My Neighbor’s Tree Fell on My Property

The outcome will change depending on whether the tree was alive and healthy or dead or unhealthy. MyImages - Micha/Shutterstock

Dear Monty: My neighbor’s tree fell on our property. It destroyed our brick fence, and we have significant damage to the garage. My insurance agent gave me a very vague response about the insurance adjuster determining liability. She said she would come out in the next few days. She also hinted that my policy might pay for the damage. How can I be liable for his tree, or any part of it, falling and damaging my property?

Monty’s Answer: Your agent may not have wanted to break the news to you. Your insurance company will likely pay for the damage. The insurance company may have a protocol to minimize miscommunications. Your agent is in the sales department, and the adjuster is in the risk management department. The insurance company may want the adjuster to inspect the site before your agent comments.

An Insurance Agent’s Answer

Suppose you have a tree on your property, and it falls on your home or other structures, such as a fence. In that case, there is coverage under your homeowners and is subject to the deductible you have chosen.

Suppose you have a tree on your property, and it falls on a neighbor’s home or property. In that case, you have no liability, and your neighbor’s home insurance policy would cover the loss minus the neighbor’s deductible.

If your neighbor’s tree falls into your yard, your insurance policy covers the damage cost minus your deductible.

The rule of thumb in the insurance industry is that the insurance on the damaged property pays for the damage. This rule assumes the tree was alive and healthy.

The Importance of Maintaining Your Trees

A dead or unhealthy tree on your property allowed to stand or left untreated will have a different outcome. Suppose the wind blows it down, and it damages your neighbor’s property. It’s negligence on your part, and your homeowners’ policy would pay for the damage to the neighbor on an actual cash value basis. You would have no deductible.

If you are the neighbor and concerned for your property and safety, consider mailing a certified letter putting the owner on notice that they may have a dead or dying tree. This letter may help your insurance company win the argument over the tree’s condition in the future.

Additional Resources

Check with the local municipality or your Homeowners Association. Some cities have ordinances or codes that define a procedure to manage this situation. A tree ordinance guide from ArborDay.org lays out the value and the issues of community involvement with trees on public land and private property.

Another potential place to look for additional information is restrictive covenants that run with the land. The title policy issued when you purchased your home may have a recorded restrictive covenant with guidelines for trees in the subdivision.

Buying a home with a fence, or building a wall, is essential to verify the lot lines. You should engage a land surveyor to locate missing lot stakes (occasionally, they are removed, relocated, or several feet underground). If the fence straddles the lot line, both parties will likely share the cost of repair. Also, when building an expensive or labor-intensive fence, consider insuring it as a scheduled item to avoid future challenges to insurance claims.