Unpruned trees pose a significant risk to properties, particularly when branches grow unchecked. Over time, long or heavy branches can snap under the weight of wind, storms, or even their own weight, causing substantial damage.

●       Roof Damage: Overhanging branches are a common cause of roof damage. If branches break and fall, they can puncture roofing materials, leading to leaks or structural damage.

●       Car Damage: Vehicles parked beneath trees are often victims of falling branches. In severe cases, the impact can total a car, leaving homeowners facing costly repairs or insurance claims.

●       Power Lines: Unpruned trees near power lines present a serious safety hazard. Falling branches can disrupt the electrical grid, causing power outages or, worse, sparking fires. Utility companies may hold homeowners accountable for damage caused by neglected trees.

Trees, like any other living organism, require care to remain healthy. When left unattended, trees can become diseased, structurally unsound, or even die. Removing and replacing a mature tree can be expensive, and it’s a cost that could have been avoided with proper maintenance.

●       Disease Spread: Diseased or decaying trees are a common result of neglect. These issues often go unnoticed until it’s too late when the only solution is removal. Worse, an infected tree can spread disease to other trees on the property, escalating the problem.

●       Structural Weakness: Neglected trees often suffer from weakened structures. This makes them prone to falling during storms or high winds, posing significant safety risks. In these cases, immediate removal is necessary to avoid accidents or further damage.

●       Replanting Costs: Replacing a mature tree is not just a matter of cutting down the old and planting the new. The costs of tree removal, stump grinding, and replanting can add up. Moreover, a mature tree provides shade and beauty that will take years to replicate with a new sapling.

When trees are allowed to grow unchecked, they can have a detrimental effect on the surrounding landscape. Overgrown trees not only monopolize sunlight and soil nutrients, but their roots can also encroach on lawns and other plants, leading to significant landscape damage.

●       Sunlight Blockage: Overgrown trees with large, dense canopies block sunlight from reaching lawns and other plants. Without adequate sunlight, grass and garden plants struggle to thrive, resulting in thinning lawns and stunted plant growth.

●       Root Encroachment: The roots of large trees can spread far and wide, often extending beyond their intended space. These roots can disrupt the growth of other plants, damage pathways, and even interfere with lawn irrigation systems.

●       Soil Nutrient Competition: Trees with extensive root systems absorb the majority of the soil’s nutrients, leaving little for the surrounding grass and plants. This nutrient competition results in poor soil quality, which can further deteriorate the overall health of the lawn and garden.

One of the most serious hidden costs of tree neglect is legal liability. Trees that are not properly maintained can become a legal nightmare, especially when they cause damage to neighboring properties.

●       Property Damage Claims: If an unpruned branch or fallen tree damages a neighbor’s property, the homeowner may be held liable. This could result in costly repairs or an increase in insurance premiums.

●       Personal Injury: If a neighbor or passerby is injured by a falling branch or unstable tree, the homeowner could face a lawsuit for medical expenses and damages. Personal injury claims can be even more financially devastating than property damage claims.

●       Insurance Complications: Neglecting tree maintenance may also lead to complications with insurance. Some policies may not cover damages caused by homeowner negligence, leaving homeowners to cover the full cost of repairs or lawsuits.

Neglected trees can become a haven for pests, further driving up costs for homeowners. Unhealthy or dead trees are particularly susceptible to infestations, which can quickly spread to other areas of the property, leading to costly pest control services and damage repairs.

●       Termites and Carpenter Ants: Dead or decaying trees provide the perfect environment for termites and carpenter ants, which can eventually spread to the home and cause significant structural damage.

●       Rodents and Wildlife: Overgrown trees can attract rodents, such as squirrels and rats, who use the dense branches as a home. These pests may find their way into the home, leading to further damage and health risks.

●       Insects: Dead trees attract various insects, such as beetles, that can damage the surrounding landscape and even lead to larger infestations if not addressed promptly.