Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Tree Damage?
After a storm, one of the most common questions homeowners ask is: Does my insurance cover tree damage? Whether a tree falls on your roof, your fence, or even just across your yard, the answer depends on the circumstances. Let’s explore when homeowners insurance applies — and when you may be on your own for cleanup.
When Tree Damage Is Covered
Homeowners insurance typically covers tree damage if the cause is a covered peril. For example, if a storm, wind, lightning strike, or even a car accident brings down a tree, your policy may pay for:
Repairing damage to your home or other structures (like garages, sheds, or fences)
Removing the tree, up to policy limits, if it damages a covered structure
Replacing personal belongings damaged inside your home
When It May Not Be Covered
Insurance usually won’t cover tree removal if:
The tree simply falls in your yard without damaging anything
The tree was already dead, rotting, or poorly maintained (considered negligence)
The damage was caused by flooding or an earthquake (unless you have separate coverage)
In these cases, the cost of removal is typically your responsibility.
What If Your Neighbor’s Tree Falls on Your Property?
This is a common source of confusion. Generally, whose property is damaged determines whose insurance applies.
If your neighbor’s tree falls on your roof, your homeowners insurance would likely cover the repairs.
If your tree falls on your neighbor’s property, their policy typically covers their damages.
However, if it can be proven that a homeowner was negligent (for example, ignoring a visibly dead tree), they could be held liable for damages.
Coverage Limits for Tree Removal
Even when removal is covered, most policies have limits — often around $500 to $1,000 per tree, with a maximum payout per incident. If several trees fall during a storm, these limits may not cover the full cost of cleanup.
How to Protect Yourself Before a Storm
The best way to minimize risk is prevention:
Regularly inspect your trees for signs of disease or rot
Remove dead or unstable trees before they become a hazard
Keep branches trimmed away from your home, roof, and power lines
Consider higher coverage limits if you have large trees near your property
How Hixson & Malinowski Insurance Can Help
Tree damage is one of those gray areas in homeowners insurance that can surprise many people. At Hixson & Malinowski Insurance, we’ll:
Review your current homeowners policy to explain what’s covered
Identify potential gaps in protection
Recommend additional coverage if needed
Be there to guide you through the claims process if storm damage strikes
Not all tree damage is covered by homeowners insurance, but when a storm or sudden event causes destruction, your policy can be a lifeline. Understanding what’s included — and what isn’t — will help you prepare for the unexpected. Contact Hixson & Malinowski Insurance today to review your homeowners coverage and ensure you’re ready before the next storm rolls in.
