Why You May Have to Remove the Pine Tree Dropping Needles on Your Roof
Posted on: 21 August 2019
Do you have a pine tree in close proximity to your home, close enough to drop needles on your roof? Then you'll be familiar with your pine tree's seasonal needle drop. Evergreen trees shed their needles every year, and these needles can cause the soil beneath them to become acidic, making it difficult for things to grow there. Not only that, but they can also damage your roof!
Pine Needle Buildups Trap Moisture
Unless you regularly maintain your roof, there is a good chance that falling pine needles will end up clumping together on it. This is especially true if those needles are dropping into the valleys and angles of your roof, where they build up over time to form a thick carpet.
During rainy periods, large clusters of pine needles trap moisture against your roof. Unfortunately, this moisture buildup will slowly eat away at your roof and cause the shingles to rot. Moisture also attracts moss and mold, which is unsightly and can damage shingles over time.
Pine Needles Wedge Under Shingles
Another way that pine needles damage your roof is by becoming wedged under the shingles. The slope of a roof causes pine needles to tumble downwards towards its gutters, but some needles become trapped. Over time, these trapped needles can expose your roof to the elements by opening up small gaps where moisture can get in and leak into your home.
Pine Needles Block Your Gutters
Eventually, many of the falling pine needles will end up in your gutters. And unless you clean your gutters thoroughly every year, these pine needles will cause your gutters to clog. This is bad news because clogged gutters can cause water to spill over onto your roof during heavy rain. In some cases, this water may spill into your yard, and in others, it may pool on your roof and cause leaks.
If your pine tree is dropping tons of pine needles on your roof every year, you should consider removing it before it damages your roof.
You May Need Your Council's Permission
Before you take action to remove your pine tree, remember that you may need to get permission from your council to do so. Some tree species are protected in Australia, as are trees of a certain age. The laws differ from state to state, so you'll need to check with your local council. Fortunately, an arborist or tree removal service can help you to obtain a permit before you remove the tree.
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