Does Homeowners’ Insurance Cover Dead Tree Removal? (What Is & Isn't Covered)

Preventive Tree Removal

A common misconception is that homeowners’ insurance covers tree removal during regular maintenance. However, a standard policy considers preventive removal a cost of home care. This means that you will cover the cost of professional inspection, pruning, and removal if necessary. With this in mind, keeping an eye on potentially hazardous trees and taking action quickly can save you thousands of dollars on repairs and medical expenses.

Beyond proactive tree service and inspection, regularly inspect for signs of diseased, damaged, or dead trees and call a professional to determine the best course of action. This approach protects you from dealing with the hassle of repairing damaged property, especially during adverse weather conditions.

Additionally, diseased and dead trees can attract unwanted critters, such as carpenter ants and termites. These wood-boring insects can make their way into your foundation, causing structural damage that is not covered by your policy. Furthermore, leaving hazardous specimens on your property can impact healthy trees nearby and even cause more damage that costs a fortune to fix.

Fallen Trees or Limbs that Didn’t Damage Property

The reality is that homeowners’ insurance policies are designed to cover damage to your property and other structures on the premises. This is often the reason you don’t get compensation for removing trees that don’t damage your home or other trees. In such cases, cleaning your yard is considered part of home maintenance, and not an event that is related to a covered peril.

However, one exception is if the fallen tree is obstructing a handicapped ramp or driveway. Even if the structure is not damaged, your homeowners’ insurance policy may cover tree removal services to ensure you have access in and out of your property.

Trees Felled by Natural Disasters

Homeowners’ insurance policies cover many natural disasters, but there are a few that are excluded. A tree that falls and causes damage during an excluded natural disaster must be paid out of pocket. However, this can change in some situations, where purchasing additional coverage may be necessary to ensure added protection.

The most common examples of natural disasters excluded from standard policies include earthquakes, floods, mud flow, and sewer backup. If you live in an area that experiences frequent harsh weather conditions, homeowners’ insurance can cover damages, but it's subject to a separate deductible.

Call a Tree Service Company for Help

While homeowners’ insurance may cover most situations, having a reputable tree service provider on hand can make a big difference. Whether tree-related damage is covered or not, Arbor & Acre provides quality services without breaking the bank. Our certified arborists can liaise with your coverage provider and develop a payment plan that restores your backyard to pristine condition and saves you money down the line. Contact us today and schedule a consultation with our experts to ensure you make informed decisions.