Most homes have at least a few trees surrounding them. They are perfect natural windbreakers and providers of shade. In good times trees can add aesthetic appeal in addition to being a positive influence on the local environment. Like all things, trees can get sick, grow old, or get damaged during a storm. When a tree near your home is sick or damaged, it turns from a benefit into a dangerous hazard.
In most cases, property owners will call their local Toronto Tree Care services such as the ones here at (416) 990-3355. Other times the call may come too, in fact, it may not come until after the tree has caused some sort of damage to the property. All homes must be insured, but not many homeowners know if that insurance extends to tree damage. Let’s discuss this topic further, so you can take the rights steps both before and after a tree falls on your property.
Standing Trees
Old trees that are still standing can be a hazard, especially if they are weak and diseased. In most cases, your home insurance policy won’t cover the cost of tree removal if the tree is still “alive” and standing in your yard, even if it poses an imminent hazard. In this instance, the property owner will need to have the tree removed on their own. Not only will you need to remove or prune old trees that may cause damage to your home, but also one on your property that may damage your neighbors home. You will be accountable for any damage your old trees do to surrounding homes, and insurance won’t cover regular tree maintenance.
Fallen Trees
If you have a tree on your property that has already fallen over, then your homeowner’s insurance can help. Most policies will cover repairs needed to fix damage from a fallen tree as well as the cost of tree removal for a fallen tree. There are some limits to what is covered, however. Policies will pay for damage to covered structures, but won’t often cover the removal cost for a tree that falls in your yard with no damage.
When your tree falls onto a neighboring property, there are times where you will not be liable. For example, if a storm causes a healthy tree to damage the neighbors home, you would not be liable. However, if you have an old or damaged tree that was clearly at risk of damaging their property but you failed to act, you will be liable for the damages. If the tree fell naturally, the neighbor’s homeowners policy will cover the damage, but if you were at fault through negligence, then your insurance policy will cover part of the cost, but your premiums will likely increase.
Landscaping Coverage
If you have specialized landscaping on your property, the last thing you want to see is it damaged by a falling tree. If your policy specifically covers landscaping features then you are in the clear, however, if you did not insure them, you will be on the hook for tree removal and landscaping repair. Most insurance policies do as much as possible to help property owners manage dangerous trees, but you should always make a point to ensure that your home, property, and yard is a safe space. If you need help evaluating your trees, removing dead trees, or any other land care, we can help. Give Five Star Tree Services a call at (416) 990-3355 today.