The trees on your property provide shade and oxygenate the air, and they can also be quite beautiful. However, if you have trees near your home, severe weather could cause a tree to fall into your roof. When this type of roof damage occurs, you should expect a costly repair bill or hope that your homeowners’ insurance will cover the damage. If you believe that tree damage to your roof is a possibility, there are a few tips to keep in mind that can help you prevent these incidents.
Consult an arborist
There are thousands of different species of trees in America, each with its own unique properties. If you are unsure how to handle a particular tree that is too close to your home, consult a local arborist to determine the best way to address the problem.
Arrange professional tree trimming
Trimming a tree requires professional assistance. Do not attempt to trim a tree on your own, especially one that is as tall as or taller than your home. A tree trimming service can be invaluable if you have any concerns about large branches falling on your home or the tree eventually becoming unstable and falling. An arborist is a great resource if you are unsure how much you must trim from the tree. Keep in mind that removing more than 25% of the tree will likely cause it to die, and in this situation, complete removal of the tree may be the best available solution.
Prune younger trees
If you have recently planted new trees on your property and want to encourage safe and healthy growth, pruning is essential. Pruning a young tree encourages stronger crotch growth, meaning the connections between the tree’s trunk and its major branches will be much stronger, and the tree’s limbs will be much less likely to break off or fall during severe weather.
Remove diseased or unstable trees promptly
You may have trees near your home that are very old, diseased, or otherwise unstable. An arborist can help you identify serious problems with the trees on your property and help you determine the best ways to address them. In most situations, removal is the best solution for a dead tree that could potentially become a breeding ground for unwanted pests on your property, and swift removal can eliminate the risk of the unstable tree falling into your home. The arborist can also help ensure that removing the tree is legal in your area.
Clean tree debris as soon as possible
Many trees drop debris regularly, such as the pine cones that fall from pine trees. These bits of debris can accumulate on your roof and eventually clog your gutters. Over time, clogged gutters can lead to serious water damage to your property and expensive repair bills.
Consult an experienced roofer
One of the best resources for preventing roof damage from falling trees is an experienced roofer. Most roofers have experience repairing damage from fallen trees and can pinpoint any high-risk issues on your property. If you are concerned about the trees on your property or your roof has recently sustained significant damage from a fallen tree, contact Mr. Roof today and arrange a roof inspection.
