Protecting Your Garden During a Roof Installation Project
- Dmytro Morokhovets
- Jun 21
- 2 min read
Preserving Your Landscaping While Replacing Your Roof
Roof replacement is a major home improvement project that often involves heavy materials, ladders, and debris—but it doesn’t have to mean damage to your landscaping. In Santa Monica, CA, where homeowners take pride in their gardens, protecting flowers, shrubs, and decorative features during a roofing job is just as important as ensuring the roof itself is built to last.
At Economy Roofing, we believe in safeguarding not just your home but your entire property. Here’s how you can work with your contractor to protect your garden from unnecessary damage during a roof installation.

Why Garden Protection Matters
The Overlooked Consequence of Roofing Projects
Your garden is often located directly beneath rooflines, where falling debris, shingles, and tools can cause harm during a project. Without proper preparation, your lawn, flower beds, irrigation systems, and hardscaping can suffer.
A responsible roofing contractor will take proactive measures to shield your plants and walkways, minimizing mess and post-project cleanup.
Key Risks to Landscaping During Roof Work
Falling Debris and Materials
Removing old roofing materials can send nails, shingles, and underlayment flying. These falling items can crush delicate plants, pierce soil, or damage stone borders.
Foot Traffic and Equipment
Workers moving ladders, bundles of shingles, or tools around the property may unintentionally trample garden beds or break irrigation lines.
Dust, Tar, and Residue
Depending on the materials being removed or installed, dust and tar particles may settle onto leaves or into the soil, impacting plant health.
How Roofers Should Protect Your Garden
Use of Protective Coverings
At the start of any roofing project, contractors should cover vulnerable landscaping with tarps or plywood sheets to absorb impact. Lightweight garden netting can also shield taller plants or hedges from falling objects.
Strategic Debris Management
Professional roofers should place disposal bins away from gardens and use debris chutes to direct waste material safely off the roof. Ground crew should also actively clear debris as work progresses to prevent buildup around your garden.
Communication with the Homeowner
Before work begins, a walk-through with your roofing contractor helps identify sensitive areas, such as:
Freshly planted flower beds
Sprinkler heads and hoses
Decorative pots or sculptures
Vegetable gardens or herb planters
This allows the crew to plan access routes and staging areas that avoid these zones.
Your Role in the Process
Prepare and Protect
As the homeowner, you can take additional steps to reduce the risk of damage:
Move potted plants or garden furniture out of the way
Clearly mark irrigation lines or sprinkler heads
Cover prized plants with breathable cloth the night before
Working with the roofing team to plan around your landscaping can save both time and stress.
Choosing a Contractor Who Cares About the Details
Not all roofing companies treat your property with the same respect. Choosing a licensed, insured contractor with a reputation for cleanliness and professionalism makes all the difference. At Economy Roofing, we go above and beyond for clients in Santa Monica, CA, treating every home like it’s our own.
We install high-quality roofing systems with products from trusted brands like Owens Corning and Malarkey, while also preserving the beauty and integrity of your outdoor spaces.
Read also our blog: Identifying the Most Common Roofing Offenders
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