Dogwoods do look great, but honestly, I've had mixed experiences with them near roofs. Had one at my old place—branches were surprisingly brittle and snapped easily during storms. Maybe keep an eye on trimming regularly to avoid roof damage down the line?
Dogwoods can definitely be tricky near roofs—I've noticed the same brittleness with some maples around my house. Do you think it's more about species choice or just consistent pruning? I've been debating swapping out a couple trees myself, but it's hard giving up that shade in the summer... Have you had better luck with other types of trees near your roofline?
I've noticed similar issues with maples myself. In my experience, consistent pruning helps, but species choice probably matters more long-term. Oaks seem sturdier near rooflines, though they grow slower... definitely a trade-off when you're thinking about shade and budget.
"Oaks seem sturdier near rooflines, though they grow slower... definitely a trade-off when you're thinking about shade and budget."
Good point about oaks—I've found them reliable over the years, especially when planning developments near residential structures. While their slow growth can be frustrating initially, the long-term benefits in terms of reduced maintenance and fewer roofing issues often outweigh the upfront patience required. Another thing to consider is root systems; maples can sometimes cause foundation issues down the line, whereas oaks typically have deeper roots. Just something else to factor into your decision-making process.
"Another thing to consider is root systems; maples can sometimes cause foundation issues down the line, whereas oaks typically have deeper roots."
Good call about the roots. When we built our place, we went with maples for quicker shade (rookie move, I know...), and now we're dealing with roots pushing up the driveway. Oaks might've saved us some headaches, even if it meant waiting a bit longer for shade. Lesson learned the hard way—patience pays off in home ownership!
