Trees add a lot to the home landscape, both visually and via useful elements, such as shade. Properly maintaining the trees helps ensure that they are a safe addition to the landscape. These tips can keep your home and you safe as you care for these plants.

Tip #1: Protect Your Roof

Trees with canopies that extend over the roof can pose a danger to shingles, and in some cases, to the roof itself. It's time to trim back the tree if the branches extend over the roof. This is especially true if they are resting or dragging across the shingles when the wind blows. This can break the shingles or trap moisture, which can lead to moss and mildew growth. Branches held well above the roof should also be removed or at least closely monitored so you can trim them off if they show any signs that they may break soon. A large falling branch can put a hole in your roof.

Tip #2: Watch the Siding

Much like the roof, your siding and windows can also suffer damage if the tree canopy encroaches too closely to the home. The branches should not scrape against the side of the house, since this can result in damaged siding. Another issue that can occur when the branches touch the house is that a particularly windy day may result in a broken window. Trim back the branches so they don't quite touch the house, no matter how hard the wind blows.

Tip #3: Don't Forget to Look Up

Power lines can present a safety problem if you have above-ground lines in your area. It's a good idea to make sure the canopy stays trimmed back so it doesn't become entangled in the power lines, but it can be dangerous to do the trimming yourself if the tree has already grown into the line zone. As a general rule, trim very cautiously if you will not be able to reach the lines with a tool in your hand as you cut back the canopy. If the canopy has grown tall enough that the lines are within reach, call in a professional to trim it back.

Tip #4: Protect the Road

A tree-lined street presents a pretty picture, but falling branches can damage cars or injure pedestrians on the sidewalk. Check the tree canopy at least twice annually, in spring and fall, for any visible deadwood or broken branches. Cut these out where they join to the nearest healthy wood, using a pruning saw. It's also a good idea to check the tree after any major storm or windy day, just to make sure there is no newly broken branches that are in danger of causing an injury.

For more information, contact Carlos Tree Service Inc. or a similar company.