Yes. If any limb hangs over your roof or sits within about 10 feet of it, have it cut back before winter. November windstorms and ice storms are when weak or overloaded branches come down in western Pennsylvania, and a single large limb can punch through shingles, decking and gutters in seconds. Trimming in late fall, after the leaves drop, is also easier on most trees and lets the arborist see exactly what they are cutting.
Why do overhanging trees cause so much roof damage in winter?
Most of our big tree damage calls come in three situations, and all three peak between November and March.
- Wind. Our fall and early winter fronts bring gusts strong enough to snap dead wood and split weak crotches.
- Ice loading. A coating of freezing rain can add hundreds of pounds to a single large limb. Branches that look healthy in October can crack and drop under that weight.
- Constant abrasion. Limbs resting on or near the roof rub back and forth in every breeze. Over a season they scrub granules off shingles, loosen ridge caps and wear through flashing.
Older neighborhoods around Pittsburgh have mature oaks, maples and sycamores planted decades before the house was reroofed, and hilly lots often put a tree on the uphill side with its canopy level with your roof. That combination is why trimming matters more here than in a newer subdivision with young landscaping.
What other problems do trees near the roof cause?
Clogged gutters. Heavy oak and maple leaf drop fills gutters every October, and pine needles, helicopter seeds and oak tassels keep coming in spring. Packed gutters hold water against the fascia and can back water under the first course of shingles. Our guide to how clogged gutters damage your roof walks through what that looks like.
Moss, algae and shade. A roof that never sees direct sun stays damp for days after rain. Moss holds moisture against the shingles and lifts their edges, and the dark streaks you see on many north facing roofs are algae that thrive in the same conditions. Thinning the canopy so sunlight reaches the roof is often the best long term fix.
Squirrels and other animals. Squirrels use overhanging branches as a bridge. Once on the roof they chew soffit vents, ridge vents and the corners of fascia to get into a warm attic for the winter. Cutting limbs back so there is a gap of 8 to 10 feet takes away the easy route.
How far back should trees be trimmed from the roof?
A good working rule is to keep all branches at least 10 feet from the roof surface and at least 6 feet above it if they extend over the house. Tall trees that lean toward the house, have large dead limbs, or show cracks, fungus or hollow spots at the base deserve a closer look from a professional, because the problem may be the whole tree, not one branch.
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Limbs touching or resting on the roof | Cut back now, before leaf drop finishes and winter wind starts |
| Limbs within 10 feet of the roof edge | Shorten to give at least 10 feet of clearance |
| Dead or broken limbs anywhere above the house | Remove before the first ice storm |
| Tree leaning toward the house or showing rot | Have a certified arborist evaluate the whole tree |
| Branches near the electric service line | Call your electric utility first and do not trim yourself |
Timing matters for some species. Late fall and winter dormancy is a good time to prune most trees. For oaks, Penn State Extension recommends pruning from December through March, when the beetles that spread oak wilt are inactive, and avoiding cuts in warm months. If your problem tree is an oak, schedule the cut for after hard frosts or during winter.
Should a roofer or an arborist trim the trees?
Hire an arborist. Tree work near a house involves rigging limbs down so they do not drop on the roof, judging how a cut will affect the tree, and working around power lines. That is a different trade from roofing. Look for an ISA certified arborist, which you can verify through the International Society of Arboriculture, and ask for proof of liability insurance and workers compensation coverage before anyone climbs.
Avoid anyone who offers to “top” a tree by cutting the main leaders flat, since topping produces weak regrowth that breaks more easily later. Never prune near the wires running to your house yourself; call your electric utility.
Once the limbs are gone, have a roofer check for the abrasion, granule loss and soft spots the branches were hiding.
Does homeowners insurance cover a tree falling on your house?
Usually, if the tree came down because of a covered event. Most standard homeowners policies cover damage to the house when a tree or limb falls because of wind, lightning, or the weight of ice and snow, regardless of whose yard the tree was in. That typically includes the roof, siding and gutters, and removing the tree from the structure is usually covered up to a policy limit. Removal of a tree that falls in the yard without hitting anything is often not covered or is capped at a small amount.
The common exception is neglect. If the tree was obviously dead, rotted or already cracked and nothing was done, an insurer may argue the damage came from lack of maintenance rather than the storm and deny or reduce the claim. Trimming before winter protects your roof and helps show the tree was maintained. Check your policy and ask your agent about your deductible and any tree removal limits. Our overview of the roof insurance claim process in Pennsylvania explains the steps.
What should you do if a limb hits your roof?
- Get everyone safe. Stay out of rooms under the impact point. If any wire is down or tangled in the tree, stay away and call 911 and your electric utility.
- Stay off the roof. A loaded limb can shift, and damaged decking may not hold your weight.
- Document everything. Take photos and video from the ground and inside the house, including ceiling stains and anything wet.
- Prevent more damage. Put buckets under drips and move belongings. Most policies expect you to take reasonable steps, such as a tarp, and keep the receipts. See our guide to an emergency roof tarp.
- Call in order. Contact your insurance company, then a tree service to remove the limb, then a roofer to dry in and assess the structure. Our storm damage checklist covers the details.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to trim trees near my roof?
Late fall through winter, after the leaves drop, works well for most trees and gets limbs out of the way before ice storms. Oaks are safest to prune from December through March and should not be cut during the warm months. Dead or hanging limbs over the house should come down as soon as you notice them, whatever the season.
Can I trim branches over my roof myself?
Small branches you can reach from the ground with a pole saw are fine. Anything that requires a ladder, a chainsaw overhead, or working from the roof is how homeowners get hurt and roofs get damaged. Large limbs and anything near wires belong with a professional arborist.
Is my neighbor responsible if their tree falls on my house?
In most cases your own homeowners policy handles damage to your house from a storm felled tree, no matter where the tree stood. If the tree was clearly dead or dangerous and your neighbor had been told, their liability coverage may come into play. Talk to your agent, since the answer depends on your policy and the facts.
Should I get my roof inspected after trees are trimmed?
It is a good idea. Branches often hide worn shingles, loose flashing and clogged valleys, and a quick inspection before winter lets you fix small issues before snow and ice make them leaks.
If a storm has already dropped a limb on your house, or you want your roof and gutters checked once the trees are cut back, call Bella Construction at (724) 515 5163 for a free inspection. Our storm damage repair team works throughout the Pittsburgh area, and fall schedules fill quickly before winter weather sets in.