Having trees in a yard is nice and provides an enticing aesthetic appeal. However, when you notice a tree overhanging above your house, it is time to take action. Although the overhanging branches may seem to offer additional protection to your home, it poses a great threat to your safety and investment.
Why You Need to Cut the Tree Limbs Over Your House
Overhanging branches may cause physical damage to your roof by scraping off asphalt or gravel and damaging shingles. This may result in your roof leaking.
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The most dangerous thing is having the tree limbs falling on your house. During a storm, large branches may fall onto your roof, resulting in serious damages to the residents and the structure.
The leaves falling on your roof provides moist and shady conditions that are ideal for fungi, moss, and other organisms to thrive.
When you have tree branches above your house, it is inevitable to have leaves and twigs that may easily clog your gutters. Having clogged drainage systems pose a higher risk of damaging water pipes and erosion.
Another reason why you should cut overhanging branches is that they facilitate the wildlife to access your house. Animals such as raccoons and squirrels may enjoy staying in your walls or attic.
Although the tree limbs pose some severe threats to your home, it is not always practical to remove the entire tree. For instance, if the tree belongs to your neighbor or the community. In this case, you will only need to cut down the branches that are over your home and let the rest of the tree to thrive. Also, ensure that you talk to your neighbor before trimming the tree to avoid any possible issues.
How to Cut Tree Limbs Over Your House
Trimming tree branches above a roof is very risky, especially if you are a newbie. The mistakes can be very costly, which is why you may need a professional to handle the job. From a safety standpoint removing thinner limbs is more accessible than the larger ones. Cutting the branches in smaller sections is a simple and safer way to ensure the job is done well.
Items Required
- Chainsaw
- Ladder
- Thick nylon ropes
- Safety gears
- Tree felling Wedge
Step 1: Making knots on ropes
The most crucial thing is to ensure that the cut off tree branches do not fall on your roof. The best way to do this is by creating knots with a heavy nylon rope at several places. Place the ladder at the end of the branch and create a knot on it. Proceed to secure the other end of the line on another tree limb in a safe zone. The heavier the branch, the more knots you need.
Step 2: Identify the brand collar
After securing the branch, locate the collar of the limb where you will begin the cutting process. This is the area where the branch grows from the main tree. It usually features a thicker branch than the rest of the limb.
However, it is easier to cut the limb around the notch since it requires little effort. Once you find the tree collar, prepare for the cut.
Step 3: Cut at a downward angle
When it comes to cutting, use a powerful saw depending on the type of tree and the branch thickness. For smaller branches, you can use pruning shears. Begin creating downwards cuts to prevent water from settling in the wound, which might result in the rotting of the tree. Once you are done cutting, the branch should come off. The ropes that you attached earlier should prevent the tree limb from falling on your roof.
Take safety precautions while using chainsaw such as ensuring your footing is stable and secure, the weight limit of your ladder, and wearing safety glasses.
Step 4: Get the branch to the ground
By now, the branch will be hanging with the support of the cable. Ask someone to pull the rope away from the house and then untie the knots. It is crucial to have people on the ground to help you to get the branch safely on the ground.
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Bottom Line
If you are just learning how to cut tree limbs over a house, it is advisable to start small and then slowly work through it. Having tree branches over your roof is risky to you and your home. Call a certified arborist for proper handling of the situation. What is more is that if the arborist causes any damages, their insurance will cover the repair costs.
