Things To Do If You Have a Lot of Trees on Your Property

Living on a property that is lined with trees can be a truly joyous thing for those of us lucky enough to have that experience. Trees clean the air, they add color and contrast to the space, and they attract the birds and other wildlife, which can be so much fun to watch and listen to, right?

But, of course, living on such a tree-rich property also has its issues. Trees need to be maintained if they are to stay healthy, and they can cause issues with the rest of your property if you are not careful. That beint the case, here are X things you must do if you have lots of trees on your property:

1. Schedule Routine Tree Inspections

Okay, so probably the most important thing you can do if you live on a property with lots of trees, is to make sure that you schedule regular routine tree inspections conducted by an expert who really knows their trees inside out.

Trees may look strong and self-sufficient, but they can hide problems for years before suddenly failing due to things like trunk rot, split limbs, soil compaction, or declining structural integrity. So, you really should aim for annual inspections for mature trees and more frequent check-ins if your property experiences:

• Heavy storms
• Drought conditions
• Rapid tree growth
• Visible changes in bark, leaves, or leaning

A professional can recommend treatments, pruning, or removal before a tree becomes dangerous. Prevention is much cheaper than emergency removal after a storm.

2. Clear Your Gutters Regularly

If you have a lot of trees, your gutters are probably the first casualty. Leaves, twigs, seeds, and pine needles can clog them quickly, especially in the fall.

Blocked gutters cause:

• Overflowing water near your foundation
• Basement leaks
• Roof rot
• Ice dams in winter
• Mold growth
• Pest attraction

To keep water flowing properly, clean your gutters at least twice per year (or hire a professional gutter company to do so), and more often if you’re surrounded by shedding trees. Consider gutter guards, regular roof blow-offs - something a good gutter company can help you with - or professional cleanings if the buildup is heavy or persistent.

​​This simple task can prevent major home damage and protects your landscaping from erosion.

3. Prune Trees to Maintain Health and Safety

It is really important that you take the time to prune trees regularly according to the individual species and when is the best time to do this - usually during the spring but if they happen to be overgrown when fall and winter come around, you might need to do it then so that branches do not end u beating against your home and potentially breaking windows or harming your roof.

Here are some general pruning tips that you might find useful:

• Remove dead or damaged branches
• Cut away crossing or rubbing limbs
• Trim limbs growing toward your roof or power lines
• Shape young trees to prevent future problems
• Never “top” a tree because this creates weak regrowth

If the tree is large or near your house, hire a professional, as dangerous pruning jobs aren’t DIY-friendly.

4. Manage Leaf and Needle Debris Year-Round

Leaves look pretty when they fall, but they also blanket your yard, smother your grass, clog drains, and trap moisture near your home.

Leaf buildup can lead to:

• Mold and fungal issues
• Slippery walkways
• Lawn damage
• Blocked storm drains
• Unwanted insects

Instead of letting leaves accumulate, set up a seasonal cleanup routine. Options include:

• Mulching them directly with a mower
• Composting leaves for garden soil
• Bagging and disposing of them
• Hiring landscape services for heavy leaf fall

For pine trees, needles may need raking multiple times per season, so be sure to keep on top of them.

5. Protect Your Home With Proper Tree Placement

If you are planning to plant more trees or you are going to be relocating a tree that is already on your property to another place, it is really important that you think carefully about where you are going to put them.

Trees planted too close to your home can create structural and safety risks, so be aware of:

Root spread:

Large trees can stretch roots 2–3 times the width of their canopy. Roots can damage foundations, sidewalks, patios, and underground pipes.

Height and drop zone:

If a tree could fall onto your home during a storm, it’s too close.

Branch overhang:

Branches scraping the roof can damage shingles and provide pathways for pests.

Space new trees with long-term growth in mind. If existing trees are too close, you may need to thin them, prune them heavily, or replace them with smaller species.

6. Create Fire-Safe Zones if You Live in a Risk Area

If you're in a region prone to wildfires, managing your trees is critical for your family’s safety during those times when wildfires take hold. Dense tree canopies, dead wood, and dry leaves can turn your yard into fuel, and that could be a disaster for you and any close neighbors you may have.

Key wildfire prevention steps include:

• Remove dead or dying trees
• Clear leaves and pine needles near structures
• Prune branches up to 6–10 feet from the ground
• Space trees so canopies don’t overlap
• Create 30 feet of “defensible space” around your home

Even if wildfires are rare in your area, these measures also reduce pests and disease, so they are worth putting into place regardless.

7. Protect Trees From Soil Compaction

Trees need oxygen in the soil to thrive. Heavy foot traffic, parked vehicles, yard equipment, or construction materials can compact the soil, suffocating roots and stressing the tree.

Signs of soil compaction include:

• Bare patches under trees
• Water pooling
• Stunted leaf growth
• Early leaf drop
• Branch die-off

To keep soil healthy:

• Avoid parking vehicles under trees
• Add organic mulch around trunks
• Keep play areas away from root zones
• Aerate the soil periodically

Healthy soil leads to stronger, more resilient trees.

Here’s to healthy trees you can enjoy, and a healthy home because you have taken the care of your trees as seriously as you need to!