As the Coastal Bend faces an increasingly active storm season, it’s important to consider the health and maintenance of your home. That includes the impact trees can have on your roof, gutters, siding and windows. Always keep your trees trimmed away from your roof. Trim Trees
Powerful winds can cause branches to rake across roofs, cause limbs to fall on homes and do damage to other parts of your home. Leaves, branches and other debris above your roof can accumulate, trapping moisture that can cause rot and mold. Those limbs above your roof also act as a bridge for pests and insects that can lead to further damage around your home.
The easiest way to avoid the headache of unruly tree branches is to trim trees when necessary. While it is recommended you contact a professional before getting on a roof or ladder hoping to address these issues yourself, here’s a few things to keep in mind before you start snipping:
What’s the best time to trim?
While it may not be obvious that it’s time to trim your trees until the limbs are sitting on your roof, it’s a good idea to try and trim them during the season that will avoid damage. Late winter is the best time to trim non-blooming trees. For blooming trees, spring just after the bloom is the best time to trim.
Avoid pruning the wrong branches
Always start trimming trees by taking down dead branches first, followed by branches that join the trunk at weak “V” shapes and angles and avoid cutting thicker branches. Pruning healthy branches can not only affect the aesthetic of the tree but weaken and damage them as well. Tree Trim
Keep your tools sanitized, clean and sharp
Using dirty or rusted tools and equipment to trim trees could potentially transmit fungi and bacteria to your trees. Blunt shears can make rough cuts that will lead to longer healing times, so always sterilize and sharpen your cutting tools to avoid damaging the tree.
Avoid cutting at the branch collar
The branch collar is often located where a branch joins the trunk and contains a large bundle of vascular tissue that can lose a large amount of sap when cut through, causing severe damage to the tree. Be aware of where you are trimming and avoid nicking the branch collar.
To see how we can help keep those pesky branches at bay, contact us today for a free estimate or follow this link to request one online.