Tree Branches Hanging Over Your Roof

Trees are an important part of your property’s landscaping, but they can pose a problem if they are growing too close to your home. Aside from roots damaging your foundation, overhanging branches can cause damage to your roof. Careful tree trimming can prevent overhanging branches, but what can you do if there are already branches overhanging your home? There are some things you should know before you attempt tree trimming on your own.

The Dangers of Overhanging Branches

There are many issues that can arise from having tree branches hanging over your roof. One issue is that branches can scrape your roof, damaging shingles and the layers of asphalt that protect your roof. Overhanging branches can also cause mold and moss growth on your roof. When branches block out the sun enough, the roof doesn’t have time to dry out after rain, creating the perfect environment for moss and mold to take hold and eat away at your roof. If left untreated long enough, you may need costly repairs to part or all of your roof.

Leaves and other debris falling from overhanging branches can also clog your gutters. While this seems like a minor inconvenience, clogged gutters can cause water damage to the roof and walls of your home. Over time, clogged gutters may even damage the foundation of your home, compromising your home’s structural integrity and making expensive repairs necessary.

If the branches over or near your home are particularly large, you’re only one strong storm away from that branch crashing through your roof. The risk is even greater if the tree or its branches are dead or diseased. If those branches are weak enough, it may not even take a storm to cause them to fall – they could fall at any time.

Preventing Overhanging Branches

Strategic tree trimming can prevent overhanging branches entirely. Monitor the trees near your home and trim any branches that grow too near your home. If the branches are thin enough, you can trim them safely yourself, but if the branches are too large or too high up it’s safer for both you and your property to call an arborist who is certified in tree trimming.

Trimming Overhanging Branches

It is possible to do tree trimming yourself, but if you need to climb onto a ladder or your roof to reach the branches, it’s safer to call a professional. Trimming the tree yourself in these situations could do exactly what you’re trying to avoid – send a tree branch crashing through your roof. Plus, just climbing onto your roof or using an unsteady ladder can cause you to fall and seriously injure yourself.

A professional tree trimmer has the training, equipment, and experience to trim the tree branches over your home safely. A professional also has insurance to cover themselves and your property in case of an accident.

Whose Tree Is It?

Sometimes the tree hanging over your home was planted on a neighbor’s property. You can usually trim branches that are over your property, but laws can vary, so check on local limitations.

Talk to your neighbor before you trim their tree. It’s the polite thing to do, and it is technically their tree. Be upfront with your reasons for trimming the tree and be willing to take responsibility for any damage caused to the tree. If a neighbor comes to you about branches from your tree hanging over their house, be neighborly and understand their concerns.

Do You Need A Professional Tree Trimming?

LTRC-Tree Specialists takes pride in helping clients with their tree issues. We specialize in Low Impact Tree Removal & Dangerous Tree Removal. We guarantee that we will work hard until you are satisfied and happy. Visit our website or call us at (404) 288-5872!