Branches that lightly brush or scrape the roof in wind might not seem like a big deal, but over months and years they can gradually wear away protective layers. On tiles or shingles, this repeated friction can remove granules, scratch surfaces and eventually expose the material underneath to sun and rain.

Branches can also drop leaves, seeds and small twigs directly onto the roof, which then wash into gutters and valleys, causing blockages. In storms, a branch that’s already touching the roof is closer to causing direct impact damage if it breaks.

Trimming back overhanging branches so they don’t actually touch the roof surface reduces all of these risks. It also keeps rodents from having an easy “bridge” from trees to your roof.