How Overhanging Trees Can Damage Your Roof (And What to Do About It)
I can’t count how many times I’ve been called out after a storm to fix a roof that got damaged by a tree limb someone meant to deal with “next weekend.”
Some homeowners even think the overhanging branches look good and add character to their garden!
But from a roofer’s perspective, overhanging branches are just waiting to cause problems. One bad storm or strong gust of wind, and you could be dealing with shattered tiles, crushed gutters, or even a hole through the ceiling! It sounds grim, but most of these problems are avoidable.
That’s why I’m writing this blog post, because too many people get caught out thinking a few overhanging tree limbs aren’t a big deal… until it is! If you’ve got roof damage and didn’t do anything to handle the overhanging trees, your insurance company may even refuse to pay out.
Let me show you where the real risks lie, what to do about them, and when tree removal is necessary.
Sneaky Ways Trees Are Damaging Your Roof
Roof damage comes in many forms, and some of them affect your home quietly, without you even realising it. Here’s how trees could be damaging your roof:
Physical Impact Damage
Let’s start with the most obvious one. Overhanging limbs can snap under their own weight, and the risk of this is even higher when they are soaked with rain or blown by high winds. When they fall, they can crack shingles, dent metal sheets, smash ridge capping and even split rafters! And if you’ve got an older tiled roof, the damage can be even more severe.
Gutter Blockage & Water Backflow
This one is a slow killer. Leaves and twigs accumulate in your gutters over time, eventually leading to downpipe blockages that prevent rainwater from draining. Instead, the water backs up and spills over, soaking your fascia boards, dripping behind flashings, and seeping into your roof cavity! Leave it alone for too long, and it won’t just be the gutters you’re replacing. You’ll have rot in the eaves and warped timber framing to deal with!
Moss, Mould, and Mildew
Overhanging branches cast shade on your roof. Constant shade means moisture hangs around longer after it has rained. If you then add organic debris and poor airflow into the mix, you’ll end up with moss creeping up your tiles and mould setting in underneath.
Moss lifts shingles and eats into your insulation. And mildew looks bad while causing a foul smell that’s very difficult to get rid of!
Animal Issues
Branches that hang too close to the roof make it super easy for pests to reach your roof. Squirrels, rats, possums and other animals don’t need much space to get into your attic, and once they’re in, they chew through insulation, gnaw on wiring, and nest in places they shouldn’t. I’ve opened up roofs where it looked like a rat hotel in the rafters!
Long-term Effects Of Ignoring Overhanging Trees
The problem with overhanging trees is that the effects aren’t often noticeable at first. That’s why it’s so easy for people to ignore until they have a major issue on their hands! Here’s what ignoring that overhanging tree limb could cost you:
Structural Deterioration $1,000-$30,000
Given enough time, water can rot anything, even treated timber. When blocked gutters overflow, or when branches constantly rub against the roof surface, water finds its way in!
It eats into the fascia boards, causing the soffits to go soft. Then the underside of the roof decking starts to warp, and the structural integrity of your roof is seriously damaged
Repairing this damage can be extremely expensive, depending on the extent of the damage. Replacing damaged fascia and gutters can cost between $1,200 and $3,500. Structural timber repairs typically cost around $5,000 or more. And if you don’t catch the issues early, you could end up needing a full roof replacement, which can cost you a whopping $12,000–$30,000, depending on the size and material of your roof.
Ventilation Problems $2,000-$10,000
Overhanging trees block airflow and trap humidity around your roof. Falling limbs can ruin your whirlybird, causing frustrating damage. That disrupts your ventilation, which is supposed to regulate temperature and stop condensation from forming inside the roof cavity. When it fails, you experience heat buildup in the summer, moisture retention in winter, and compromised insulation. Replacing saturated insulation costs $2,000–$4,500, while mould remediation in your roof cavity can cost up to $10,000, depending on the severity of the issue.
And if your internal ceiling needs repairs, you’ll be adding another few grand to the tab.
Insurance Headaches $$$
Insurers love telling you “No.”
I’ve had clients attempt to claim storm damage, only to discover that their policy included a provision stating “routine management.” That means if you didn’t take care of it, you’re paying for it!
If the roof damage came from something you could’ve prevented, like a dead tree that needed tree removal or a neglected overhanging limb, there’s a good chance your claim gets denied. Or maybe they’ll cover part of it, minus a hefty excess and “lack of maintenance” clause. And the worst part is, even if you pay for the damage, your premiums will go up anyway because now you’re a “high risk” customer!
So, what can we do to prevent all these negative consequences and save ourselves a lot of money and tears? Let me show you!
What Can You Do About Overhanging Trees?
Don’t wait until an overhanging tree branch is scraping your roof or bouncing in the wind. Stay one step ahead with these tree care tips:
Regular tree inspections are vital. Once a year, preferably before storm season, inspect your property (or better yet, get an arborist to do it). Look for dead limbs, heavy overhang, leaning trunks, and signs of disease. Trees give out warnings, but you need to look out for them!
Routine trimming makes a massive difference. Prune back anything within 1–2 metres of the roofline. If a branch looks like it might fall in the next year, then cut it now! Seasonal tree trimming in late winter or early spring is a good idea. But please, don’t hack at it yourself from a ladder with a dull saw. That’s how ER visits happen! Always ensure safe work practices and hire tree maintenance experts when necessary.
Do You Need Tree Removal?
Not all trees can be saved with trimming, though. Sometimes, the whole thing has to go! If you're wondering if you need to call your local tree removal specialists, look out for these red flags:
Trunk Is Cracked, Hollow, Or Leaning Heavily
Large Dead Branches High In The Canopy
Visible Root Damage Or Uprooting
Fungus Growing Around The Base
Constantly Dropping Limbs
Crowding Structures Or Power Lines
Causing Foundation Issues Or Cracked Paving
If you’re seeing any of that, it’s time to call in the tree removal pros before it’s too late!
If you’re looking for tree removal experts in Newcastle, I’d recommend Cutting Edge Tree Maintenance. They’re locally owned and operated, fully insured, and don’t make a mess of your property. Their work complies with Australian tree removal and safety standards, including AS 4373-2007 Pruning of Amenity Tree, so you can trust them to trim your overhanging branches properly!
Whether it’s precision trimming, complete tree removal, or stump grinding, they do a professional job and clean up like they were never there. Their qualified team, including a Level 5 arborist, provides tree services throughout Newcastle, Cessnock, Maitland, Muswellbrook, Port Stephens, Singleton, Scone, the Hunter Valley, Lake Macquarie, and surrounding areas. Check out their website, newcastletreeandstumpremoval.com.au or call them on 02 4003 4400. They offer free quotes!
Overhanging trees look harmless, but they really aren’t. Please take care of your trees before they cause expensive damage to your roof and the rest of your home!
Cutting Edge Tree Maintenance
Phone: 02 4003 4400
Address: 42 Wakal St, Charlestown NSW 2290, Australia
