Tiny Houses and Trees - Risks and Benefits
Give me a home among the gumtrees. With lots of plum trees, a sheep or two, and a kangaroo…
This iconic Australian tune from the 1970s became famous well before the tiny house movement was a thing. However, as cheesy as it may sound, it’s fair to say that the dream of a picturesque landscape among the trees is shared by many tiny dwellers.
While the benefits of trees and plants are undeniable, there are also risks that need to be considered when moving your tiny to a parking spot “among the [gum] trees…” Addressing these risks may require tree removal or, at least, a decent pruning.
The Risks of Having Trees Around a Tiny House
Fire Hazard
Wildfires are unfortunately a big risk when living in areas with high tree and vegetation density, and it’s something we must take very seriously. Local councils all over Australia have rules and guidelines about trees near residences.
One of the biggest problems with having trees is not the tree itself, but the leaves and twigs that fall from them and dry on the ground. Dry leaves and twigs provide a powerful source of fuel for wildfires.
When it comes to fires, not all plants and trees are equal. In fact, there are fire retardant and fire resistant plants and trees. While fire retardant or resistant plants may provide less fuel for a wildfire, it doesn’t mean your tiny is free of fire risk.
Trees and Tiny Transport
If you are relocating your tiny house, trees can simply get in the way! Whether that’s along the roads you transport your tiny on or around your next parking spot, overhanging branches can pose a serious risk to tinys and is something that needs to be considered when planning transport.
Unwanted Tiny Visitors
While there are so many welcome visitors such as birds and possums, you can’t say the same for certain insects and some types of rodents that may find their way into your house.
Little to No Sunlight
If you’re on the path of living off-grid, you probably rely on solar panels to power your home. Needless to say that solar panels need daily exposure to sunlight for as many hours as possible. Big trees can block sunlight from hitting the panels, reducing the amount of power they can generate.
The same can be said to your veggie patch. If you’re keen to grow fruit and vegetables, your plants need to get the sunlight they need to grow.
Regular Maintenance
Having trees means you have to regularly maintain them. This includes pruning, trimming, and cleaning fallen branches and leaves. If you leave this for too long, your yard will be unkempt, leading to many safety hazards.
Think About Insurance
Some home insurance may be higher or have specific requirements because there are trees in or around your yard. This may break your budget, which leads to lapsed payments or dropping off insurance completely.
Diseases
If one of your trees has some sort of a disease, it can easily spread to other trees nearby. This means you would have to call for tree removal, which can be costly to do, as well as inconvenient.
What Are the Benefits of Having Trees Near My Tiny Home?
Anyone who wants to be sustainable and more environmentally conscious loves tiny living, and adding trees to this mix is a good idea. Trees near your tiny house have numerous benefits, both practical and aesthetic.
Constant Flow of Good Air Quality
Trees are your natural air purifiers! They absorb the carbon dioxide in the air and release oxygen through photosynthesis. In this way, they are able to remove any possible pollutants in the air and give you fresh air. This is also good for people who have breathing issues and who appreciate the clear air.
Temperature Regulation
Trees are a natural and free air conditioning. Not only do they block direct sunlight, they also absorb it, and, in doing so, they keep the ground much cooler. As the blockage of sunlight can be a problem for solar panels and veggie patches, tree positioning is a key element when planning and designing a tiny house.
Increased Privacy
If you have tall trees with lots of branches, it acts as a natural privacy screen that secludes you from everyone and gives you peace. It also blocks out noise from cars and other factors, providing you with a peaceful environment.
Prevents Soil Erosion
Having trees ensures that the soil is stable where your home is by preventing erosion. Trees do this by absorbing ground water – particularly important in rainy areas, by acting as a wind shelter and by binding the soil with their roots. All of this ensures a more stable ground where you can park or build your tiny home.
Good For Your Mental Health
There’s good evidence pointing out that trees (and nature, in general) is good for your mental health. When you are stressed or feeling down, just looking out into the scenery of trees and listening to the chirp of birds can really pick you up. This is a natural stress-reliever, and helps create a calm and peaceful environment, especially when you are living in a smaller space.
Tips to Remember If You Want Trees Around Your Tiny Home
Planting and having trees around your home is, if done right, is a rewarding experience.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when you want trees:
- Choose the right tree species– You must choose the right kind of tree species that is good for your space, soil type, and the Australian climate. You also have to consider how big the tree will grow and how often you’d have to maintain it. Native Australian trees are often the best option.
- The right location– This is very important! It has to receive the right amount of sunlight to grow, as well as consider other building structures, walkways, and other plants.
- Prep your soil, and plant at the right depth– If you’re planting, make sure the soil is prepped for the tree. The pH and nutrient content must be tip-top before planting the tree. Also, you must ensure that the tree is planted at the right depth. You can know this by making sure that the top of the root ball is level with the ground. Planting too deep or too shallow can affect its growth.
- Watering– While established trees can often survive and thrive with rainwater and moisture that is naturally present on the ground, newly planted trees and younger ones need to be adequately watered.
- Support the tree– Young trees may need support or staking while they grow their roots and make a strong root system. Use the right materials to do this so you don’t damage the tree.
- Pruning/maintenance– You must ensure that the tree is pruned and maintained to remain healthy and look good. You should also shape the tree so it grows well.
Final Thoughts - Should I have trees around my tiny house?
Absolutely yes! Provided they are safe. The best way to understand your risks is to talk to a tree expert or a qualified arborist.
A tree expert will be able to examine your environment, soil conditions and, based on this type of information, determine which plants and trees are more suitable for your block. They can also recommend what trees are best to be removed and which ones need pruning.
