How do trees on my land impact my home insurance?

While they often provide an attractive addition to our garden and are important for our ecosystem, trees can cause problems such as damaging property or causing subsidence. If you need to act to have a tree made safe and the tree is not yours, it can be difficult and time consuming. You won’t want to fall out with your neighbour, so speak to them first before consulting a tree surgeon and follow the right advice.

What are my duties as a tree owner?

Common law states that you have the responsibility known as “duty of care” to take reasonable precautions to avoid any harm or injury to other people or property, which you can reasonably foresee.

What damage can a tree cause?

As well as the obvious damage that fallen boughs or trees can cause, gutters and drains can get blocked very quickly by falling debris such as leaves and twigs. To avoid having to make a claim for water ingress (where water infiltrates your property), it’s important to always keep these areas clear of debris.

Roots are usually invisible to the naked eye but can cause damage to drains, hardscaping and neighbouring buildings by creating cracks when looking for moisture. This can increase the cracking and cause subsidence which can run into the thousands to repair.

If you are concerned that a tree is damaged, diseased, fallen or poses danger, we recommend you consult a tree surgeon who will give you advice on how to maintain your trees and keep them safe.

As you can see, it can be difficult to get to the root of the problem when it comes to trees (sorry, we couldn’t resist!).

Tree Preservation Orders

Don’t forget that permission is needed to carry out all work on trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order. Anyone who wants to cut down, top, lop or uproot trees that are subject to an Order must first apply to their local planning authority for its consent, unless the proposed work is exempt through an exception.

Where an exception applies, the authority’s consent to carry out works is not needed, but notices of these works may need to be given to the authority. It’s always advisable to obtain advice from a qualified arboriculturist and/or confirmation from your local authority of what is and what is not required when managing trees that are subject to a preservation order.

Does my listed home insurance cover tree damage?

Your home insurance should provide cover in several ways:

• Repair costs following damage to your property caused by a tree falling or branch or roots
• Your legal liability for repair costs following damage to your neighbour’s property
• Costs to replace trees after a fire or lightning damage (cover is usually limited)
• Legal advice and costs if you get into a dispute for nuisance caused by a tree on your property that affects your neighbour.

If a healthy tree just falls during a storm and damages your home, you should be able to claim under your home insurance. If your tree damages your neighbour’s home, they should be able to claim under their home insurance. Your neighbour cannot hold you responsible for damage caused by a tree on your property unless it is your legal liability and you have neglected your duty of care.

Your home insurance will likely not cover the following:

• Costs for the removal of a fallen tree
• Damage to gates, fences, hedges (and in some cases outdoor items) caused by a fallen tree or branch
• Costs to clear blocked drains and guttering.

Every home policy is different, so it is important that you check your policy cover.

If you have any questions about your home insurance cover, please just get in touch on 01622 476433 and we’ll be happy to help.

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