As a homeowner, you know that trees are a beautiful and essential part of your property. They provide shade, privacy, and habitat for wildlife. But trees can also pose a hazard to your home if improperly maintained. Tree limbs growing too close to your roof can damage shingles, gutters, and other roofing components. They can also fall and cause severe damage to your property and even personal injury.
That’s why it’s crucial to have your trees inspected and trimmed regularly by a qualified arborist. An arborist can assess the condition of your trees and recommend the best course of action. In some cases, removing tree limbs that are dead, diseased, or damaged may be necessary.
If you have Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, you may receive a letter from the company if your trees are too close to your roof. Citizens is a state-run insurance company that provides homeowners insurance to Floridians who need help to obtain coverage from the private market.
In the letter, Citizens may warn you that they would cancel your insurance coverage if you do not have the tree limbs trimmed or removed. Citizens are more likely to pay out claims for damage caused by tree limbs.
If you receive a letter from Citizens about tree clearance, don’t panic. Just contact a qualified arborist to have the tree limbs inspected. The arborist can assess the tree’s condition and recommend the best action. In some cases, it may be necessary to trim or remove the limbs.
If you need to trim or remove your tree limbs, you must obtain a written estimate from the arborist before you begin the work. You should also submit a copy of the assessment to Citizens. It will help to ensure that there’s no cancellation on your insurance coverage.
Here are some additional tips for homeowners:
Have your trees inspected by a qualified arborist regularly. It is essential if you live in an area prone to high winds or storms.
Trim or remove any tree limbs that are dead, diseased, or damaged.
Keep tree limbs at least 10 feet away from the roofline.
If you have tree limbs growing over your home, consider having them trimmed or removed before they cause damage.
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
When was the last time I inspected my trees to see if they were too close to my roof?
Have I noticed any signs of damage to my roof or gutters that tree branches could cause?
What should I do if I am unsure whether or not my trees are too close to my roof?
By following these tips, you can help protect your home from damage caused by tree limbs and keep your family safe.
If you have any concerns about the condition of your trees or if you need help with tree clearance, don’t hesitate to contact us.