When Trees and Homes Get Too Close

How to Keep the Peace Between Roots, Roofs, and Real Estate

In neighborhoods across the Dallas–Fort Worth area, trees are more than landscape features — they’re living assets. They shade our homes, add beauty, clean the air, and increase property value. But when trees grow too close to structures, the line between benefit and risk becomes thinner than most homeowners realize.

This isn’t a fear-based warning. It’s a practical guide for homeowners who want to enjoy the value of mature trees while avoiding the costly consequences of poor placement, unmanaged growth, or hidden structural conflicts.

Let’s take a look at how trees and houses can safely coexist — and when it’s time to consult a certified arborist.

Why “Too Close” Happens So Often

It’s not always bad planning. Sometimes trees are planted when a home is new, and decades later the tree simply outgrows its space. Other times, trees self-seed or grow toward structures in search of light and water.

In newer DFW subdivisions, we often see trees planted too close to driveways, fences, and homes — especially fast-growing species like Bradford pears or red oaks. While they look great when young, their mature size can exceed the space available.

As arborists, we don’t jump to removal. In fact, most of the time, trees and structures can still live in harmony — if you understand where the pressure points are.

1. Trees and Foundations: Understanding the Root Problem

One of the most common concerns we hear from homeowners is:
"Are the roots going to crack my foundation?"

The answer depends on several factors — including soil type, tree species, proximity to the home, and how well the tree has been maintained.

In North Texas, expansive clay soil is a major variable. When it dries, it contracts; when it’s wet, it swells. Tree roots can influence this by changing the moisture balance. In some cases, this contributes to uneven soil movement beneath a slab foundation.

That doesn’t mean every tree near your home is a danger — but it does mean placement and root behavior matter. Trees planted within 10–15 feet of a home, especially larger canopy species, should be evaluated by a certified arborist before foundation symptoms appear.

2. Branches Over Rooflines: More Than Just a Clean-Up Issue

Branches that extend over your roof do more than drop leaves. With enough wind or weight, they can damage shingles, gutters, and even siding. Animals also use these overhangs as bridges into attics, where they chew wires, nest in insulation, and invite further infestation.

The key to coexisting with overhanging limbs is smart pruning. Not all limbs need to go — and improper cuts can actually create more problems. That’s why pruning should always follow the ANSI A300 standards, which prioritize tree health and structural safety.

3. How Close Is Too Close?

There’s no one-size-fits-all rule, but here are some general guidelines arborists use:

• Small trees (under 30 ft tall): at least 10 feet from structures

• Medium trees (30–60 ft tall): 15–20 feet

• Large trees (over 60 ft tall): 20+ feet

• Trees near driveways or sidewalks: roots should be considered in grading and spacing

Keep in mind, these numbers are for planting. If a mature tree is already in place, an arborist will assess it based on root spread, lean, canopy weight, species characteristics, and site conditions.

4. Trees and Drainage: A Subtle but Serious Issue

Trees can impact how water drains around your home. Roots may displace soil or even raise the grade slightly, pushing water toward the foundation. Other times, compacted soil beneath a canopy causes runoff to pool instead of absorbing.

We’ve helped homeowners in Keller and Haslet resolve pooling issues by adjusting grading, removing small roots near drains, or improving the soil with mulch and aeration — no removals needed.

5. What an Arborist Looks For in a Tree–Home Evaluation

A certified arborist approaches tree–structure interactions with both science and balance. Our goal isn’t just to protect your house — it’s to protect your trees, too.

Here’s what we assess:

• Trunk lean direction and proximity to structures

• Root flare visibility and grade level

• Signs of structural decay or cavity near the base

• Branch load over roofs, sheds, or wires

• Drainage flow and soil condition

• Past pruning cuts (good or bad)

We’re not looking for reasons to remove. We’re looking for options to preserve — and to give you peace of mind.

What You Can Do Today

If you’re not sure whether your tree is too close to the house — or if you’ve just moved into a property with mature trees — here are a few easy steps:

• Walk your yard and look for branches within 6 feet of the roof

• Check for surface roots near foundations or patios

• See where water flows during rain — does it pool, or run away from the home?

• Make note of any cracks, slab shifts, or sticking doors near trees

These aren’t diagnosis steps — they’re clues. And the sooner they’re spotted, the easier they are to address.

Final Thought: It’s Not Tree vs. House — It’s Tree and House

A healthy tree is an investment, just like your home. The best results come when you care for both, not one at the expense of the other.

By understanding how trees interact with your property — and working with certified professionals when it counts — you can enjoy decades of beauty, safety, and value from both your trees and your home.

The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago.
The best time to evaluate its impact on your home? Today.