Trim branches overhanging house

Short answer

Each fall, prune branches that touch or hang within 6 feet of the roof; hire a certified arborist for large limbs or anything near power lines.

Priority: High
Difficulty: DIY
Time: 1 hr
How often: Once a year
Season: Fall

Why It Matters

Overhanging branches drop debris in gutters, scrape shingles, and become falling hazards in storms. They also give squirrels easy roof access.

Tools

Pruning shears
Loppers
Pruning saw
Ladder

How to Do It

Walk the perimeter of the house and identify branches that touch the roof or hang within 6 feet of it.
Set up a stable ladder and use pruning shears or loppers to remove small branches cleanly at the branch collar.
For thicker limbs, use a pruning saw; cut in sections if needed to control the drop and avoid tearing bark.
For large limbs or any branches near power lines, stop and hire a certified arborist instead of cutting yourself.

Aerate and overseed lawn Once a year
Apply perimeter pest repellent Once a year
Clear debris from yard Once a year
Fertilize lawn Once a year
Mulch garden beds Once a year

Part Of

Last updated 23 September 2026

Put this on your schedule

Stu adds tasks like this one to a maintenance plan for your home and reminds you when they're due.