Outdoor Maintenance | Homeowner’s Manual Blog Series

Trim Trees and Shrubs Away from Your Home

Trees and landscaping add beauty and shade to your property, but when branches grow too close to your home, they can become a problem.

Overhanging branches may:

• Scratch siding and windows.
• Damage your roof during storms.
• Drop leaves that clog gutters.
• Provide easy access for squirrels, rodents, and insects.

Shrubs planted directly against your home can also trap moisture against siding, increasing the risk of mold, mildew, and wood rot.

Insurance Tip: If a healthy tree falls during a covered storm event, your homeowners insurance may help pay for the damage to your home. However, if the tree was dead, diseased, or obviously hazardous and you neglected to remove it, coverage could be limited depending on the circumstances. Regular tree maintenance is one of the best ways to reduce your risk.

Remove Dead or Hazardous Trees

Large trees add value to your property, but unhealthy trees can quickly become dangerous. Look for signs such as:

• Dead or falling branches.
• Cracks in the trunk.
• Leaning trees.
• Fungus growing near the base.
• Hollow or decaying sections.

If you’re unsure about a tree’s condition, have it evaluated by a certified arborist before severe weather arrives.

Beyond protecting your home, removing hazardous trees can also help protect neighboring properties, vehicles, and family members.

Keep Paint, Clapboards, and Trim in Good Condition

Exterior paint is more than cosmetic, as it acts as a protective barrier against moisture.

Inspect your home’s siding and trim each year for:

• Peeling or blistering paint.
• Cracked caulking.
• Warped boards.
• Exposed wood.

Addressing small problems early helps prevent moisture intrusion, wood rot, insect damage, and costly repairs later.

Repair Rot Before It Spreads

Wood rot rarely improves on its own. Once moisture enters damaged wood, deterioration can spread quickly into framing, trim, decks, porches, and siding.

Watch for:

• Soft or spongy wood.
• Discoloration.
• Bubbling paint.
• Areas that remain damp after rain.

Replacing a small section of trim today is far less expensive than repairing structural damage months or years later.

Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Your gutters play a critical role in directing water safely away from your home.

Leaves, pine needles, and debris can clog gutters, causing water to overflow onto your:

• Roof.
• Siding.
• Foundation.
• Landscaping.

Overflowing gutters can contribute to basement leaks, foundation problems, ice dams during winter, and premature roof deterioration.

Aim to clean gutters at least twice a year, or more frequently if your property has many mature trees.

Insurance Tip: Homeowners insurance generally covers sudden and accidental water damage from covered events, but it typically does not cover damage that results from long-term neglect or poor maintenance. Keeping gutters clean is one simple way to help avoid preventable water damage.

Inspect Outdoor Lighting

Well-placed exterior lighting does more than improve curb appeal. It helps create a safer environment for your family and visitors.

Check that:

• Porch lights are working.
• Walkways and stairs are well illuminated.
• Motion-sensor lights activate properly.
• Landscape lighting is functioning correctly.

Good lighting can help reduce slips, trips, and falls while also discouraging theft and vandalism.

Insurance Tip: Maintaining safe walkways and adequate lighting may help reduce your liability exposure if someone is injured on your property.

Don’t Forget These Additional Outdoor Maintenance Tasks

While you’re outside, take a few extra minutes to inspect other areas around your home:

• Look for loose or missing roof shingles.
• Check your driveway and walkways for cracks or uneven surfaces.
• Inspect decks, railings, and stairs for loose boards or signs of deterioration.
• Examine fences and gates for stability.
• Make sure outdoor faucets and hose connections aren’t leaking.
• Verify that your house numbers are clearly visible from the street in case emergency responders need to find your home quickly.

Protect Your Home & Your Insurance Investment

Routine maintenance helps keep your home in excellent condition, but it’s equally important to ensure your homeowners insurance reflects your property’s value and any improvements you’ve made.

If you’ve recently added a deck, installed new landscaping, built a shed, replaced your roof, or completed a major renovation, it may be time to review your homeowners policy. Keeping your insurance coverage up to date helps ensure you’re adequately protected if the unexpected happens.

At Murphy Insurance, we’re happy to review your homeowners coverage and answer any questions about protecting your home and everything you’ve worked hard to build.

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