Tree Branches Hanging Over or Touching Your Roof? Do This Right Now
That beautiful shade tree in your yard suddenly feels a bit too close. Branches are brushing shingles or maybe even resting right on your roof.
It’s not just a nuisance—it’s a risk. Whether the tree is yours or a neighbor’s, here’s what homeowners need to know—and do—before small issues turn into big damage.
Why Overhanging Branches Are Dangerous 🏠
Roof abrasion: Branches rubbing against shingles can scratch or wear away the protective granules—leading to leaks and accelerated wear Reddit+12IKO North America+12treedoctors.ca+12TruCo Services, Inc.+5Tree Services of Omaha+5Davey Tree Service Blog+5gunnerroofing.com.
Debris buildup: Leaves and twigs clog gutters and trap moisture, fostering mold and rot gunnerroofing.com+2overthetoproofing.com+2Chase Roofing+2.
Storm risk: Branches weakened by decay can break off in storms and puncture your roof or damage gutters treedoctors.ca+8Davey Tree Service Blog+8Chase Roofing+8.
Pest access: Limbs overhanging your home can serve as bridges for rodents or squirrels into your attic IKO North America+6Tree Services of Omaha+6Davey Tree Service Blog+6.
Is It Your Tree—or Your Neighbor’s?
Even if the tree belongs to your neighbor, most local laws allow you to trim branches that cross onto your property—so long as you don’t harm the tree’s health Arborist Now+2Davey Tree Service Blog+2Reddit+2. But out of courtesy and to avoid conflict, it’s best to speak with your neighbor first.
Alright, now let’s talk about next steps.
What You Should Do Next
❏ Do: Get a Professional Opinion
Davey Tree, a trusted authority, strongly recommends hiring a certified and insured arborist for any cleanup or trimming above your roofline overthetoproofing.com+2Davey Tree Service Blog+2IKO North America+2. Professionals reduce risk, protect your home, and—importantly—have insurance coverage if something goes wrong.
❏ Don’t: DIY Hazardous Trimming
Cutting branches over your roof without the right equipment or training can cause more damage—especially if the limb lands unpredictably or tears shingles in the process Davey Tree Service Blog+1Tree Services of Omaha+1.
❏ Don’t: Wait Until It’s Too Late
Insurance companies may refuse coverage if your insurer deems you negligent by allowing branches to grow dangerously close to your home. Some homeowners have even faced cancellations over this risk IKO North America.
❏ Maintain Safe Clearance:
Experts suggest keeping branches at least 6 to 10 feet away from your roof or walls to avoid abrasion and reduce storm damage risk Arborist Now+4gunnerroofing.com+4Reddit+4.
Signs You Need Help from an Arborist
Permanent contact or movement across the roof surface
Branches scraping, scratching, or leaving marks on the roof
Accumulated debris or clogged gutters from nearby trees
Trees with visible decay, cracks, or leaning limbs
Bird or rodent activity making unusual access easier thanks to limbs
What a Certified Arborist Will Do
Inspect the tree’s health and risk factors
Prune safely above or around the roofline
Use proper rigging and fall protection systems
Clean up debris and ensure your roof/gutters remain clear
Provide documentation—a helpful resource if insurance coverage becomes necessary
Branches brushing or resting on your roof might seem harmless now—but they’re wearing away your home’s protective layer (literally), clogging gutters, inviting pests, and inviting big trouble during storms.
Your safest bet: Call a certified, insured arborist before the problem turns from a nuisance into a claim.
Flying Squirrel Tree Trimming is Michigan-certified and fully insured—ready to keep your home protected.
📞 Call us now or 📧 email for a tree inspection and safe pruning plan
Your roof—and your neighbors—will thank you.