How to Prevent Tree Damage to Your Roof

Having to replace an aging roof at the end of its life is one thing. But the surprise of an unwelcome windstorm and ensuing tree damage to your roof can be a hard pill to swallow.

After all, no one wants to hear the unwelcome crack of a branch that means your roof will need to be replaced!

No one can prevent damage from the elements entirely, but there are things you can do to lower the risk. Before the next windstorm rolls in, be sure to do a little maintenance so the odds will be stacked in your roof’s favor.

Are Your Trees Healthy?

Nothing can do damage to your home and your yard like an unstable tree! And, while an unhealthy tree is unfortunate, dealing with wind damage to your roof is even worse.

It’s important to consult with an arborist before you decide that a tree needs to be cut down. But there are things to watch out for in the event you think you have a sick tree:

Splitting Trunk – If you’ve noticed a split trunk or a crack in a tree, it may be about to fall on your home. Don’t attempt to fix it yourself and consult with the professionals on how to prevent tree damage to roof.

Fungus – An unhealthy tree may have a lot of fungus growing on it like shelves. If it’s growing on branches, they may fall off and the illness may spread to the rest of the tree.

Missing Leaves – Missing shingles indicate a problem when it comes to shingle roofs, and it’s no different for a tree when it comes to leaves. If certain parts of your tree have no leaves, it may mean it hasn’t been able to access necessary nutrients.

Peeling Bark ­- Trees like birch may shed their bark, but for many trees bark functions as a protective layer. Without it, fungi and other forms of illness can be absorbed into the tree.

If your tree is sick and can’t be helped, removing it is the most effective way to prevent tree damage to roof.

Trim Your Trees

Roof maintenance is a necessity when it comes to keeping your home secure, and it’s no different when it comes to trees!

A little maintenance here and there is the key to how to prevent tree damage to your roof.

You may want to bring in a professional to do the trimming. But if you’re comfortable taking it on yourself, ensure that tree branches are a good distance away from your home. If any look unstable, a simple trim can mean avoiding unnecessary roof repairs.

It’s always hard to say what’s going to get thrown around when a storm comes, so err on the side of caution and trim, trim, trim.

Consider Tree Placement

There’s nothing you can do about the trees that are already in your yard. But if you’re planting new trees in your yard, you can control their placement and avoid tree damage to roof.

It’s suggested that any tree should be 15-20 feet away from your home. A smaller tree can get away with 15 feet while a larger tree should be a minimum of 20 feet.

If you’re doing some landscaping and are digging some things up, now can be the time to assess the placement of your yard’s vegetation.

Prune Young Trees

If you’re not a green thumb, you might not be aware that pruning a tree when it’s young can be the best way to strengthen it!

In fact, if you have some new trees, pruning them on a consistent basis can effectively build strength where the tree branch meets with the trunk. This means tree damage to roof can be avoided!

In the event that a windstorm flares up, branches will be less likely to break off from a well-maintained young tree.

Keep the Gutters Clear

Cleaning the gutter may be one of the most common tasks associated with roof maintenance, but it’s also one of the most important.

A cleared gutter will function as it should, helping to drain water and move it away from your home. Unfortunately, any stop ups from branches or leaves can lead to tree damage to roof that means big issues.

Depending on the kind of trees you have, be sure to keep an eye on your roof and gutter so debris doesn’t have the ability to accumulate.

Conclusion

Preventing damage to your roof from trees is as easy as a little basic maintenance. By clearing your gutters and doing some trimming, you won’t have to worry when a storm hits. If you are dealing with a tree you think might be sick, it may need to be removed to avoid larger roof issues.

If you’re wondering how to handle tree damage to your roof, reach out to the experts at Dr. Roof today at 1-818-514-1769 so they can fix the issue.

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