What to Do if a Tree Falls on Your House

Seasonal storms can be a nightmare for property owners, especially if you have trees nearby. High winds and heavy ice can upend a tree and cause large limbs to crack and break.

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So, what do you do if a tree falls on your house? There are a few things you can do to ensure your property is secure and the cleanup is taken care of as quickly as possible.

What Do You Do If a Tree Falls on Your Home?

The following steps are recommended if a tree falls on your house.

• Leave your home. Gather your family and pets, go outside and seek shelter. A hole in your roof and the weight of a fallen tree can put the structural integrity of your home at risk, rupture gas lines, damage power lines and even cause the rest of your roof to collapse. It’s best to go outside until authorities say it’s safe to return.

• Contact emergency services. Call 911 and other emergency services if the power lines are down or anyone is injured.

• Call your insurance company immediately. As soon as everyone is safe, contact your insurance company to file a claim if you have tree insurance. Depending on the state you live in and your insurance company, it may take several weeks to several months for your insurance company to accept or deny your claim. Some states require companies to acknowledge the insurance claim within 10 days, while others allow a longer time.

• Take photographs. Grab your phone and take pictures or videos of the property damage from different angles. The adjuster will likely take pictures as well, but it may help your case if you have documentation. Avoid moving things around or touching anything until the insurance adjuster arrives.

• Secure your belongings. Tarp the damaged area and board up any holes. Mold can start growing quickly, which could be an additional cost during cleanup.

• Locate a temporary place to stay. Some insurance companies will pay for a hotel until your home has been repaired. Ask your insurance company if this cost is covered.

• Get quotes for tree removal services. Search your local area for tree removal services. Read through reviews and get recommendations from friends and family. Contact at least three companies to determine removal costs, and be sure to get your quotes in writing. This will help you avoid unexpected costs when you get ready to pay the bill.

• Check credentials. Some states don’t require certifications, which means anyone with a chainsaw can start their own tree removal business. Check their credentials and make sure they have insurance and equipment.

• Don’t settle. If the first quote provided by your insurance company isn’t enough to pay for any of your estimates, be prepared to negotiate a fair settlement. You can also contact an attorney to seek professional advice.

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Who Is Responsible for Removing a Tree That Falls on Your Property?

If a tree falls on your house, there are a few things to consider to determine who's liable. First, you need to know how the tree fell. Some trees fall due to natural causes and events, while others may topple because of another person’s negligence, such as a neighbor's tree falling due to neglect.

You also need to know whose tree it is. Any trees that grow directly on your property are your responsibility, even if most of the branches hang on your neighbor’s property. If a tree trunk is on your neighbor’s property, the same rules apply. Trees that grow on property lines, also called boundary line trees, are the responsibility of both homeowners, so you’ll have to work together to take care of the tree.

Will Homeowners Insurance Cover Damage If a Tree Falls on Your House?

Does homeowners insurance cover fallen trees? Most homeowners insurance policies will cover the cost of a fallen tree, but there are a few conditions. To be sure, it’s important to read over your policy for coverage information or contact your insurance provider.

Typically, your insurance will pay for most of the damage to your home and belongings minus the deductible. It may also pay for cleanup if a neighbor’s tree falls on your property but doesn’t damage anything. However, most insurance companies won't pay if the tree is damaged before the fall or shows signs of rot or disease.