Living Among Large Trees ?

[alchemysa]

Also consider the consequences of water run-off from the new house. Gutters and drains usually concentrate all the water runoff to one or two places around the house so the ground stays a lot wetter and softer, for a lot longer, than it ever was prior to erecting the building. The extra water can also create a lot more top growth than is normal. The end result is that with the extra weight and wind resistance 'up top', and the softer ground below, it might not take much wind to bring them down.

 

[Sawdustsmb]

I built our house in the woods - 1974 - Surrounded by hemlocks, hard and soft maples, one huge red oak, several smaller red oaks, cherry, beech. Younger trees will fully branch out when the older trees are culled. About 3-4 years after cutting 2 - 3 older trees and you would not know they are missing. Keep very close attention to the condition of your trees. what is you soil like - how deep can the root system be - I have solid rock 3' down therefore shallow root systems. Prevailing wind - is it open behind it or is there more woods to help protect. Odds of a wind sheer or hurricane in the area???? We had a wind sheer coming from the opposite direction and it took down 70 trees within 150' radius of the house some huge red oaks and hemlocks - non hitting it. So - it is a crap shoot as stated previously. If a big tree hits your house if will be serious damage. Surely we've all seen reports of storm damage trees hitting houses.
Bob

 

[Stick895]

My personal plan is to cut any tree close enough and tall enough to hit my house/garge/workshop when I build them. I'll be retired and enjoying the remaining years I have left and I don't want to spend them worrying, wondering or dealing with something I could have prevented. Small chance but with large consequences. If heating /cooling is an issue, then I'd rig up a grid-tied solar system and add a couple panels a year for awhile as they get smaller/more powerful. I can also replant some trees and by the time they get big enough to hurt they'll be somebody else's problem.