Here Are Some Tree Maintenance Myths That Could Be Costing Cumming Homeowners Thousands
When life gets busy, it’s easy to assume your trees will take care of themselves. After all, they’ve been standing tall for years. What harm could a few overgrown branches really do? Unfortunately, that misconception is one of the most costly mistakes homeowners in Cumming, Alpharetta, and Dawsonville, GA can make.
From pest infestations to roof damage, cracked driveways to expensive emergency removals, neglecting your trees can quietly drain your wallet. At LS Trees, we’ve seen how small myths lead to big problems, and how taking a few proactive steps can save North Georgia homeowners thousands in repairs.
Let’s bust a few of the most common tree maintenance myths and show how staying ahead can protect both your property and your budget.
🌿 Myth #1: “If It’s Not Broken, Don’t Fix It.”
This is one of the biggest misconceptions about tree care. Many homeowners assume that if a tree looks healthy, it doesn’t need attention. But much like your car or HVAC system, preventative maintenance is always cheaper than emergency repairs.
A healthy-looking tree can still have interior rot, insect damage, or root instability. When a storm hits, those weaknesses turn into falling branches, uprooted trunks, or structural damage to your home.
The Cost of Ignoring It:
A small pruning job today might cost a few hundred dollars. But one falling limb through your roof could cost thousands in repairs, and insurance may not cover it if the tree was clearly neglected.
🐿️ Myth #2: “Overhanging Branches Are No Big Deal.”
Those long branches that provide shade might look harmless, but they can invite unwanted guests and expensive problems.
Overgrown limbs act as bridges for pests like squirrels, raccoons, and rats, giving them direct access to your attic or roofline. Once inside, they chew insulation, wiring, and wood, creating a safety hazard and major cleanup costs.
Real Story from North Georgia:
One Cumming homeowner ignored overhanging branches for years. Eventually, squirrels chewed through electrical wires, leading to two electrician visits and multiple exterminator fees. The total bill? Over $3,000. All for a problem that could’ve been prevented with a $400 trim.
Money-Saving Tip:
Trim back limbs that touch or hang near your home annually. It’s one of the fastest ways to protect your roof, insulation, and wallet.
💧 Myth #3: “A Little Roof Contact Won’t Hurt.”
Branches rubbing against your roof or siding might not look serious, but over time, they strip away protective layers and cause leaks. Clogged gutters from falling debris also lead to water pooling around your foundation. One of the top causes of basement flooding and foundation erosion in North Georgia homes.
The Smart Approach:
Schedule seasonal trimming before hurricane season and fall storms. Preventing damage is far cheaper than replacing shingles or repairing water intrusion.
🪵 Myth #4: “Stumps Are Harmless Once the Tree Is Gone.”
Many homeowners think removing the tree is enough. But leaving the stump behind can create more issues than the tree ever did.
Here’s why that myth can cost you money:
🐜 Pest Paradise: Decaying stumps attract termites, carpenter ants, and beetles that can spread to your home. Pest damage and treatment can exceed $2,000.
🚫 Trip Hazards: Stumps pose liability risks for kids, guests, and pets, especially at night or when hidden by grass.
🔁 Regrowth Headache: Many stumps sprout weak, fast-growing shoots that drain soil nutrients and require constant cutting.
🧱 Future Costs: Once a stump starts to rot, removal becomes more expensive due to soft wood and soil instability.
Smart Solution:
At LS Trees, we use professional stump grinding to safely eliminate hazards, prevent pests, and level your yard for future landscaping, all at a fraction of the cost of dealing with later damage.
🌳 Myth #5: “Tree Roots Stay Underground - They Won’t Cause Damage.”
Roots are stronger and more determined than most homeowners realize. They can crack sidewalks, lift driveways, and even infiltrate plumbing and sewer lines in search of water.
Once inside, roots cause blockages, backups, and in severe cases, require pipe replacements costing $5,000 or more.
The LS Trees Solution:
Our licensed crew inspects root systems during assessments and recommends trimming, root barriers, or selective removals before problems spread. Early detection saves you from major excavation costs later.
⚡ Myth #6: “Storm Damage Is Covered by Insurance, So I’m Safe.”
Unfortunately, this isn’t always true. Many home insurance policies deny storm-related claims if the damage resulted from neglect, such as untrimmed limbs or diseased trees that weren’t maintained.
Cumming, GA Example:
After a tropical storm, one homeowner’s insurer denied a claim for roof damage because the fallen tree had visible signs of rot. Regular inspections could’ve prevented the fall and preserved coverage.
Prevention Pays:
Storm prep trimming is an investment that protects your home and your insurance eligibility.
💰 The Real Cost of Waiting
Homeowners often think skipping maintenance saves money. In reality, it delays costs - and multiplies them.
Routine care is cheaper, safer, and smarter for Cumming homeowners, and it adds resale value by keeping your property in top shape.
🏡 Why Choose LS Trees in Cumming, GA
At LS Trees, we believe in saving homeowners money through prevention, not reaction. We’re a licensed, insured, family-owned business serving Cumming, Alpharetta, Dawsonville, Gainesville, and the surrounding North Georgia region.
Our difference:
✅ 15+ Years of Experience in tree trimming, pruning, and removals
✅ Certified & Licensed Crew - no subcontractors, ever
✅ Modern Equipment including cranes and grinders for tight access jobs
✅ Eco-Friendly Options - we recycle tree waste into free wood chips for local homeowners
⚠️ Bonus Tip: Always Call 811 Before You Dig
Before grinding a stump or planting new trees, call 811. It’s a free service that marks underground utilities like water, power, and internet lines, preventing accidents that could cost thousands or cause serious injury.
At LS Trees, we handle this process for you, ensuring every job is done safely and efficiently from start to finish.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My trees look fine. Do I still need an inspection?
A: Yes. Even healthy trees can hide decay, fungus, or root instability that could cause them to fall during a storm.
Q: How often should I trim?
A: Every 1–3 years depending on species and weather exposure.
Q: What if I can’t afford full removal?
A: We offer phased trimming or targeted removals to reduce costs and protect your home now. Mention this blog for $100 OFF your next service. Referrals also receive a $50 gift card.
🌿 The Bottom Line
Tree myths might seem harmless, but believing them can cost homeowners in Cumming, GA thousands in preventable repairs. From pests to roof damage and insurance issues, neglecting maintenance is never worth the risk.
By choosing proactive, professional care from LS Trees, you protect your home, your wallet, and your peace of mind — season after season.
📞 Call LS Trees today at (770) 616-6079 for a free property assessment.
💸 Mention this blog for $100 OFF your service.
🌐 Visit LSTreesLLC.com to learn more.