Large trees add shade and value, but planted too close to a house, boundary wall or drain line they can cause expensive damage. Highveld summer storms add another risk: heavy branches over roofs and power lines.
Warning signs
- Cracks in boundary walls or paving that widen over time, or paving lifting near a tree.
- Blocked or slow drains that keep coming back. Roots find their way into old clay sewer pipes. See blocked drains in Benoni.
- Branches over the roof, gutters full of leaves, or limbs touching power lines.
- Dead or hollow branches, fungus at the base, or a tree that has started to lean.
- Damp patches in a wall near a large tree.
Trees that often cause trouble close to buildings
Fast-growing trees with aggressive roots are the usual culprits, especially large exotic species such as gums (eucalyptus), Brazilian pepper trees, rubber trees (ficus) and willows. Some, like Brazilian pepper and syringa, are also declared invasive species in South Africa, which may mean you're expected to control or remove them. Check the current rules before replanting.
As a rough rule, keep large trees well away from the house, walls and drain lines. For new planting near buildings, choose smaller, non-invasive indigenous trees.
Before storm season
- Have dead, crossing and overhanging branches removed before the summer storms.
- Keep branches clear of the roof and gutters.
- Never cut branches near power lines yourself. Contact the municipality or a qualified arborist.
See our pruning calendar for the Highveld for timing.
When to call a tree feller
Removing a large tree, or one near a building, wall, fence or power line, needs a professional team with ropes, climbing gear and insurance. Ask for:
- A written quote that says whether the stump is removed or ground out, and whether the wood and branches are taken away.
- Proof of public liability insurance, in case a branch damages your or your neighbour's property.
- How they'll protect walls, roofs and paving during the job.
Roots left behind can keep growing for a while, and removing a big tree can change how the soil around foundations behaves, so on clay soils ask about the risks.
Compare tree felling in Benoni, or see garden refuse removal for getting rid of the branches.