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Tree Too Close To House
in Columbia, SC
Bradford pear trees were planted all over Columbia neighborhoods in the late 1980s and 1990s because they were cheap and grew fast. Fast-growing trees planted close to a house become a problem in about 15 years. Between the branch contact with the roof, the roots working toward the slab, and the constant shade holding moisture against the siding, the tree does more damage than it is worth.
Quick Answer
A tree within 10 feet of your house is going to cause problems if it has not already. In Columbia, fast-growing trees like Bradford pears and Leyland cypresses planted in the 1990s are now pressing against soffits and gutters. Branches scrape shingles, roots lift the foundation, and the shade keeps the roof damp enough to grow moss. Removing a tree that is already that close is not complicated, but it takes care to protect the structure.
Telltale Signs
Warning Signs to Watch For
- Branches scraping or resting on the roof during any wind
- Gutters are full of leaves and debris from the adjacent tree year-round
- Moss or algae growing on the shaded side of the roof
- Siding or soffit showing moisture staining or rot where branches touch
- Visible roots running along the soil toward the foundation within a few feet
Root Causes
What Causes Tree Too Close To House?
Branch Contact Wearing Shingles
A branch sitting on or scraping across asphalt shingles knocks off the granules that protect the shingle surface. Columbia gets enough wind that even a branch that looks like it is just resting will move constantly, and after a few years that section of roof starts to leak.
The Fix
Tree Removal and Roof Inspection
We remove the tree and clear all the debris from the roof. You will want a roofer to look at the shingle surface after the tree is gone to see what wear has already occurred.
Continuous Shade Causing Moisture Damage
A Leyland cypress or large oak planted on the north side of a house in a neighborhood like Lake Murray or Irmo can keep that section of roof and siding in shade almost all day. In Columbia's humid summers, that shade means the moisture from morning dew and afternoon storms never fully dries, and mold and rot follow.
The Fix
Tree Removal
Removing the tree restores airflow and sunlight to the affected side of the house. The moss and algae will stop growing once the shade is gone.
Root Growth Under Foundation Edge
Any tree planted within 10 feet of a slab foundation in Columbia's clay soil will eventually send roots toward the moisture under the slab. Bradford pear roots are especially aggressive and can lift the edge of a slab within 20 years of planting.
The Fix
Tree Removal With Root Cutting
We remove the tree and cut the roots back to the foundation edge. A root barrier installed in the trench keeps future growth from other nearby plants from doing the same thing.
Self-Diagnosis
Which Cause Applies to You?
Check the signs you're observing to narrow down the likely root cause before your inspection.
| What You're Seeing | Branch Contact Wearing Shingles | Continuous Shade Causing Moisture Damage | Root Growth Under Foundation Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bare or shiny patches on shingles directly under where branches rest | |||
| Green or black moss growth on shaded roof surface | |||
| Concrete at the foundation edge is lifted or cracked near the tree | |||
| Soffit or fascia board rotting where branch contact has occurred | |||
| Siding showing dark moisture staining on the shaded side of the house |
Free Inspection
Get a Diagnosis in Columbia
An on-site inspection is the only way to confirm which cause applies to your property. Free, no obligation.
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