3 Tree Safety Checks to Make Before Holiday Guests Arrive

The holiday season is right around the corner. You’re likely thinking about hanging lights, planning family dinners, and getting the guest room ready. But while you’re busy prepping the inside of your home, it’s easy to overlook the potential hazards waiting outside.

With family members arriving, cars parking in the driveway, and kids playing in the yard, safety is paramount. The last thing you want during a holiday gathering is a tree limb falling on a guest’s car or a delivery truck hitting a low-hanging branch.

At Tree Service Pros, we want your holidays to be memorable for the right reasons. Here are three signs your trees need a safety check-up before the festivities begin.

1. The “Widowmakers” (Dead or Hanging Limbs)

Look up. Do you see branches that are bare while the rest of the tree is green (or brown, depending on the species)? Or worse, broken branches caught in the canopy?

In the tree industry, we call these “hangers” or “widowmakers.” They’re unpredictable. A sudden gust of wind or a bit of ice weight is all it takes to bring them crashing down. If they’re hanging over your driveway, walkway, or play area, they’re a serious liability.

2. Low Clearance Over Driveways and Walkways

During the rest of the year, a low branch might just brush your car antenna. But during the holidays, traffic patterns change.

• Delivery trucks are dropping off packages daily.
• Guests are parking in unfamiliar spots.
• Elderly relatives are navigating your walkways.

Low branches can scratch paint, knock side mirrors, force guests to duck, or even obscure your house numbers—making it harder for guests or emergency services to find you.

3. Branches Touching Your Roof or Siding

If you hear scratching against your roof when the wind blows, your tree is too close. Branches rubbing your home can damage shingles and strip paint.

Even more importantly, branches touching your roof act as a highway for pests. As temperatures drop in New Braunfels, rats, squirrels, and raccoons are looking for warmth. A tree branch touching the roof is a perfect bridge to your attic.

Give Yourself the Gift of Peace of Mind

This season, you have enough to worry about regarding turkey timers and gift wrapping. Don’t add “falling tree limbs” to your stress list.

A quick inspection by Tree Service Pros can identify risks and resolve them quickly. We’re fully licensed and insured, meaning the job is handled safely and professionally— leaving your yard clean and ready for company.

Holiday & Winter Safety FAQs

1. Can you get the job done before my holiday party?
Our schedule fills quickly in November and December, so call as early as possible. However, we always try to accommodate urgent safety requests—especially hazardous limbs threatening your driveway or walkway.

2. Will your equipment ruin my lawn?
We use specialized techniques to minimize lawn impact. Our goal is to leave your yard safer and cleaner than we found it.

3. Do you haul away all debris?
Absolutely. We chip brush, haul away wood, and rake thoroughly. Unless requested otherwise, we remove 100% of debris so your yard is party-ready.

4. Can you remove mistletoe?
Yes. Mistletoe is a parasite that weakens trees. Winter is ideal for removal since it’s highly visible while the tree is dormant.

5. Can I trim a neighbor’s branch over my driveway?
In Texas, you can trim up to your property line—but you must not harm the tree’s overall health. We can ensure it’s done correctly and legally.

6. Can you trim trees after I’ve put lights up?
It’s best to remove lights first. Trimming with lights installed increases risk of damage and reduces trimming quality.