How to Protect Landscaping and Exterior Features During Roofing Work

Not every property has every one of these features, and not every project affects the same areas. Use this as a starting checklist rather than an assumption that every item applies to your home.

Delicate plantings close to the foundation are usually the most vulnerable part of the landscape during roofing work. This includes:

• 1flower beds
• 2small shrubs
• 3delicate perennials
• 4newly planted material
• 5ground cover directly beneath roof edges

Depending on the plant and the project, options may include temporary covering, physical relocation for especially valuable or fragile plants, or accepting a higher risk for hardy, easily replaceable plantings.

Discuss your priorities with the contractor rather than assuming every plant will automatically be protected the same way.

A prized rose bush and an easily replaceable ground cover may not need identical treatment.

Overhanging branches can interfere with roofing work and increase the chance of contact between equipment and vegetation.

GAF specifically advises trimming trees and shrubs close to the house before the project.

If a tree limb overhangs the roof or work area, ask:

• 1Does a tree limb hang close to the work area?
• 2Could equipment placement be affected by low branches?
• 3Is there a risk of falling debris landing in a garden bed beneath the canopy?
• 4Does the tree limit access to one side of the house?

If branch removal requires more than simple yard trimming, particularly anything involving significant height, thickness or proximity to power lines, use a qualified tree-service professional rather than attempting it yourself.

Even careful crews need somewhere to walk and stage materials.

If garden beds sit close to the house, they may be more exposed to foot traffic during the project.

Point out anything you particularly want protected, such as:

• 1a favorite rose bush
• 2a border you have carefully shaped
• 3a young tree
• 4a section of lawn you are trying to establish

Marking boundaries with stakes, flags or another visible method can help the crew recognize planted areas that are not obvious at a glance, particularly for low-growing plants.

Falling debris can occasionally affect windows or siding located close to the roofline.

Before the project, look at windows and siding sections near the work area.

If you notice existing cracks, chips or damage, mention it to the contractor before work begins.

Documenting pre-existing conditions helps create a clear record of the property’s state before the project, which can prevent confusion later about what existed beforehand versus what may have changed during the work.

Simple photographs before the project can be useful for both the homeowner and the contractor.

GAF specifically recommends taking photographs of the exterior and landscaping before roofing work begins.

A quick photo walk-around can capture:

• 1existing plant health or damage
• 2condition of patios, walkways or siding
• 3any pre-existing cracks in windows or hardscape
• 4the general condition of outdoor structures near the work area

This does not need to be a formal or technical process. A few clear photos from your phone are sufficient to create a helpful before-and-after reference.

• 1irrigation lines
• 2buried lighting wires
• 3delicate plantings not obviously visible from above
• 4ornamental features
• 5anything fragile near the foundation

This conversation does not need to be lengthy. The goal is simply to make sure the crew understands what matters most to you about the property before equipment and materials are staged.

• 1Identify plants directly beneath roof edges.
• 2Decide whether to cover or temporarily relocate vulnerable plants.
• 3Move furniture, grills, planters and décor away from the work zone.
• 4Point out expensive or hard-to-replace landscape features.
• 5Mark or mention irrigation lines and buried wiring if not obvious.
• 6Clear walkways of obstacles.
• 7Take photos of landscaping and exterior features beforehand.
• 8Confirm where ladders and equipment are expected to be placed.
• 9Ask about the cleanup plan for garden beds and hardscape.
• 10Discuss any tree branches near the work area.
• 11Plan a final outdoor walkaround after work is complete.

Taking these steps ahead of time helps protect your landscaping investment and gives both you and the roofing crew a clear understanding of the property before work begins.