When storms tear through Georgia, they can leave a trail of destruction behind. While cleaning up broken branches and twigs scattered around your yard might be inconvenient, it’s not nearly as complex as dealing with a fallen tree on your (or your neighbor’s) property. When this happens, your first question is likely “Who is responsible for a fallen tree?”
At ArborForce Tree Services, we handle tree removal in Dunwoody, GA, following storms, and often receive this query. Unfortunately, the answer isn’t always straightforward, but understanding fallen tree liability, storm damage responsibility, and property owner responsibilities can help you navigate these situations effectively.
What Property Owners Have To Do To Avoid Liability
Homeowners are responsible for maintaining the trees on their property. Otherwise, if a tree is clearly unhealthy or overhanging a neighbor’s property, failure to address it could make you liable for damages if it falls during a storm. Even natural disasters don’t always absolve homeowners of responsibility if their negligence contributed to the tree falling.
Regular inspections and maintenance (like pruning and trimming) can help reduce the potential for damage if a tree falls during a storm.
What If a Healthy Tree Falls?
When severe weather knocks down a healthy tree, who is responsible for tree removal?
If the tree falls on your property, then it becomes your responsibility, even if the tree’s roots were on your neighbor’s land.
The reverse applies, too. If a healthy tree from your yard falls onto a neighbor’s property, they will need to claim it on their homeowners’ insurance policy to cover the tree removal and damage repair.
Insurance and Tree Damage Claims Can Be Complex
Tree damage insurance claims are often tricky because trees don’t care about property lines when they fall. Generally, homeowners' insurance covers damage caused by fallen trees; however, policies vary.
For example, insurance typically only covers tree removal and property repair if a storm causes a healthy tree to fall. However, if the tree was dead or poorly maintained, insurers might deny coverage, arguing that negligence was involved. It’s a good idea to document your tree maintenance and contact your insurance provider immediately after storm damage.
Preventing Not-So-Neighborly Situations
If a neighbor’s tree falls into your yard, they’re only responsible if they were negligent in maintaining the tree. However, when the damage is unavoidable due to a storm, homeowners’ insurance companies may split the costs between the two neighbors, depending on the circumstances. Knowing who is responsible for a fallen tree can prevent disputes and keep neighborhood relations intact.
Let AborForce Tree Services Help With Storm Damage
Knowing who is responsible for a fallen tree doesn’t just protect your property. It protects your peace of mind. ArborForce Tree Services is here to help with everything from protecting trees from storm damage to assisting with tree removal and cleanup after a storm. Call (470) 319-6625 to schedule tree maintenance before disaster strikes, or to get help with a fallen tree.