Does homeowners insurance cover tree trimming?
Why trimming matters to insurance
- Fewer claims. Limbs over the roof are the ones that fall on it.
- Less excluded damage. Branches rubbing shingles, shade that feeds moss and algae, and needles clogging valleys all cause damage insurance will not cover.
- Underwriting. Some insurers inspect homes and send letters asking owners to trim or remove trees. Ignoring them can lead to nonrenewal.
How much to trim
A common guideline is to keep limbs several feet clear of the roof surface, often 6 to 10 feet, and to remove dead branches over the house. Large trees close to the house deserve an arborist's look every few years. Avoid topping trees, which weakens them.
A neighbor's overhanging limbs
Generally you may trim branches that cross onto your property, at your own expense, as long as you do not harm the tree or go onto the neighbor's land without permission. If you believe a neighbor's tree is dangerous, a polite written notice creates a record that they were told, which matters if it later falls.
The one exception people ask about
After a covered storm, cutting a fallen tree off your house is part of the claim. That is removal of storm debris, not trimming.
For the roof side of tree care, Georgia Roof Guide covers it in trees and your roof, and our page on wear and tear vs storm damage explains why gradual damage is excluded.