While many people love the look of trees around their homes, it takes a bit of care to keep them looking their best. Unkempt trees close to your home can cause a number of issues, so it's best to keep things under control with regular maintenance. If you're unsure where to start in terms of tree-branch removal, read on for some valuable tips.

Why Remove Trees and Branches? 

Trees with graceful, far-reaching branches can look beautiful in your yard, but you don't want those branches to get too close to your roof. Overhanging branches can be a danger to your roof because they move in the wind and cause damage to your roof shingles. This can result in costly problems, such as leaks and water damage. 

Some trees can also attract bugs and other pests, such as squirrels, that will make a mess of your home. Overhanging branches also encourage birds to roost above your roof, and the resulting droppings can encourage excess moisture and mold growth. 

When to DIY 

If you've decided to be proactive and take care of a few smaller trees before they get the chance to become problematic, then the DIY approach should work just fine. You can most likely also remove smaller branches that don't threaten your home by yourself. 

Do a bit of homework before you start chopping, and ensure that you're familiar enough with the tree's growth patterns to know what you're cutting. You don't want to cut so much that you harm or kill your tree.

When to Call a Professional

If you're dealing with large trees and heavy branches, then it's probably in your best interest to call a professional. The same goes for any branches that are touching or hanging over your house. You don't want to bite off more than you can chew and wind up knocking down gutters, damaging roofing materials or breaking windows. 

It's also crucial that you call a professional to handle any trees that sit precariously close to power lines. Handling these tree branches without adequate skill can result in the danger of fire or electrocution. 

Trees look lovely near a house, but they need to be trimmed to prevent the risk of property damage. Branches that crowd your home can damage the structure and encourage the presence of unwanted pests, such as squirrels and bugs. If you only have a few small branches or trees on hand to deal with, then you can probably handle them yourself with adequate research and care. However, if you have large trees with branches that sit too close to your roof or nearby power lines for comfort, call a professional.