As beautiful as a tree can be on your property, when something goes wrong, like a fallen tree, it can mean big problems. Whenever a tree falls down, it can cause significant damage to anything in its way. It can leave homeowners wondering if they are going to have to pay for all the damage in its wake. This is especially the case when the tree has fallen from your neighbor’s property. Tree Craft Tree Service is here to talk about fallen trees and who is expected to pay for the damage they cause.
Who Does the Fallen Tree Belong To?
When it comes to paying for a fallen tree, the first thing that you need to think about is who the tree belongs to. Sometimes, it isn’t always as clear as you may think it is when a tree falls. This is all going to depend on where the trunk of the tree is growing. If it is growing in your yard, it will be yours. If it is growing on the other side of the property line, it will belong to your neighbor. Sometimes, the tree trunk will be located directly on the property line, and then the tree will be considered shared.
What Caused the Tree to Fall Down?
Another thing that will be strongly considered is why the tree fell in the first place. If it fell because of natural causes like a storm, coverage will look different than a tree falling because it was neglected. There is maintenance that needs to be performed on a tree and if that wasn’t done, it is a whole different story.
Who is Liable for Damage Caused By Trees?
Deciphering who will foot the bill for a fallen tree isn’t as easy as it may seem. There are some interesting rules that come into play concerning the matter. Here is a breakdown.
– Neighbor’s Responsibility: When the neighbor’s tree has fallen, it may seem easy to say that clearly the neighbor should take care of it. This is absolutely true if the reason that the tree fell is due to negligence on their part. If the tree hasn’t been cared for and was posing a danger, but the neighbor did nothing to fix it, they will be liable for any of the damaged incurred and the cost of removal.
– Your Responsibility: If the reason that the tree fell was out of anybody’s hands and it happened because of natural causes, it will be your responsibility to pay for it. Even if the tree was on your neighbor’s property. You should know that your homeowner’s insurance will more than likely cover any damages incurred.
Emergency Tree Removal, Tree Pruning, Trimming & More in West Norriton Township, Tredyffrin Township, East Norriton, Radnor, Wayne, Saint Davids, Lower Merion Township, Norristown, Upper Merion Township, Phoenixville & Greater King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
If you have a tree that looks like it poses a threat to your home or your neighbor’s home, you can turn to Tree Craft Tree Service to take care of removing it. We will also remove trees that have already fallen. Call us today!