Almost every year, storms occur that are strong enough to bring down trees and branches. It’s important to look carefully at the trees around your property –- both old and dying trees and younger, healthy specimens –- to determine how they might impact your house or garage. This inspection is often easiest in the spring, when you can readily identify dead branches because they don’t have leaf buds.

With healthy trees, check whether any limbs have grown long enough to reach the roof or siding. It’s amazing how much damage they can do! Wind-blown branches that repeatedly rub against a surface can cut through shingles and other roofing materials; damage paint; destroy wood, vinyl or aluminum siding; and even scar masonry, stucco and concrete. Identify any branches that should be trimmed back from the house or garage. Then, look for dead and dying trees and limbs, particularly those overhanging the house or garage, which could cause damage if felled by high winds. (Read more….)