leaves and branches can also quickly clog gutters. If they are not unblocked quickly enough, you may start to see bigger problems such as water intrusion.
 
Another possible result of a tree in close proximity to the home is an increase in pests. A tree can create easy access to many areas of the home, giving insects and rodents multiple ways to enter. Also, if a fire were to break out in one room, a tree can also aid the spread of that fire to other areas of the home.
 
If you are worried about a tree on your property putting your home at risk, you may find it helpful to ask your home inspector for advice.

​With everyone spending a lot of time at home at the moment, perhaps we are using the opportunity to do some jobs that need doing around the house.  With the warmer months on their way, it may be a good time to give your home central air conditioning system a spring clean.  Here are a few tips:
 
No doubt, during a long winter, all kinds of dirt and debris have accumulated around the outside a/c unit.
After you have cleared away any leaves, branches and spider webs, etc. take off the cover of the unit, this will also need a clean and any accumulated debris will need removing as well.  Inside the unit there are hundreds of fins made of metal that surround coils of piping, these fins tend to bend easily.  If you notice this you can use a tool called a fin comb to straighten them out again.  Although it’s a good idea to oil the motor, you may want to take a look at the operating manual first to be sure you use the right kind of oil.
 
For an air conditioning unit to work efficiently, condensed water needs to be able to drain from it.
Check that the attached drainage lines are in good shape and have not become clogged up, and check that they are securely fixed to the unit.
 
The condition of the a/c units’ filters will greatly affect the quality of air inside the home.  Inspect all filters and give them a thorough cleaning or, if they look too bad, replace them altogether.  Dirty air filters will also put a strain on the units’ motor.
 
While it’s a good idea to have your air conditioning system serviced every year by a professional, giving it a good clean will help to maintain it in good working order.