tree branches over house

Is It OK to Have Tree Branches Over Your House?

Trees are high-value garden assets on any property. Having a large oak in your yard can add to your property’s curb appeal. Also, trees can increase the property value of your home. However, incorrect positioning of it can present significant risks to your home. When a tree gets big, it can leave branches hanging over your house, leading to potential damage. In this guide, we outline the risks of tree branches over your house and what you can do to safely remove the hazard.

Is It OK to Have Tree Branches Over Your House?

Tree limbs might risk damage to the roof, chimney, vents, gutters, and fascia. Potential structural damage is enough to give any homeowner concern about a large tree hanging over their home.

Imagine relaxing in front of the TV on a windy night only to experience the shock and awe of a branch crashing through the roof into the living room.

Why Tree Maintenance is Essential for Your Home’s Protection

Maintaining the trees around your home is crucial to prevent potential damage caused by overgrown branches, falling trees, or decaying limbs. Regular tree care, including pruning and trimming, can help ensure that your trees are healthy and not putting your property at risk. Additionally, addressing overgrown trees can prevent issues before they escalate into costly repairs.

If you’re unsure about the condition of your trees, it’s a good idea to contact a certified arborist who can inspect your property and offer professional recommendations. This proactive approach can help you avoid expensive damage to your roofing material, gutters, and home’s exterior.

Let’s examine the issue in detail and make a few suggestions on actions to take.

Safety and Structural Risks of Branches Hanging Over Your Home

Roof Damage

If the tree branches contact the siding or roof, they’ll cause damage to these structures as well as the tree branch. As a result, the strength of the limb wanes, increasing the risk of a break and fall. Branches touching the roof can scrape off shingles, leading to water leaks and the onset of rot in the roof structure.

Health Risks

When the roof structures get wet, it presents the ideal conditions for mold growth. Mold infestations spread and get out of hand fast, resulting in a health risk for occupants. Tree branches hanging over the roof clog your gutters, downpipes, and the drain with leaves when the fall arrives, leading to water damage and mold growth.

A Bridge for Pests

Branches over your roof also provide pathways for rodents like raccoons and rats. These pests get onto your roof and enter the structure or set up shop in your chimney. Considering the chimney, a falling branch can damage the structure and cause it to fall into the roof.

Expenses

Damage from large tree branches can cause an increase in your insurance companies premiums, adding to your household expenses. Overhanging branches can also shadow your windows, reducing the light entering your home, and resulting in higher energy costs as additional lighting is needed throughout the day.

How to Manage or Remove Overhanging Tree Branches

If you’re planting new trees in your yard, consider its positioning. Don’t place it in areas where the tree may grow and hang over the roof. Heavy branches increase the risk of the tree falling over in high winds, crashing into your home or exterior walls – even worse, your neighbor’s property.

If you plant trees in your yard close to your home, ensure you prune them every season to prevent branches from growing too close to the roof.

Already have branches looming over your roof? Don’t try to cut them down yourself. Removing these branches requires experience to prevent damage.

Call your local arborist and ask them to visit your home and assess the situation. Arborists have specialized equipment to ensure they remove the limb without causing damage to the roof. A DIY removal will likely end up in damage, and that’s more costly to repair than hiring an arborist to handle the job.

How Far Should Branches Be from the Roof?

The trees in your yard should have branches no closer than six feet to the walls or the roof. If you have trees with branches within these limits, contact a local tree trimming service.

The Importance of Hiring a Certified Arborist for Tree Removal

When it comes to removing trees or trimming branches that are too close to your roof, it’s always best to work with a certified arborist. These professionals have the knowledge and equipment to safely manage tree care and remove trees without causing additional damage to your property. Certified arborists are also able to identify potential problems early, such as disease or insect infestation, and take preventative measures to protect your home.

Tree Services of Omaha

Tree Services of Omaha, Nebraska is a full-service tree care provider that offers a wide range of arborist services including but not limited to: Tree Removal Services, Tree Trimming, Tree Pruning, Tree and Shrub Shaping, Stump Removal, Stump Grinding, Arborist Consultations, Systemic Tree Injections.

Contact us today for a free estimate!