For homeowners
What should I do if a branch is touching my house?
Short answer
Have an insured tree service prune the branch back to a safe distance from the house. Do not climb or cut it yourself, especially if it is high or near wires. Branches that rub the roof or siding can cause damage and give pests a path in.
By Umair Nawaz. Published October 25, 2026. General information, not legal, tax or insurance advice.
The longer answer
A branch that rubs shingles or siding can wear them down. It can also drop leaves and twigs into gutters, and give insects and animals an easy way to the roof.
The usual fix is to cut the branch back to a side branch or the trunk, not just to shorten the tip. Tipping the end often leads to weak regrowth that reaches the house again.
If the branch is large or high, leave it to a pro with climbing gear and insurance. Ask for proof of insurance before work starts. If the branch is touching or close to a power line, stay far away and call the utility. If a branch is broken or hanging, keep people and pets out from under it. If it is an emergency, call 911.
More answers for homeowners
- What should I do if a tree branch is touching or near power lines?Read the answer
- What should I do if a tree company asks me to sign a liability waiver?Read the answer
- What should I do if a tree company says it has no insurance?Read the answer
- What should I do if a tree crew arrives with no insurance papers?Read the answer
- What should I do if a tree falls on a power line?Read the answer
- What should I do if a tree root is exposed?Read the answer
Hiring a tree service?
Plain guides for homeowners
Safety first: stay away from downed power lines and call the utility; call 911 if anyone is in danger. Lirevon does not do tree work. Find local pros on Google Maps and read their reviews, then get two or three written quotes.
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