Anyone have info on how to safely remove a tree limb that is on the roof of my house?

Question

It was due to ice, a 14 inch diameter limb with many attached branches fell onto the roof of the house. It may have well as been a whole tree due to the size of it.

There was no damage to the trusses, but two thick branches are protruding through the bottom of the roof into the garage.

One end of the limb is still partially attached to the tree but is not stable, the other end is resting through several large branches/limbs on the peak of the roof. Overall I would say the limb is about 30 ft long from where it's broken out to the tips of the branches. It's about 20 ft from where the limb attaches to the tree to where it sits on my roof.

I am looking for a website or books or whatever with information on how to properly and safely remove a limb this big without sending it crashing through the roof, or smashing my deck.

Answer 1

well, go on up there with a chain saw and start cutting. start with the small stuff and throw it off the roof as you go. be carefull not to touch the blade to the shingles, or it will just about ruin the chain. take your time and think logicaly about it. stay away from anywhere the limb has broken through, or you may fall through. cut the larger end up into small pieces so it is safer to handle. you should definitly call a profetional to re-shingle the roof. tell them to check for any structual damage and to replace any plywood sheeting that has been damaged.

Answer 2

I would either call a tree service to remove it with their crane/boom
OR if I felt really lucky, brace it at least -3-4 places between the tree trunk & the garage, then start at the tree and cut it off with a chainsaw in manageable size sections.
Once you get it cut down enough, you can remove the branches that penetrated the roof and remove it completely.

Answer 3

Actually, some of the answers you received were correct as far as they went. However, you do NOT have a unilateral right to alter (cut) the neighbor's tree without first giving the neighbor a chance to mitigate the damages. It's called self-help and under the law of all jurisdictions (property laws) it is not allowed. You face a civil suit for damages. What I advise all people to do is to send the neighbor a CERTIFIED (RRR) letter with a copy to yourself (Same Certified) in the following format: Dear [his/her name]; In reference to our discussion regarding your tree which overhangs the property line and is in danger of causing severe damage to my property whould it ever be dislodged, I am requesting that you mitigate any future damage by trimming the tree back to the property line so that in the future, should the tree be affected by high winds, it does not cause damage to my property for which I would hold you responsible. If I receive no answer to this letter or resolution to the problem stated herein within five (5) days from receipt of this letter, I will consider your inaction permission to rectify the situation as I see fit and will be forced to seek recovery for the expenses I incur. Sincerely, your neighbor.

Answer 4

I'd suggest you don't try it yourself - spend some money and call a professional. If they botch the job and create more damage than you've already got, their insurance should cover the additional damage.

Just make sure the professional is licensed, bonded, and insured.

And make sure to take lots of pictures of before and after, for insurance purposes.

Answer 5

It needs to be cut into smaller hunks that can be handled and removed . If you are not able to do this , call a tree service company. If you have home insurance you should call them before you do anything.

Answer 6

hmm call a tree service or push it off and make sure no one is staning under it

Answer 7

it's just brut force, and chain saws. there is no proper way just unproper ways. get a saw and start cutting away at it.