Who is responsible for fallen tree removal? They can topple for multiple reasons, including storm damage. When that happens, somebody must take care of the debris and address additional hazards that might linger, such as protruding stumps.
Our professionals at Boss Tree Services offer the best tree services in Sharpsburg, GA, and the surrounding areas. We know that trees can fall suddenly, causing people to question who should handle their removal. Below, you can learn more about liability and your responsibilities as a property owner.
Who Is Liable for a Toppled Tree?
Although the U.S. Department of Labor has specific guidelines for professional tree care and removal, liability can still be a question for some. To determine who is responsible for fallen tree removal, consider the following factors.
Reasons for the Fall
Trees can topple due to natural causes like hurricane-force winds, soil oversaturation from heavy rains, and snowstorms. Negligence is also possible if you don’t trim overgrown branches or ignore a pest infestation. If your plant falls because of forces out of your control, you may not be liable.
Ownership of the Plant
You also must consider who technically owns the plant to determine liability for its fall. It’s yours if its trunk grows within your property lines and your neighbor’s if it’s rooted on their side. Yet the tree could be a shared plant if it grows on the property line, leading to joint responsibility.
Will Homeowner’s Insurance Pay for the Fallen Plant’s Removal?
After learning who is responsible for fallen tree removal, you might also wonder if your homeowner’s insurance will cover the damage. It depends. If one topples from natural causes, the insurance may cover the damage, but the same isn’t true for a fall caused by a lack of reasonable care and maintenance.
Responsibilities You Should Know as a Homeowner
Keep your trees healthy and upright by remembering these homeowner responsibilities:
- Maintenance: As a property owner, you’re responsible for maintaining the plants in your yard. That includes scheduling routine trimming and pruning services as well as pest and disease prevention measures.
- Hazardous tree identification: Pay close attention to your plants to quickly identify diseased, dying, or weakened trees that could become hazardous. Don’t wait to get help for them from a qualified tree care company.
- Strategic plantings: The best way to avoid neighbor disputes about your trees is to ensure you don’t transplant anything too close to property lines. If you decide to plant anything on or near a property line, you should get permission from your neighbor because it may become a shared plant.
Schedule Fallen Tree Removal Today
Who is responsible for fallen tree removal? The answer depends on the plant’s ownership, condition, and fallen position.
If you need prompt tree removal for any reason, Boss Tree Service can help. As a top-rated tree care company serving Sharpsburg, GA, we offer removal services as well as trimming, pruning and inspection services.
If you’re ready for services, call (770) 251-8000 and book your appointment with us. For more information, check out our guide to tree rot detection and treatment.