Does homeowners insurance cover tree removal?
Short answer. It covers removal in specific situations. Removing a fallen tree from your house or another covered structure is part of the damage claim. Removing a storm felled tree from the yard is usually covered only if it blocks a driveway or accessibility ramp, often up to about $500 per tree and $1,000 per storm. Stump grinding and removing trees that have not fallen are not covered.
Four removal situations
- Tree on the house or garage: removing it from the structure, including crane costs when needed, is generally treated as part of repairing the covered damage.
- Tree on a fence or shed: handled under other structures coverage the same way.
- Tree blocking the driveway or a ramp: many policies pay a limited amount. A common standard form allows $1,000 per loss and $500 per tree for trees felled by wind, hail or the weight of ice, snow or sleet.
- Tree down in the yard, hitting nothing: usually your expense.
What is not covered
- Stump grinding and root removal
- Hauling away wood beyond what is needed to clear the structure or driveway, in many policies
- Removing dead or leaning trees before they fall
- Routine trimming
Keep the invoice clean
Ask the tree service to break out costs: removal from the structure, crane, removal from the driveway, and any extra work you chose like stump grinding. That makes it easy for the adjuster to pay the covered parts without debate.
Do not wait on safety
You do not need to wait for an adjuster to get a tree off the house if leaving it would cause more damage. Photograph thoroughly first, keep the removed sections near the house if practical, and save receipts. Policies expect reasonable steps to prevent further damage. See emergency tarping and mitigation and how to file a roof claim.