If a tree falls in your yard, the first thing to do is call your insurance company. Most policies will cover tree damage caused by wind and winter storms. Usually, they will cover hauling away tree debris and cleanup and of course structure damage. Your insurance company will fix the damages to your property and pursue reimbursement from the neighbor’s insurance if the neighbor was negligent in maintaining the tree.

Take Time To Prevent Property Damage

If you think your neighbor’s tree is dead or diseased and you worry about it falling on your property write a letter to your neighbor. In the letter take some photos and include them in the letter. Describe your concern and request he takes some action to remedy the problem.

If My Neighbor’s Tree Branches Hang Over My Yard, Can I Trim Them?

Before doing that it would be wise to tell your neighbor your concern and tell him what you intend to do if he does have the tree trimmed. However, the answer is yes you may cut the limbs in your yard up to your property line. You may not cut down the entire tree. If the tree dies after you prune the branches the neighbor can file a claim against you in small claims court. Your neighbor will have to prove the damage was deliberate or caused by negligence however he may be able to recover up to three times the value of the tree.

What To Do If My Tree Falls In My Neighbor’s Yard

The first piece of advice is to always take care of your trees and have them trimmed and keep the trimming receipts. However, do nothing until your neighbor’s insurance company calls you. In most American states, if your tree or any part of it falls on your neighbors’ property and causes damage to their property through no fault of your own (due to a snowstorm, winds, hurricane, or other so-called “act of God”), you are not responsible. Your neighbors will have to file a claim with their own property insurer if they want to be reimbursed for their loss. This will likely come as a surprise to your neighbors! But the key distinction to remember is that you weren’t actually at fault. Disputes between neighbors about falling trees or branches are common and unhappily, just as often unnecessary. Check the applicable law in your municipality first, then share your findings with your neighbors. A cooperative approach to the question of damages could save everyone unnecessary time and expense and hard feelings.

Rollins Insurance represents multiple A-rated insurance companies to make sure we deliver the most competitive rate packages to our clients in Kentucky and Ohio.

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About Rollins Insurance 

Rollins Insurance is an independent insurance agency providing our clients the best prices with the most coverage possible since 2008. We represent multiple A-rated insurance companies to make sure we deliver the most competitive rate packages to our clients in Kentucky and Ohio. We find that most people are under-insured and over-paying when we meet them. We love what we do and our primary business is Personal Auto, Homeowners, and Life and Health insurance. We are a family-owned and managed business that specializes in providing needs-based insurance services.
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