Who Is Responsible for Removing a Fallen Tree?
Having a fallen tree is already bad enough before you even start thinking about scheduling professional tree services in Treasure Valley. While ensuring your safety and that of your family is undoubtedly your priority, you’ll have plenty of questions once you do so, including “Who is responsible for removing a fallen tree?”
Read on to learn the answer.
Fallen Tree Removal Responsibilities
It’s hard to beat the benefits you enjoy from having trees growing on your front lawn or backyard. From providing shade in the summer to enhancing curb appeal and boosting property value, the perks are almost endless.
Unfortunately, what was once a huge plus can quickly become a headache. This is especially the case when it comes time to deal with a fallen tree. But who is responsible for doing so?
Here are the factors that will help you determine responsibility for removing the fallen tree and how to ensure you get the most out of your tree services.
Tree Ownership
In most cases, the owner of the tree will be responsible for removing the fallen tree. In Treasure Valley, we determine ownership by looking at where the tree’s roots were before it fell.
If the tree’s trunk straddled a boundary line, both you and your neighbor will be responsible for its removal. This usually complicates property owner liability issues.
If the city owns the tree, it will be responsible for removal. The city might also cover any damages caused, but only if you warned them about the dangers the tree posed before it fell.
Why It Fell
Figuring out who is responsible for removing a fallen tree will also require you to determine why the tree fell in the first place. If the tree was healthy and a storm knocked it down, the law considers this an act of God. In this case, whoever owns the property where the tree lands will be responsible for its removal.
However, in the case of sick, dead, or storm-damaged trees, whoever owns the tree will be considered negligent and will be held liable.
Insurance Coverage for Fallen Trees
The good news is that most policies cover tree removal and repairs if the tree falls on your property or causes neighbor property damage. You should pay attention to the fine print, though.
For instance, your insurance is likely to cover removal and damage costs if the tree fell because of natural causes. This might not be the case if the tree fell due to negligence or lack of care.
Scheduling Professional Tree Removal in Treasure Valley
As you can see, there are a lot of caveats when determining who is responsible for removing a fallen tree. Was it your tree, your neighbor’s tree, or did you share ownership? Why did it fall? Where did it fall?
Thankfully, consulting a professional arborist can help clear things up. Entrust that role to the certified team from Arbor Safe Tree Service. Contact us today at 208-465-9479.
