Should I Cut Down a Tree Close to My House?

Cut Down a Tree

Cutting down a tree always hurts your heart. When in doubt, ask the right questions: Is slaughter inevitable? When should you proceed with the cutting of a tree that is close to your house?

Also Read: Five Reasons Why You Should Hire a Professional Tree Service

How close is too close?

Cut Down a Tree too close to your house -Too often, trees are planted in the wrong place because we do not think about their adult size. At the time of planting, it is difficult to imagine that a small shoot could one day exceed twenty, thirty, or even forty meters in height and a wingspan of several tens of meters. So if the shoot in question has been planted between two houses, It will become too close to a building or a terrace over time, the situation can become complicated. The tree can be the source of an unwanted shadow zone; its roots can endanger foundations, lift masonry elements, or tarmac.

A tree close to the house -Will it causes foundation issues?

I often get questions about trees growing too close to the foundation of a house. The popular opinion is that it can cause cracks in the foundation, that tree roots will penetrate the concrete, expand and cause it to crack. But what is it?

It should be understood that the roots of trees seek moisture in the soil. However, the ground near a foundation is rather dry, even very dry if there is an overflowing roof because little rain falls on it. And a foundation gives off heat, even in summer, drying out the soil nearby. So when a tree begins to grow near a foundation, whether planted there or sprouted on its own, the majority of its roots will move away from the foundation or grow in parallel. They have no affinity for concrete (too dry and too alkaline) and will rather escape it. So, no, the roots will not seep into foundation cracks, let alone create any.

On the other hand, there is a problem when the soil used to backfill the foundation is clayey (loamy). In times of deep drought, the roots of a tree planted near the house will help dry out the soil. In this case, the soil contracts and moves away from the foundation, and it may happen that the foundation, which is no longer retained by the mass of earth that supported it, loosens and cracks. Note that this will happen even if there is no tree nearby, but the presence of a tree can speed things up slightly.

Such a situation is essentially a construction fault. You should never backfill a foundation with clay but rather with sand or gravel. So, to have peace, it would be better to replace the backfill. If you decide not to do this, make sure, by directing some of the runoff from the roof to the foundation or by watering the soil there, that the soil never dries up there.

How far should branches be from a house?


However, if there is no local regulation that how far should branches be from a house, it is necessary to refer to article 671 of the Civil Code, which prescribes the following:

  • Trees and branches not exceeding 2 meters must be planted at a minimum distance of 50 cm from the property line.
  • Trees and branches over 2 meters should be planted at least 2 meters from the plot boundary.

Warning: This height of 2 meters is calculated according to the size of the adult tree and not its size on the day of planting!

  • These rules do not apply if there is a separate wall between the neighbors: in this case, the plants can be planted in spacers (branches leaning against the wall) but should not protrude beyond the wall’s crest.

What will removal cost?

If you want your tree cut, the felling package only includes the tree. It is especially the stumping that is expensive because it requires more time and effort. Removing the stump from an old tree requires a meticulous technique and a mini-excavator type construction machine’s intervention because the roots are very anchored in the ground.

Average national tariff for cutting a tree

Without stumping, it takes, on average, between 200 and 500 € to cut a tree.

The price of stumping

If you have to remove the stump completely, you will have to multiply the tree felling estimate by two. Consider an additional $ 150 to $ 1,000, depending on the complexity of the task.

Regulations concerning the felling of a tree

Felling a tree is a potentially dangerous time due to multiple factors, some of which can be overlooked very easily. This work, therefore, responds to regulations intended for the safety of professionals and residents.

First of all, be aware that in certain regions, the felling of certain trees is subject to authorization. In this case, you will therefore have to go to the town hall to ask for permission to fell the tree in question. Often, if the reason is slight, the authorization will be refused. If the tree you want to fall is near a power line, a telephone line, a road, or a footpath, it should be filled using the dismantling principle. Dropping a tree under these conditions is strictly prohibited and could cause you a lot of trouble.

However, if your tree can fall, you must make sure that an area of ​​135 ° on either side of the direction of fall is free. This area must be completely clear and passable. The area in question is supposed to ensure a safe fall of the tree as well as a possibility of safe withdrawal for residents and professionals.

Who do I contact to have my tree cut down?


Gardeners and pruning companies can offer you a quote for felling your tree. Contrary to popular belief, prices can vary widely. Also, take the precaution of obtaining several quotes to have a broad view of the prices charged in your region.

For your tree cutting, You can contact: