Damaged Trees and Damaged Property

If you have trees on your property that are tall, old or have branches that could potentially damage your property or your neighbors, you might want to work on securing those trees. Why? If you are not maintaining your tree and it damages your property, your insurance company could cite you as negligent.

Every policy is different, so ask your insurance provider for clarification if your homeowners’ insurance contract isn't clear. But according to attorneys, you could be held liable if your tree is dying or dead, it falls on your neighbor's property, and you did nothing to prevent property damage. In addition, your neighbor could file a lawsuit against you alleging negligence. If it turns out that you are legally responsible for the damage to your neighbor’s house, your carrier will pay for damages up to your policy limits. Similarly, your neighbor submits a liability claim against your homeowners’ insurance policy. If you can prove you did work to sustain your tree or brace it, you could defend yourself against a negligence accusation.

So what are some other potential scenarios when it comes to trees and homeowners policies?

A snow or ice storm causes a tree or limbs to crash into your home, garage or fence. Most insurance companies will pay for all such damages. They will also pay to have the tree removed. If your tree falls over or a branch breaks and it does not damage anything, insurance companies will not pay to haul your tree away.

A neighbor’s tree falls in your yard and damages your property. If a neighbor’s tree falls in your yard and damages your fence or any buildings, your homeowners’ policy will pay you for damages. If the neighbor was negligent, you could seek reimbursement from their policy. If a tree branch or tree falls from your neighbor’s yard and does not damage anything in your yard, insurance will not cover its removal.

A tree or branch falls on your car and damages it. If a tree or branch within your yard falls on your car, your homeowners policy will not pay for damages. You may want to check with your vehicle’s insurance policy.

Your beautiful tree that you have nurtured for years is damaged by a storm. Homeowners’ policies will not reimburse homeowners for the value of a tree destroyed by storms. Fire, explosions or vandalism, which are considered ‘named perils’ are considered reimbursable events.

What are some other things you should know about trees and homeowner’s policies? Here are some tips from the PCIAA.

* Report your damage as soon as possible.
* Take photographs of the damage. Make a list of everything you want to show the adjuster.
* Know the cost of your deductible. Some policies have a flat dollar amount deductible while others depend on a percentage of the home's value. Some claims may not be worth making.

Andrew Johnson is the owner of Central Texas Tree Care, a leading tree service provider in Central Texas (Travis County and surrounding areas) offering services such as pruning and removals, cabling and bracing as well as arborist reports, diagnostics, pest management, fertilization and Austin tree service trusts. For more information please visit http://www.centraltexastreecare.com.

Growing Beautiful Healthy Trees in Austin

If you want to grow trees that are healthy and beautiful in Austin, here are a few tips to help you on your way.

To start, if you select trees that are native you will increase your tree’s survival rate as native trees are more drought and disease resistant than non-natives. Native trees typically require less watering, fertilizing, and chemical control which in turn also contributes to the conservation and preservation of Austin’s precious water resources - its streams, lakes, and aquifers.

When choosing your native tree, there are a large variety to choose from, from walnut to oak to pecan, black walnut and hickory.

Going non-native is certainly an option as well. Many non-native trees have been around Austin for decades and thrive quite well. You can check with Austin city government at http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/trees/en_spec.htm for a list of adapted trees of Austin.

When planting your trees, consider putting shade trees on the west and south sides of your house, this will help lower your utility bills. For variety, you may add fruit trees to your yard; they not only provide you with an edible product but also attract birds and wildlife. Flowering trees accent your yard and some trees can be planted as a screen for privacy. If you live in a neighborhood with codes and regulations, research what types of trees they prefer in the front yard or those visible from the street.

To maintain your tree’s health and beauty, here are a few tips in preventing potential problems.

1. Use native and adapted trees when possible
2. Choose trees resistant to specific diseases and insects
3. Keep trees healthy -- if they are weak and stressed, they are more likely to have other problems.
4. Monitor often for insect and disease damage to keep small problems from becoming large ones
5. Tolerate some damage but if problem continues to worsen, seek out proper diagnosis.
6. Before using any pesticides make sure you have properly identified problem.

If you do detect a problem with your tree, don’t hesitate to hire a professional. Make sure this professional communicates the following to you before they start.

1. What the problem is and how it will be treated.
2. How long the treatment period will take.
3. What results can be expected.
4. What is guaranteed and what is not.
5. Whether products used present any hazards to people or pets.

By following some of these simple suggestions, whichever trees you choose will result in a beautiful addition to your yard for years to come.

Andrew Johnson is the owner of Central Texas Tree Care, a leading tree service provider in Central Texas (Travis County and surrounding areas) offering services such as pruning and removals, cabling and bracing as well as arborist reports, diagnostics, pest management, fertilization and Austin tree service trusts. For more information please visit http://www.centraltexastreecare.com.