Trees can fall for many reasons, with storm damage being one of the primary causes. The damage a toppled tree could cause to a home, vehicle, or person could be extensive. So, who is responsible for removing a fallen tree?
We offer premium tree services in Hiram, GA, at J’s Woodpecker Tree Service, including emergency tree removal. Consider our guide below to learn about tree ownership rights and who is liable for fallen trees.
Who Has To Pay for Damages Due to a Fallen Tree?
Who is responsible for removing a fallen tree? To answer this question, you have to consider property line responsibility.
If the plant grows in your yard within your property line, it belongs to you. Trees with trunks that grow on your neighbor’s side of the property line belong to that neighbor.
Sometimes, neighbor disputes start over trees that grow directly on a property line. Yet, affected property owners will have shared ownership of them and are equally responsible for removing them if they fall.
Can You Pay for Fallen Tree Damage With Homeowner’s Insurance?
It’s reasonable to assume that a homeowner’s insurance coverage pays for fallen tree removal. That assumption would be accurate if tree removal is part of your policy’s covered perils. However, most policies only cover costs associated with tree removal if the fall occurs due to natural causes, like a severe storm or another natural or unavoidable event.
Insurance likely won’t cover the damage if the tree falls due to negligence. Failing to prune or trim hazardous branches, treat pest infestations, or contact an arborist to check the plant’s health regularly are examples of tree care negligence.
Are Homeowners’ Associations Liable for Damage?
If your Hiram community is part of a homeowners’ association, you might wonder if a fallen tree is the homeowner’s liability or the association’s. An HOA is only liable for fallen tree removal if it is within a common area that the association owns and its leadership knew of the tree’s potentially hazardous condition, or if the HOA’s governing documents say they would be liable.
In other cases, the owner of the lot containing the tree and the owner of the lot that the tree fell onto would be responsible for the removal.
What Happens If a Neighbor’s Tree Falls Onto Your Property?
Who is responsible for removing a fallen tree that originated in your neighbor’s yard? The neighbor would likely be liable for damages if their tree falls on your property. You would be responsible if your tree falls on theirs.
Contact J’s Woodpecker Tree Service Today for Prompt Tree Removal
Who is responsible for removing a fallen tree in Hiram, GA? The answer depends on several factors, including who owns the tree, where the tree fell, and the reason for the fall.
No matter your situation, you can count on our experts at J’s Woodpecker Tree Service to provide the tree care service you need. Our comprehensive solutions include routine tree removal, pruning, trimming, and stump grinding. We also offer 24-hour emergency care, so call (678) 559-4030 or contact us online today to schedule an appointment.