You might enjoy having mature trees in your yard with full, sprawling canopies. Unfortunately, tree branches hanging over rooftops can be a problem. Knowing how to recognize a potentially dangerous limb and what to do about it is essential for property maintenance.
As a local tree service in Lexington, KY, we at Tree Care Inc. often deal with overhanging branches. We know the issues they cause, which you can learn about below.
Overhanging Branch Risks to Your Home
Having low-hanging branches around your house might not seem like a major roofing issue, but it can be. Letting the tree grow without trimming or pruning its limbs could cause the following problems for your property.
Clogged Gutters
Leaves shedding from nearby trees can quickly clog gutters. The blockages prevent rainwater off the roof from flowing through the channels and away from the property. Instead, the water pools around the roofline and spills over the side, leading to water damage around the roof’s edge, siding, and foundation.
Storm Damage
Trees don’t have to be close to your house to be a significant problem during severe storms. Heavy winds and rain could topple one nearby, which could fall on your property. However, the risk for property damage significantly increases when branches hang over the roof.
During inclement weather with lots of wind, the tree’s limbs could move back and forth constantly. They could scratch the roof, weakening the roofing materials and increasing the system’s vulnerability to water intrusion and moisture damage.
You also have to worry about a branch possibly breaking and falling onto the structure, which can cause property damage and injuries. Rain can also increase the weight of the branches, allowing them to break away easily if they’re already weak or damaged.
Pest Infestations
Trees that lack routine care and professional arborist inspections could have pest infestations. Critters like scale insects and termites could weaken the tree, increasing the risk of branches breaking. Unfortunately, the insects could also make their way to your home through tree branches hanging over roofing materials.
How To Recognize a Tree With Dangerous Branches
You should consider any branch growing too close to your home’s roof, siding, windows, and other structures a potential hazard. Regularly inspecting your trees and their proximity to your home is a must to ensure safety. The sooner you recognize a threat, the quicker you can take property safety measures.
Follow this checklist when conducting your visual inspection:
- Look for branches that touch any part of your house.
- Inspect your gutters for leaf buildup. Too many leaves mean there is at least one overhanging branch.
- Check for missing or damaged shingles, which could indicate an overgrown branch is nearby.
Are You Responsible for Problematic Trees?
Is the tree canopy hanging over your rooftop from a plant on your property or your neighbor’s yard? You are responsible for trimming trees on your property up to the property line.
If a plant originates from your neighbor’s yard but overextends toward your roofline, you can notify the neighbor about trimming the branches on your side. Make sure you check local ordinances to review regulations concerning tree trimming in your area before taking action.
Tree Branch Removal Techniques To Protect Your Home
Cutting tree branches hanging over rooftops for roof damage prevention isn’t as simple as removing limbs arbitrarily. To protect your property and the tree’s health, you should contact a local tree care company to assess the tree and determine the best pruning approach.
Typical trimming methods include:
- Crown Raising. With this method, arborists remove low-hanging branches around the plant to raise its canopy. The service creates more space between the plant and surrounding structures.
- Crown Thinning. This technique eliminates branches from the tree’s crown to reduce density and improve air circulation and light penetration. Cutting weight also reduces stress on branches.
- Crown Reduction. As the name suggests, crown reduction reduces the size of the tree’s crown. It eliminates overhanging branches and ensures sufficient clearance around nearby structures.
Tree care professionals know the best time to prune trees, the proper methods, and quality solutions for low-hanging limbs. No matter which method the experts use to address limbs hanging over your roof, they will use safe trimming methods to prevent additional damage. They have the right tools, safety gear, and expertise to make strategic cuts that won’t impact the tree’s health or cause problems for your home.
The Importance of Routine Tree Care
Although you could address branches hanging over your roof as a one-time service, it’s best to give the plants on your property routine care. Scheduled inspections, health assessments, and trimmings will optimize the trees’ health and visual appeal, ensuring a long, healthy life. Expert care also minimizes the risk of property damage or injury from overhanging or broken branches.
Your trees might not need around-the-clock care, but you should consider their seasonal needs. Here are maintenance tips that can help you preserve the beauty, health, and integrity of your plants:
- Winter. Shield trees from wind and frost damage.
- Spring. Look for signs of pest infestations. Prune dead, decaying, or damaged branches to ensure a good growing season.
- Summer. Ensure trees get enough water and watch for possible signs of disease.
- Fall. Clean up dead leaves to prevent the spread of disease.
By contacting a local arborist for help, you can be sure your trees get the best care. They can assess potential risks, recommend preventative care, and implement plans for long-term health.
Are Overhanging Tree Limbs Impacting Your Roof? We Can Help
DIY trimming could cause more problems than it solves for your property and trees. Instead of dealing with tree branches hanging over roofing materials yourself, turn to our experts at Tree Care Inc. for assistance.
Our company has over 30 years of experience providing comprehensive services to Lexington, Kentucky, residents, including tree trimming services, stump removals, and professional arborist inspections. Our tailored solutions prioritize tree health and safety.
Call Tree Care Inc. at (859) 347-2237 today to request services in Lexington.
