Home insurance and trees: What’s covered?

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A mature garden with trees can add real value to a property, but it is worth understanding how your home insurance covers tree-related risks. Quotezone can help you compare home insurance quotes from multiple providers.

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Do trees make your home insurance more expensive?

If the grounds of your property enjoy the privacy and shade offered by trees, you’ll be pleased to know that their presence normally doesn’t make your insurance premium more expensive.

There are always exceptions to the rule and if you have a particularly tall tree in close proximity to your home, your premium may be a little higher.

When you’re applying for home insurance and there are trees near to your house, you may find that an insurer will ask just how close these trees are. Make sure you give them an accurate measurement to guard against any issues with later claims. Once they have these figures, the insurer will amend your policy accordingly, laying out what they will and won’t cover in relation to tree damage.

Will my home insurance cover a tree falling onto the property?

Yes, and this cover will usually come as standard as long as the tree has fallen by means out of your control.  For example, you’ll be covered by a well-maintained tree that fell in high winds. 

If, however, a tree damages your home whilst it’s being felled or pruned, this wouldn’t be covered. A fully insured tree surgeon would be able to reimburse you for such damage though – so be sure to ask for sight of an insurance policy before you allow anyone to work on your trees!

If a neighbour’s tree falls onto your property, you’ll be able to claim through your own insurance.  Unfortunately, unless you can prove they have been negligent in terms of their tree management, it will still be you who is liable for the cost of your insurance excess.

Does homeowners insurance cover tree root damage?

We all know that a falling tree can cause significant damage to a property, but homes can also be put at risk by tree roots.  These are capable of inflicting significant structural damage, including subsidence.

Subsidence can occur when an extensive tree root system dries out the soil, with the most worrying outcome being the reduced stability of the foundations of your house as the ground starts to sink.  Thankfully, subsidence is commonly covered by a home insurance policy, but be prepared to pay a large excess here – often in the ballpark of £1,000.

Heave, another phenomenon which can be caused by tree roots (when they encourage the upward movement of soil), should also be covered by your home insurance.  However, it’s important to note that heave can be triggered by the removal of trees and therefore you may face difficulties if the insurer deems the tree removal to have been insufficiently planned or poorly executed.

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Does home insurance cover tree removal?

Most buildings insurance policies cover the cost of removing a tree that has fallen onto your property, provided the fall was caused by an insured event such as a storm. This typically includes cutting up the tree, clearing debris and making the area safe.

However, home insurance does not usually cover removing a healthy tree that you simply want gone. Professional tree removal in the UK costs between £200 and £2,000 or more depending on the size of the tree, ease of access and whether specialist equipment is needed.

If the tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or is in a conservation area, you need permission from your local council before any work is carried out. Removing a protected tree without consent can result in fines of up to £20,000 in a magistrates’ court or an unlimited fine in a Crown Court.

Who is responsible if a neighbour’s tree causes damage?

If a neighbour’s tree falls onto your property, the damage is covered by your own buildings insurance. You claim on your policy, not your neighbour’s. Your neighbour is only liable if you can prove they were negligent – for example, if you warned them in writing that the tree was dangerous and they took no action.

If negligence is proven, you may be able to recover your excess from the neighbour. In practice, this often requires legal advice and evidence of prior complaints.

Overhanging branches are a separate matter. Under common law, you have the right to cut back any branches that cross your boundary line, but you must return the cuttings to the tree owner. You cannot enter your neighbour’s property to carry out the work without their permission, and if the tree has a TPO you will need council consent first.

Does home insurance cover storm damage to trees?

Storm damage to your property caused by a falling tree is normally covered under buildings insurance as standard, because storm is a named peril on most policies. This includes damage to the roof, walls, fences, outbuildings and garden structures.

The tree itself is generally not insured – your policy covers the damage the tree causes to the building, not the loss of the tree. If a prized specimen is destroyed in a storm, the cost of replacing it would not usually be covered.

Gradual damage caused by tree roots over months or years is treated differently. Insurers typically cover sudden events, not wear and tear. Subsidence caused by tree roots may be covered, but the excess is usually £1,000 or more and the insurer may require you to take steps to address the root cause (such as removing the tree) before they will pay out.

You might also need

If tree-related risks are a concern, these related products may also be relevant:

• Non-standard home insurance – specialist cover for properties with features that standard policies may not fully cover, such as large trees close to the building or a history of subsidence
• Subsidence home insurance – dedicated cover for properties affected by or at risk of subsidence, including root-related ground movement

Comparing home insurance quotes on Quotezone takes minutes and searches policies from up to 40 UK providers. Compare home insurance quotes today.

This article is intended as generic information only and is not intended to apply to anybody’s specific circumstances, demands or needs. The views expressed are not intended to provide any financial service or to give any recommendation or advice. Products and services are only mentioned for illustrative rather than promotional purposes.