Tree branches and roots growing close to house - Ask Extension
Hello, I have trees that are located approx. 18 ft from my house (measured to the trunks), and the branches have grown to be almost touching my house....
Knowledgebase
Tree branches and roots growing close to house #913936
Asked August 13, 2025, 5:58 PM EDT
Hello, I have trees that are located approx. 18 ft from my house (measured to the trunks), and the branches have grown to be almost touching my house. I'm wondering if I should have these branches trimmed so that they're not so close to the house?
For reference, the trees were all planted about 13 years ago as large saplings, and are now over 30 ft. tall. Tree types include pin oak, sycamore, and possibly locust. I've attached a photo, but it's difficult to see how close the branches are to the house.
Also, some of the roots have grown far out from the trunk, under a walkway and near the house foundation, in 2 or 3 locations. I've attached photo showing one location. I'm concerned about potential damage to foundation and walkway. Should I have these roots removed? Can this be done without damage to the trees?
Last, one tree has a few large roots that have grown to be exposed / above ground, not far from the trunk. I'm no longer able to push my lawnmower over these roots without hitting them. Can I cut off the top of these roots without risking damage to the tree? Any other suggestions, or just leave as-is?
Should I have an arborist look at these issues?
Thanks for your help.
Howard County Maryland
Expert Response
Avoid damage to any surface roots, as such injuries can be colonized by wood decay fungi or other organisms that would further damage the tree. If roots are staying shallow enough to be hit with a mower or a trip hazard, transition that area from lawn to either other plantings that don't need mowing (like groundcovers) or mulch the area instead. (Only lay mulch about 2-3 inches thick to avoid suffocating the roots.) If you replant the area, aim to install as young of a plant as possible (plugs are one option, though are mainly only available for native plants; they are smaller than most nursery pots but older than seedlings, and they establish quickly for their size), since digging into the root zone of a mature tree is challenging.
Some tree species are naturally more prone to developing shallow roots than others (though the majority of any tree's roots will be in the top two feet of soil, since that's where they can access the most nutrients and oxygen), but this can be exacerbated when the soil is compacted from regular foot traffic or if it has less-than-ideal drainage, since both conditions reduce root access to needed oxygen. Don't cover surface roots with more soil, which could either starve them of oxygen or just cause more roots to grow up to the new surface level, perpetuating the problem.
Roots should also avoid being cut unless absolutely necessary, so consult with a certified arborist about whether any roots that might be buckling pavement can be cut with minimal impacts on tree health. (Trees might take months or even years to show symptoms of damage from root loss, and nothing would remedy the situation at that point.) An arborist can also advise on how, when, and where to cut any limbs that encroach on the house wall, since you do want to avoid structural damage as the trees grow (and squirrels, raccoons, etc., have an easier time getting onto a roof if they can jump there from a nearby tree limb). Different tree species sometimes need to be trimmed at different times of year based on their vulnerability to disease, excessive sap "bleeding," or other consequences of trimming.
Tree roots normally extend about 1.5 times (or more) as far from the trunk as the canopy does, so they are often found dozens of feet from the trunk, though they get thinner in diameter the further they grow. To the best of our knowledge, tree roots won't cause problems for a foundation unless there is already a crack or break in the wall that they can wedge into and expand as they increase in girth with age.
Miri
Some tree species are naturally more prone to developing shallow roots than others (though the majority of any tree's roots will be in the top two feet of soil, since that's where they can access the most nutrients and oxygen), but this can be exacerbated when the soil is compacted from regular foot traffic or if it has less-than-ideal drainage, since both conditions reduce root access to needed oxygen. Don't cover surface roots with more soil, which could either starve them of oxygen or just cause more roots to grow up to the new surface level, perpetuating the problem.
Roots should also avoid being cut unless absolutely necessary, so consult with a certified arborist about whether any roots that might be buckling pavement can be cut with minimal impacts on tree health. (Trees might take months or even years to show symptoms of damage from root loss, and nothing would remedy the situation at that point.) An arborist can also advise on how, when, and where to cut any limbs that encroach on the house wall, since you do want to avoid structural damage as the trees grow (and squirrels, raccoons, etc., have an easier time getting onto a roof if they can jump there from a nearby tree limb). Different tree species sometimes need to be trimmed at different times of year based on their vulnerability to disease, excessive sap "bleeding," or other consequences of trimming.
Tree roots normally extend about 1.5 times (or more) as far from the trunk as the canopy does, so they are often found dozens of feet from the trunk, though they get thinner in diameter the further they grow. To the best of our knowledge, tree roots won't cause problems for a foundation unless there is already a crack or break in the wall that they can wedge into and expand as they increase in girth with age.
Miri
Hello Miri,
I want to thank you for your response, especially for the thought and thorough detail you provided, including the fact that you addressed all of my questions.
I very much appreciate the value of the U. of Md. Extension resource, and the access it provides me to experts like yourself.
Best regards,
Vince
You're very welcome!
