With Arbor Day fast approaching on April 28th, now is a good time to think about your home landscaping. Traditionally, Arbor Day is a chance for people throughout the United States to plant trees to help the environment. While this really is a good idea, we know from experience that thought and care needs to be taken with home landscapes in general to maintain a healthy home environment.

Overgrown plants can wreak havoc on the yard and the home, causing damage to the home’s structure, roof, draining system, and more. Here’s a closer look at the safety concerns that having an overgrown yard can cause and how you can minimize them.

Trees

One of the biggest hazards to your yard is overgrown and unhealthy trees. During storms with heavy winds, rain, snowfall, or ice, trees are at risk of falling. If they are growing too close to the home, a tree can fall and damage the structure of the home or even collapse the roof.

Also, beware of root systems, which could latch onto the foundation of your home and cause cracks and structural damage. This could also cause water to leak into your home during heavy rainfall. Roots can also penetrate drainage pipes, leading to wastewater backups.

Check your tree growth at the beginning and end of each growing season. If any of your trees seem like they could be a potential hazard, address this by either having the trees professionally removed or trimming them back.

Grass and Other Plants

While a healthy lawn can beautify your property, an unruly one can be a problem. Letting grass get overgrown can cause it to dry out and die. Over time, this could cause weeds and invasive species to take over the lawn.

Overgrown, dried-out lawns can become a fire hazard if left untended for extended periods. In the same way, overgrown plants or hedges may encroach on your home and cause damage to the siding and obstruct walkways. In extreme cases, roots may interfere with the drainage system or cause damage to the foundation. Additionally, overgrown foliage can obstruct security camera views, limiting your ability to capture suspicious activity around your property.

Regular yard maintenance is the key to preventing this. If plants begin to encroach on your home, cut them back or remove them before they become out of control. Have your gutters cleaned on a regular basis to prevent plants from harming the drainage system. Check your security cameras to ensure new growth isn’t blocking them.

The Bottom Line

Letting the plants in your yard get out of control can cause damage to your property, the home drainage system, your home’s structure, the roof, and more. It is important to keep your plants pruned and orderly to prevent these safety concerns.

Plus, a maintained yard improves the appearance of your home, making it look occupied, which deters vandals and burglars. If you travel often or for extended periods, you can use your home video surveillance system to check on the state of your yard and contact a maintenance crew if needed.

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