When a tree suddenly comes crashing down, whether it’s across your lawn, straddling the property line, or worse, on your roof or car, your first question is likely: Who is responsible for removing a fallen tree?
The answer isn’t always clear-cut. As an experienced tree service in Auburn Hills, MI, Otto Tree Service has helped plenty of homeowners make sense of these frustrating (and expensive) situations.
Tree Ownership Boundaries Matter
The first step in determining who is responsible for removing a fallen tree is figuring out where the tree originally stood. If it was on your property and fell into your neighbor’s yard, then legally, you’re likely responsible for the cleanup.
On the flip side, if the tree grew on an adjacent property and fell into yours, removal may or may not be your neighbor’s responsibility, depending on why the tree fell. If the tree ownership boundaries are less clear, and the tree was on the property line or between the two properties, then you and your neighbor will likely share responsibility for the tree removal costs.
Property Owner Liability and Negligence
Michigan property owner liability law typically doesn’t hold a tree owner liable for damages unless they have neglected the tree, failed to maintain it, or have not addressed a known issue.
This means that if a healthy tree from your yard comes down on your neighbor’s house during a storm, it’s not your responsibility to remove it.
However, if the tree was dead or visibly decaying, and you didn’t do anything to address it, the insurance company could deem you negligent and force you to take care of the removal costs.
How Homeowners’ Insurance Looks at Tree Removal
If a tree comes crashing into your bedroom, you probably expect your homeowners’ insurance policy to cover the damage. The insurer will want to know where the tree originally stood to determine who pays. If the tree came down due to natural causes, regardless of ownership, your homeowners’ insurance policy would typically cover the damage.
However, if the tree on your property was unhealthy and you ignored it, you’re responsible for the tree removal. If it were in your neighbor’s yard and they ignored it, you may be able to file a claim against their insurance, or even pursue compensation for tree removal costs.
It’s also worth noting that storm damage coverage will only cover tree removal if the fallen tree damages a structure, such as your house, garage, or fence. If the tree falls without hitting anything, you may have to cover cleanup costs yourself.
Need Help? Call the Pros at Otto Tree Service
At Otto Tree Service, we understand that fallen trees cause headaches and unexpected expenses. If you’re unsure who is responsible for removing a fallen tree, call us in Auburn Hills, MI, at (248) 617-8644 . We’ll assess the situation, provide a fair estimate, and help you clear the mess safely and efficiently.
We can also help you avoid fallen trees with professional maintenance and insights into common tree pruning mistakes, among other benefits.
