Tree Removal and Homeowners Insurance: What Homeowners Need to Know

Tree removal can be a costly and unexpected expense for homeowners, especially when it’s necessary due to storm damage, disease, or other hazards. Understanding how homeowners insurance interacts with tree removal can save you from financial surprises. Here’s what you need to know about tree removal and how it’s covered by your homeowners insurance.

 When is Tree Removal Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

Homeowners insurance typically covers the cost of removing a tree if it falls due to a covered peril and causes damage to your home or other insured structures on your property. Common covered perils include windstorms, lightning, and hail. If a tree falls on your home, garage, fence, or another insured structure, your policy may cover the cost of removing the tree, as well as any repairs needed due to the damage.

However, if the tree falls without causing any damage to an insured structure—such as if it falls harmlessly in your yard—insurance typically will not cover the removal. In these cases, the homeowner is usually responsible for the cost.

 Preventative Tree Removal

Preventative tree removal, such as removing a tree that is diseased, dying, or leaning dangerously over your home, is usually not covered by homeowners insurance. This is considered maintenance, which is the homeowner’s responsibility. Removing hazardous trees before they cause damage is a good practice, but it’s an out-of-pocket expense.

 Coverage Limits and Deductibles

Even when tree removal is covered, there are often limits to how much your insurance will pay. Most policies cap the amount at a certain dollar limit, typically ranging from $500 to $1,000 per tree, depending on your policy. Additionally, any payout for tree removal is subject to your policy’s deductible. If the cost to remove the tree is less than your deductible, you’ll need to cover the expense yourself.

 Neighbor’s Tree Falls on Your Property

If your neighbor’s tree falls onto your property and causes damage, your homeowners insurance will generally cover the removal of the tree and any damage it caused, just as it would if the tree were yours. In some cases, if the tree was dead, diseased, or clearly a hazard, and you had previously informed your neighbor about the risk, their insurance may be liable for the damage.

 Steps to Take if a Tree Falls

1. Document the Damage: Take photos and videos of the tree, the damage it caused, and the surrounding area.

2. Contact Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurer as soon as possible. They will guide you on the next steps, including whether you should remove the tree right away or wait for an adjuster to assess the damage.

3. Hire a Professional: If removal is needed, hire a licensed and insured tree removal service. Keep all receipts for your insurance claim.

4. Mitigate Further Damage: If the tree caused structural damage to your home, take steps to prevent further damage, such as covering holes in your roof with a tarp.

Understanding how your homeowners insurance handles tree removal can help you navigate the process more smoothly and ensure that you’re adequately prepared in case of an unexpected tree-related event.