Trees Near Roof Damage: What Branches, Debris and Falling Limbs Do

Can trees near a roof cause damage?

Yes. Trees near a roof damage it four ways: branches scrape the surface, leaves and twigs clog valleys and gutters, shade keeps the roof damp, and limbs or whole trees can fall on it.

Trees near a roof add up to damage slowly, then all at once in a storm. Branches rub, debris piles up, and then hurricane season arrives. IKO, a shingle maker, says overhanging branches can scrape away the protective outer layer of shingles when wind pushes them against the roof. IBHS, the insurance industry's research group, says to trim overhanging branches that could rub the roof or drop debris, and to remove dead or diseased trees that could fall on the home.

How close is too close? IKO says the tips of a tree's branches should be at least six feet from the roof. Who handles the cutting? An arborist, which is a trained tree-care professional, not you and not the roofer. When does it matter most? Before June 1, when the Atlantic hurricane season starts, and after any storm. Why does it matter? A roof that stays clear of branches and debris dries faster, wears slower and has less to go wrong in a storm.

The sections below cover each way a tree hurts a roof, what distance to keep, who should cut, and what to do if a limb already landed on your roof. For the wider routine, see our roof maintenance checklist.

Who should cut branches that hang over a roof?

An arborist should. IKO says never trim a tree that overhangs your roof yourself, and ISA says tree work should be done by people trained and equipped to work safely in trees.

Cutting a limb over a roof is risky for the person and for the roof. A heavy branch that falls the wrong way can crack tile or tear shingles. IKO advises hiring an arborist to handle overhanging branches so the roof is protected during the work.

ISA, the International Society of Arboriculture, describes arborist certification as a voluntary, nongovernmental process that documents an individual's knowledge, and certified arborists must keep up their education. Ask whether the person you hire is certified, and ask how the cuts will be made.

Also avoid topping, which means chopping a tree back to stubs. UF/IFAS says topped trees tend to break in storms, and that large pruning cuts can cause internal decay and cracks. A good arborist reduces branches with proper cuts instead. After the work, have a roofer look at the roof, since a limb that rubbed for years may have worn the shingles or cracked tile underneath.

What should you do if a limb or tree hits your roof?

Stay off the roof, photograph the damage from the ground, protect the opening from rain, and have a roofer check for damage you cannot see.

1. Stay safe and stay off the roof

   Look from the ground. Do not climb up to check, and keep people away from a damaged area. Our tree fell on roof guide has the full list.

2. Photograph the damage

   Take dated photos from the ground, outside and inside. They record what happened.

3. Protect the opening from rain

   A temporary repair or tarp keeps more water out until the permanent work is done. Coastline does temporary repairs and tarps. See what to do until the roofer arrives.

4. Have a roofer check for hidden damage

   A limb can crack the deck or lift shingles near the visible hole. Our roof deck damage page shows what to look for.

5. Call an arborist for the tree

   Do not cut a leaning or hanging limb yourself. UF/IFAS recommends hiring an arborist to evaluate a hazardous tree.

6. Read your policy

   Your policy and your insurer decide what is covered. This is general information, not legal advice.

Coastline repairs shingle, tile, metal and low-slope roofs, and inspects with a written photo report. On tile, Josh usually flies a drone first. For a regular schedule, see how often to inspect a roof and our roof maintenance page.