Are trees covered under a homeowners policy?
Three separate questions
Insurers treat trees in three different ways, and it helps to keep them apart.
1. Damage the tree causes
If a tree falls on your house, detached garage, fence or shed, the damage to those structures is covered under dwelling and other structures coverage, whether wind, ice or simple rot brought it down. This is usually the biggest part of a tree claim, and the normal deductible applies.
2. Removing the tree
Standard forms include a separate tree removal coverage, commonly up to $1,000 per loss and $500 per tree, for trees felled by wind, hail or the weight of ice, snow or sleet that damage a covered structure, or that block your driveway or a ramp for a person with a disability. Large removals with a crane can exceed that limit, so ask the adjuster how your policy handles getting the tree off the house versus hauling it away.
3. The tree itself
Trees, shrubs and plants are covered as landscaping under a small additional coverage. On standard forms it is commonly limited to 5 percent of the dwelling limit in total and $500 for any one tree, and only for named perils such as fire, lightning, explosion, riot, aircraft, vehicles not owned by a resident, vandalism and theft. Wind is left off, so a beautiful oak snapped by a storm is usually not paid for as a tree.
What is not covered at all
- Removing healthy, dead or leaning trees before they fall.
- Trimming and routine tree care.
- Stump grinding after a covered removal, on most policies.
Before the tree is cut off the house, take photos and video from several angles; they are your best evidence.
More: wind damage roof claims and how to file a roof claim.