Whether the wind stands alone or accompanies a thunderstorm, tornado, or hurricane, the strong winds rattle trees. Consequently, the branches and limbs break off, causing damage to the outer walls, the windows, and the roof. Alternatively, powerful winds pull trees from the root, and the flying or falling tree destroys an entire home. Let’s learn about will my homeowners insurance cover preventative tree removal.
How To Prevent Trees From Falling on Your House During A Storm
Luckily, there are five preventative measures to avoid storm tree damage from happening to your home.
If there are several trees in your yard, hire a tree trimmer to remove the trees too hard to maintain. Examples are trees growing inches away from the home, trees growing too close together, and trees on unstable soil.
Stake Trees In The Ground
When a storm comes, staking trees in the ground will keep a healthy tree from becoming a storm-damaged tree. Stake it deep in the ground to keep it level. If you can’t do it yourself, call a professional to stake the tree.
The trees that remain require continued maintenance. Prune fork-shaped or V-shaped branches. Cut branches that hang low. Remove branches hanging over the roof. If you can’t do it yourself, contact a tree professional for preventative tree maintenance.
Both arborists and tree trimmers cut trees, branches, and limbs, but an arborist is the better choice for tree damage from storm prevention. Unlike tree trimming professionals, arborists can check a tree’s health status, plant new trees, and save trees before it rots.
Survey The Property After A Major Storm
After a storm or heavy wind, survey the property for fallen tree branches and limbs. Dispose of the ones you can reach without a ladder. Branches too high to reach or limbs leaning on power lines require a tree professional for disposal.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Preventative Tree Removal?
There’s no clear cut “yes” or “no” answer with tree damage. It depends on the homeowner’s insurance policy and the tree’s condition before the accident. The policy normally covers the home’s structure, the fence, and the shed from peril. Wind and lightning are perils covered by the warranty. Meanwhile, the tree must be healthy before the accident.
Rotted trees fall under negligence and/or home maintenance failure, meaning home insurance companies won’t cover the cost. Accidents covered under warranty begin by paying the deductible out of pocket before the insurance covers the remaining cost.
What Happens When Your Tree Falls on Your Neighbour’s Property?
The tangled web gets more tangled when a neighbor’s tree falls on your property or when your tree falls on a neighbor’s property. If a tree on your property damages a neighbor’s home, you are responsible ONLY IF you didn’t take care of the tree prior to the accident. Additionally, you must maintain the tree on your property. Branches that cross the property line are not your responsibility.
Your Neighbor’s Tree Falling on Your Property
Conversely, if a neighbor’s tree damages your property, you are responsible for removal, especially if the tree is healthy. You are also responsible for branches that hang over the property line, even if the tree isn’t on your property. Rotted tree on the neighbor’s property before the accident or poor DIY tree removal is the neighbor’s fault, although it may be difficult to prove through legal action.
Falling tree – Storm Damage in New York
If you happen to experience a tree fall in your garden or a tree damages your home, you need the help of a professional restoration company. With over 30 years in the restoration industry, iFlooded Restoration can take care of removing a storm-damaged tree from the property no matter how large or small the task. We offer roof tarping to prevent water from entering and damaging the structure. We also offer emergency board-ups for windows and doors in case of upcoming storms or unfortunate circumstances.
Once we get everything out of the way, we use our advanced equipment to dry the property. We act in a timely manner in order to prevent further water damage and mold growth. Our talented and experienced technicians will make the process smooth, quick, and efficient. Furthermore, we bill the insurance company directly, so all you focus on is getting your life back to normal.
Contact us for more information and free estimates. We will survey the area and offer certified advice in order to get your property back to normal.
