Trees improve the natural aesthetic of any property. In fact, a cleanly cultivated garden with a modest green canopy can increase your home value. Yet some trees also threaten your home as they grow and age. Broken branches and fallen leaves can clog storm drains and wear down the outer layer of your roof. Worse, intense storms can topple trees and cause substantial damage.

Trimming Trees on Your Property

The only way to prevent tree roof damage is to maintain trees on your property and advise your neighbours to do the same. Trees closer than six feet to your home need retracting for several reasons:

1. Loose branches can blow onto your roof when in close proximity;
2. Small animals can climb trees and hop onto your roof to nest;
3. Trees can snap under the weight of ice and snow, especially at the top.

Every year, you should trim the trees around your home to avoid the problems above. As well, regularly clear leaves and needles from your roof to prevent accumulation. When piled, leaves can trap moisture and block the flow of water.

What Happens If a Tree Damages My Roof?

Once a tree hits your roof, you must call a contractor for repairs and an assessment. Until you determine if the damage is structural, you cannot live safely in your home. Surface damage like scratched or broken shingles is easily fixable, but you may want to tarp the affected areas.

Repairing tree damage can sometimes cost a lot. Fortunately, most insurance policies cover damages accidental in nature. But here lies a caveat. If you’re proven negligible, then the policy will not pay. This is why maintenance is so important: you demonstrate to insurers you are not at fault. Anything you can do to reduce your liability is an asset when dealing with insurance companies.