Ever hear rustling in the trees and wonder who—or what—is up there? If you live in a neighborhood with mature trees, chances are your yard is a hotspot for local wildlife. From songbirds to squirrels to curious raccoons, your trees are more than just background. They’re homes, highways, and sometimes hideouts for species aplenty. Some of these visitors are harmless, even helpful. Others can cause damage to your trees, your home, or both. As a homeowner, it’s important to know the difference and to maintain your trees in a way that supports a healthy balance between nature and your property. And if you’re ever unsure, calling a trusted tree company in Smithville like Ben Bivins Tree Experts can help you make the right decisions.
The Friendly Faces in Your Trees
Let’s start with the good news: many animals that take up residence in your trees are beneficial for your yard and the local ecosystem.
- Songbirds like finches, robins, and chickadees use trees for shelter, nesting, and feeding.
- Pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are drawn to flowering trees and are crucial for plant reproduction.
- Bats, though often misunderstood, help control mosquito populations and pollinate some plants.
- Tree frogs are natural pest controllers, eating insects that might otherwise bother your garden.
Having these kinds of animals around is a sign that your trees are healthy. A diverse population of wildlife usually means a tree and yard is strong, structurally sound, and producing the food and cover animals need.
Not Every Critter Is a Good Neighbor
While some wildlife can enhance your yard’s charm, not all animals are harmless. Some can indicate bigger issues or become nuisances themselves. This isn’t to say that these animals need immediate eradication. Rather, they should be seen as red flags or items that need closer attention.
Raccoons can use overgrown limbs as highways to your roof and attic, especially if they find an opening.- Possums might take up residence in dead tree hollows or brush piles, often spreading fleas.
- Woodpeckers, while striking, may signal rot inside the tree (they’re digging for insects).
- Carpenter ants and termites are serious red flags—usually they arrive only after a tree is already dead or dying.
- Snakes may hide in the roots or under low branches, especially if your yard has heavy groundcover.
- Squirrels may nest in your attic if they can leap from tree limbs directly to your home.
Left unchecked, these animals can cause property damage, spread disease, or make your yard less safe, especially for children and pets.
Tree Health Tips for Homeowners
If you’re hoping to keep wildlife friendly and limit the troublemakers, your best defense is good tree care.
- Remove deadwood and overhanging limbs with regular pruning. Pruning limits access to your roof and keeps trees healthy.
- Hollow spots in the trunk or large limbs can harbor animals or be signs of decay. If found, these cavities should be checked by a professional.
- While looking for cavities, check for insect activity too. Sawdust around the base of a tree, peeling bark, or clusters of ants are all signs something is wrong internally.
- Avoid “Volcano Mulching”. Mulching too close to the trunk creates moisture and decay, which attracts pests. Keep mulch a few inches away from the base.
- Monitor tree roots throughout your yard. Bulging or exposed roots could indicate instability. Animals sometimes dig around roots, which can weaken trees.
A certified arborist can help you assess all of this safely and accurately—especially if a tree is near your home, fence, or septic system.
Tree Removal or Wildlife Relocation? A Tree Company in Smithville can Help You Decide
You don’t always need to remove a tree just because something is living in it. But sometimes, removal becomes the safest option:
- The tree is dead or dying.
- It’s leaning or unstable near a structure.
- It’s hosting pests that could spread to your home.
- It’s dropping limbs due to disease or rot.
In cases involving active nests, baby animals, or protected species (like bats or certain birds), your tree company can coordinate with wildlife specialists to relocate the animals safely and legally.
Local Help from a Tree Company in Smithville
Every tree is different. Some are strong and self-sustaining. Others need regular trimming, disease management, or even removal to keep your property safe. If you’re noticing unusual animal activity, nests, or signs of decay, don’t try to handle it alone. Improper trimming or disturbing wildlife can be dangerous. The team at Ben Bivins Tree Experts is experienced with all aspects of tree care in South Jersey. We know how to assess a tree’s health, protect wildlife responsibly, and maintain your trees so they stay beautiful, safe, and functional for years to come. For professional guidance from a trusted tree company in Smithville, reach out to us today.
When you think about trees damaging property, you probably picture falling limbs or downed trunks after a storm. But threats to your home can also come from underground. Tree roots, though often overlooked, can have a serious impact on your home’s foundation over time. While trees offer shade, beauty, and property value, they must be placed and maintained thoughtfully to prevent long-term structural damage. Homeowners in coastal areas, such as Little Egg Harbor, face unique soil conditions that make this topic even more important. In this article, we’ll explore how tree roots grow, the warning signs of root-related foundation damage, and what steps you can take to protect your property. The safest and easiest way to ensure both your trees and your home stay healthy is to contact Ben Bivins Tree Experts, an experienced tree company in Little Egg Harbor.
How Tree Roots Affect Your Home
Tree roots are constantly on the hunt for water and nutrients. In doing so, they tend to grow laterally through the top few feet of soil, extending outward far beyond the canopy of the tree itself. If your home’s foundation is nearby, these roots may begin to encroach upon it. Contrary to popular belief, roots don’t typically “crack” concrete. Instead, they exploit pre-existing weaknesses—small fissures, gaps, or areas where the soil has shifted—slowly causing pressure that leads to foundation issues.
In sandy or clay-rich soils, like those found throughout Ocean County, the problem can be exacerbated. As roots absorb moisture, the surrounding soil may shrink or settle unevenly, contributing to shifts in the foundation. Over time, this can lead to doors that no longer close properly, cracks in walls, or even visible warping in the structure.
Signs That Roots May Be Affecting Your Foundation
Many signs of root-related damage are subtle at first. Being proactive is key, especially if you have large, mature trees near your home. Here are some common symptoms to look for:
- Cracks in your foundation walls, especially ones that widen over time
- Uneven floors or visible sinking around the perimeter of your home
- Doors or windows that stick or no longer align
- Buckling concrete in sidewalks, patios, or driveways near large trees
- Water pooling or unusual drainage patterns near your foundation
If you spot any of these issues, it’s time to consult not only a structural expert, but also a tree company in Little Egg Harbor. A thorough assessment can determine if roots are the culprit—and what to do about them.
How to Prevent Tree Root Damage
Prevention begins long before a tree causes a problem. If you’re planting new trees, consider their mature size and how far their root systems may eventually reach. A general rule of thumb is to plant trees at least as far away from your foundation as the expected height of the tree. For example, a tree that will grow to be 40 feet tall should be at least 40 feet from your home.
For existing trees, root pruning, barrier installation, or guided growth techniques may help. In some cases, especially where the tree is already compromising the foundation, removal may be the best option. However, this decision should never be made lightly. Trees offer environmental benefits and value, and a skilled arborist can help you weigh your options.
Why Professional Help Is Essential
Attempting to cut roots or remove trees near a home without proper knowledge and equipment can result in unintended consequences. Severing roots improperly can destabilize a tree, increasing the risk of it falling during a storm. In other cases, roots may regrow aggressively or cause problems in other areas.
That’s why working with a qualified tree company in Little Egg Harbor is critical. Local professionals understand how native trees behave, how the soil interacts with roots, and how to assess threats to nearby structures. They have the tools and training to perform root evaluations, create long-term care plans, and take action safely if needed.
Protect Your Home and Your Trees
Your home’s foundation is one of its most important structural components. Protecting it means being vigilant not just above ground, but below the surface as well. Trees and homes can coexist peacefully when thoughtful care is taken from the start and when issues are addressed early.
If you’re unsure about the impact of nearby trees on your home, reach out to a tree company in Little Egg Harbor like Ben Bivins Tree Experts. With years of experience serving the coastal communities of New Jersey, we’re here to help you preserve the beauty of your trees without compromising your property’s safety.