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​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.