Trees around a house

[Samantha Klein]

Hey BP, 

Just wondering what your opinions are about trees that are allowed to grow over or around the house, I have been going on a daily walk around different neighborhoods checking out houses and I've been seeing many places that the owners have trees next to their house and their gutters are packed full of leaves, ect plus some of the house, the trees block half the house from view. Is there a benefit to having a tree(s) by your house? My primary has no trees near and my gutters are always nice and clean and I like not having to maintain the gutters, plus I like being able to see a house in it's entirety, what does everyone think?

[Brian K.]

A well placed and cared for tree I think can add value, such as shade, windbreak and curb appeal for a homeowner. On the other hand certain trees can really be a nuisance. Roots can damage things underground, limbs can hang over roofs causing damage by rubbing. Branches breaking after high winds littering the yard.  Between the over grown bushes and trees the house can be completely hidden from the street.

I've seen trees literally growing along the garage wall so tight that a notch in the roof was put in for space. Also, in a window well of a house a tree was growing that had been growing for about 8-10 yrs.

Keep an eye on the unkept yards for leads.