A tree falling is a scary thought. Even if it doesn’t harm property owners or their pets, a falling tree can still cause significant structural damage. This damage to private property can result in thousands or more in repairs.
Many homeowners ask themselves, “Who is responsible for fallen tree removal?” This guide will explore when you have the responsibility to remove fallen trees and when the responsibility lies with someone else. To make removing dead trees easier, contact a professional service for expert tree removal in Houston.
When Are You Responsible for Removing a Fallen Tree?
Who is responsible for fallen tree removal depends upon the context. Let’s explore three common scenarios:
A Tree on Your Property Fell
If a tree on your property falls after a major storm or another disaster, it’s your responsibility to remove the tree. When you buy a home, the trees surrounding the area typically come as part of the deal.
Thankfully, homeowners’ insurance usually covers the cost of removing a fallen tree from your property. Additionally, most homeowners’ insurance policies can cover damage to your property due to a falling tree.
However, most homeowners’ insurance policies only cover damage when a tree falls from natural events like a storm. If a tree falls due to a tree owner’s negligence, your insurance policy likely won’t cover the damage.
Let’s review a common example of negligence: a homeowner not removing a dead tree from their property. Not regularly trimming or pruning trees can also cause your insurance company to deny a claim. For these reasons, be sure to have arborists maintain your trees at least once a year.
Your Neighbor’s Tree Fell in Your Yard
The property lines between neighbors often include divisions marked by no more than a fence. Additionally, while trees bring many benefits, there’s no denying that they can take up a lot of space. As such, a tree falling onto a neighbor’s property is far from rare.
However, when your neighbor’s tree falls onto your property, you probably wonder if it’s your responsibility to remove it. In this situation, your neighbor must remove the fallen tree. Your neighbor’s insurance should pay for removing the tree and any damage caused to your property.
Likewise, if your tree falls into your neighbor’s yard, you’ll need to remove it. While homeowners can’t prevent natural disasters, they can avoid falling trees due to negligence.
For starters, ensure your tree doesn’t encroach on your neighbor’s property. If your tree sits near your neighbor’s property lines, give it a good trimming or pruning session. More importantly, recognize these dead tree signs:
- Missing bark patches
- A tree leaning in one direction
- Brown, brittle, or yellow leaves appear during the tree’s growing season
- Abnormal amounts of falling or broken branches
- Growing fungus
- Pests like wood-boring insects
A Tree Fell From a Public Place or Business
Occasionally, a tree can fall from a public place like a municipal park or a commercial business. For public parks, these trees technically belong to a community, meaning you’re partly one of the owners. As such, your homeowner’s insurance would pick up the tab.
However, the local agency responsible for managing trees in the area would need to pick up the bill for removing the tree. Finally, the commercial business would be responsible for removing a tree if it fell from their property and into your yard.
Call Nature’s Tree Removal of Houston Today
Dealing with a fallen tree can be stressful and expensive. However, the right team of professionals can make removing a tree a straightforward process. This process starts with knowing who is responsible for fallen tree removal.
For saving lightning-damaged trees, call Nature’s Tree Removal of Houston at (713) 824-9036!
