16 Jul Tree Damage FAQs
If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?
That’s an easy answer, of course, it does!
Ok, harder question, if my neighbor’s tree falls onto my house, who’s responsible?
Hmm, that’s a tougher question (and a lot less philosophical) but we have that answer, too. Let’s take a moment to answer some of our Frequently Asked Tree Damage Questions.
Q: Who’s responsible for a fallen tree?
A: Unfortunately, regardless of whose tree it is, if it lands on your property, it’s now your responsibility.
Q: Does my homeowner’s insurance cover the damages and tree removal?
A: If a tree falls on your property (a fence, your roof, your garage, your deck, etc.) you probably have coverage through your homeowner’s policy.
If a tree hits an insured structure, a homeowner’s policy covers the cost of removing the tree, typically up to about $500 to $1,000. Keep in mind, this is for insured structures on the property. Your claim is subject to your deductible. If your deductible is $500, then you have to pay $500 before the rest of the claim can be covered. If you have a $1,000 deductible, then you have to pay $1,000. Depending on the estimate, filing a claim may not be beneficial depending on your deductible.
To be sure that all structures are insured, give your Sava Insurance agent a call today! If the tree was originally located on a neighbor’s property, your insurance company may try to collect from the neighbor’s insurance company via a process called subrogation. If they successfully subrogate against the neighbor’s policy, you may be reimbursed for your deductible.
Q: Are homeowners responsible for tree damage if they don’t maintain their trees?
A: If a homeowner fails to maintain the health of their trees and other landscaping, they could be held responsible for any ensuing damage. For example, if your dying tree falls on a neighbor’s home, yes they would initially be held responsible, but remember that their insurance company may try to subrogate against your insurance company for the cost incurred. If you aren’t maintaining your own trees, that doesn’t help you.
Q: How do I know if my tree is healthy or dying?
A: If you think your tree may be dying or dead, the best course of action is to have a licensed arborist come to look at the tree. Every tree will look different when they’re dying, some trees may look dead by they’re in fact dormant, and sometimes only a section of a tree is dead. Additionally, just because a tree isn’t dead or dying doesn’t mean that it doesn’t pose a threat of falling. An arborist is the best person to determine the health as well as the potential risks for your trees.
Q: How do I hire an arborist?
A: There are a few things you want to look for in any good arborist.
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- What do their online ratings say? Are they rated well overtime on sites like Google and Yelp?
- Are they a licensed arborist?
- Do they have proof of insurance? You want to see proof of liability insurance and workers’ compensation policies.
Of course, just because an arborist meets all of these criteria, doesn’t necessarily mean they’re great, but it definitely weeds out some of the less-professional options that may be available to you.
Q: How do I get rid of a cut-down tree?
A: Once your tree is cut down, you have a few options for removal.
- You can grind the wood into mulch.
- You can chop it for firewood.
- You can sell the wood to a sawmill.
- You can rent a yard waste dumpster.
Did we miss your tree damage question?
Give our office a call today so we can discuss your unique situation and find the right protection for you!
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