Thud! Imagine that a massive crashing sound shakes your whole house. You wonder what it could be and look outside the window. And there it is— that unstable leaning tree has fallen in your yard, or the worst possible scenario is on your property. Devastating to see, isn’t it? What now? 

Don’t worry, as we have made this blog for you. In this article, we will know what exactly to do if a tree falls on your property, and who is responsible for it. Further, we will discuss what insurance covers for you and why not calling a professional can cost you in thousands.

What to Do If a Tree Falls on Your Property? 

So you have just heard deafening noises and you find to know it’s your tree that has fallen across your lawn.

First things first! You have to do this: 

1. Don’t panic.
2. Check for injuries. Safety is important. Make sure no one is hurt and there are no pets in the surroundings. You can use cones, tapes and chairs to keep people away from the affected area.
3. Look for hazards. Is the tree touching the electrical lines? Is the underground utility system working fine? No gas leakage problems. 

             Who to call for what damage? 

1. For trees that are tangled in power lines- call the utility companies 
2. For any gas leaks, call the fire department.

1. Call 911 immediately in case of any other safety hazard.
2. If your tree landed on your house, vehicle, or even garage, don’t enter the area. There could be any structural damage you can’t see.

Who Is Responsible If a cc on Your Property?

Now this is the part where things can get messy.

If the tree was on YOUR property:

Then it is your responsibility to deal with it even if it fell during a storm.

If it were your NEIGHBOR’S tree:

It depends on one word—negligence.

• If a tree is healthy enough to fall as a result of wind or rain, then your neighbor is guilty of nothing.
• But if it might have been rotting, leaning, or dead and you might have warned them about it, they might be liable.

But here’s the kicker: Insurance companies generally call storms an “Act of God,” which means that, in the long run, every property owner takes care of his or her damage, regardless of which tree it was attached to.

 Unless there’s a case of negligence proved (such as emails or warnings), you’re likely on your own footing for the bill.

➤ If it hits power lines:

The utilities company is responsible for line repairs. You will have to deal with the damage unless told otherwise. 

➤ Shared fences or boundary trees:

Homeowners should consult their local cities or HOA rules.

Sometimes, it goes 50-50.

When in doubt, get legal advice.

Neighbor’s Tree Fell on My Property — What Should I Do?

No one wants to start a feud in this awkward situation. Handle this by the following steps: 

• Make sure to take lots of clear pictures of the fallen tree from every angle. Be sure to include pictures of the base of the trunk as well—was it rotten or hollow? 
• If you have warned them sometime before, get that warning text, e-mail, or letter. 
• Stay calm and explain that you are contacting your insurance.
• Don’t accuse them; just document the situation.
• You can also file a claim with the insurance company. All you have to do is to submit the evidence and wait for the adjuster to look at the damaged tree before it is removed. If it’s the mistake by the neighbour, the insurance company might go after theirs through subrogation.

Does Insurance Cover Tree Damage?

Now to the money part. Homeowners insurance policies commonly cover structural damage to your dwelling, damage to fences, garages, sheds, and decks, and for some limited removal of trees (provided that the tree has damaged a covered structure). The costs usually range from $500 to $1,000.

Not covered by insurance companies: 

• If the tree fell without causing damage of any kind. 
• If you removed the tree before the adjuster arrived.
• Damage to your lawn or garden decor.
• Damage to your neighbor’s property (they’ll have to file their own claim).

 Always take photos and obtain permission from your insurer before removing any tree.

When to Call a Certified Arborist or Tree Removal Service

If you are seeking a DIY option: 

One must call a professional for safe tree removals. DIY is not a feasible option as a person can cause even more damage to their properties, and the insurance won’t even cover it. If you are a homeowner, with prior experience and equipped with the specific arboricultural tools like saws and climbing gear, you can carry out a removal. You might be able to handle it if it’s less than 5 ft and is not in the vicinity of power lines. 

However, it is not only about safety always, it is also about liability. Often, regulatory laws do not allow a person without a certificate to handle their trees. So always confirm with the local authorities.

Choosing a Professional service:

Seek a professional tree company if your tree is large, leaning dangerously. If it has fallen on a structure, don’t risk it and contact a certified arborist or a licensed tree Falls removal company immediately.

Why so?

• They cut the right way, so there will be no more damage to your home and surrounding vegetation.
• Professionals have designated trucks for quickly lifting, hauling, and grinding trees.
• They provide a written assessment, which assists with the insurance claim.
• Arborists have years of experience in handling all kinds of trees. They will make sure you don’t get hurt.

Also, remember to check:

• A proof of insurance
• Certification or licensure
• References or reviews
• A detailed estimate that should be emphasized in writing

Cost to Remove a Fallen Tree

Tree removal costs can sneak up on you.

The overall cost depends on:

• The size of the tree and species
• The location and accessibility (tight spaces are more expensive to handle)
• Requirement of cranes or special tools
• Level of hazard (near house wires or fences)

How to Prevent a Tree from Falling in the First Place

Inspect Your Trees Each Subsequent Year.

• Cracks or splits within the trunk. 
• Hollow spots or fungal growth. 
• Leaning trees or roots exposed. 
• Dead branches or missing bark. 

When anything does not seem quite right, call up an arborist. 

Trim your trees regularly.

Cuts to branches prevent them from being out of balance and swamped, and stressed by storms. 

Get rid of dangerous trees

Dangerous trees, like staying too close to the house, unstable, or dying, do not wait. Just go for a removal estimate and clear it before the disaster. 

It is cheaper to get rid of a fallen tree than it is to reclaim a collapsed roof due to tree failure.

Final Thoughts: 

To sum it up, always consider safety first before you face trouble with your greens. No doubt, insurance and liability are complicated, but documentation is equally important. Seeking a professional to deal with your damage? Contact our arborists at Galvin Tree Cutting to restore the functionality of your living spaces. We have years of experience in tackling all sorts of tree-related challenges.