As winter whips through Indiana, storms bring strong winds, heavy snow, and thick ice. Trees planted near homes and cars pose a threat as branches blow and break.
Too often homeowners plant trees too close to their homes, not accounting for their height and width as they mature. Overhanging branches can cause a slew of problems that can be prevented by a professional inspection and trimming.
Roofs are especially vulnerable to damage done by trees. So we’re here to help you answer the question: are tree branches threatening your roof? Here are a few things to look out for.
Overhanging Branches
Branches that rub or rest against your roof are cause for concern. As snow and ice pile onto these branches, the weight can create a wet, weak point in your roof’s construction or contribute to the formation of ice dams.
On windy days, branches that scrape the shingles of your roof strip off layers of asphalt or completely tear shingles away, leaving your roof exposed to leaks and mold growth. Large branches can even break windows during storms.
Leaves and Needles
If you’re unsure whether an overhanging branch is a threat, look for an excess of leaves or needles present on your roof or in your gutters. Piles of leaves on your roof hold onto water and ice, making your roof vulnerable to leaks, rot, and collapse.
Overhanging branches are usually the culprit of clogged gutters. As gutters fill with leaves and needles, thawing ice and melting snow cannot be properly drained away from your home. This leads to the formation of ice dams, weakness in the fascia, and interior leaks.
Split/Falling Branches
Heavy ice and snow weigh down branches, causing them to break and fall. Be aware of points of weakness in your trees due to storms, disease, and decay. Large branches can penetrate roofs, rip off shingles, and damage gutters.
We don’t recommend trying to remove or fell large branches alone. A tree professional can diagnose the tree as a whole, solving the problem indefinitely rather than temporarily.
Fungus Growth
The presence of fungus on your roof is a red flag. Generally, mold and fungus growth are caused by excessive shade from overhanging trees or a buildup of leaves and needles.
Too much shade does not allow snow and ice to melt properly and drain from your roof. The mold can penetrate wood beams making the roof weak and prone to leaks. If you see white or green mold on your roof, it’s important to remedy the situation as soon as possible.
Call A Tree Expert
Attempting to trim overhanging branches can be dangerous. Improper trimming can lead to uneven weight distribution and put stress on trees. Simply lopping off overhanging branches puts your tree at risk for disease, decay, and falling.
A tree expert will trim as needed to ensure the tree remains healthy and strong. Call a tree expert if you see any of the above signs of a threat. It will save you time, headache, and money in the future.
