Trees can provide many benefits to a property, including adding aesthetic appeal, providing beneficial shade, and enhancing privacy. Sometimes, though, homeowners want to remove them because the trees have become a hazard or they just don't want them around anymore. Before you take out the chainsaw or call a tree trimming company like Sherman Oaks Tree Service, here are three things you need to check first.
Does Your Homeowner's Insurance Cover Tree Removal?
There are two reasons why you want to check if your homeowner's insurance covers tree removal. First, you may save money. It can cost an average of $500 to $1,000 to remove a tree, depending on its size, condition, and location. If your insurance will pay to have this done, that's money you can invest in improving your home in other ways.
It's important to note, though, that homeowner's insurance typically only pays to have trees that have already fallen over removed, though some will also pay to pull out trees damaged by fire, lightning, or other hazards. Additionally, they will usually cap the cost at a specific amount per tree (e.g. up to $1,000 per tree), so you would have to cover the balance if the cost is more than the provider pays for.
Another reason you want to check if your homeowner's insurance covers tree removal is if the tree falls over and damages your or someone else's property. Specifically, you want to make sure you're covered for instances when you are the reason the tree toppled over. Some insurance providers only cover removal if the tree fell over due to natural occurrences, such as high winds. Manmade disasters may be excluded, and you need to be prepared to cover the damage if this is the case with your provider and something happens during the felling of the tree.
Does Your Neighbor Approve?
The second thing you need to check is if your neighbors agree to have the tree removed. This only applies to trees that straddle the property border between your homes. Many people don't realize that these types of trees are owned by and become the responsibility of all parties whose land they grow on. As such, all parties must come to a consensus on what happens to the tree. If you want to remove it but your neighbor doesn't, you could be sued for monetary damages if you tear the tree down anyway.
Most people are reasonable. If you make a good case as to why the tree should come down, your neighbor is likely to agree to the procedure. Since the tree is both of your responsibility, the other party may even chip in some money to help defray the cost of removal. Whatever you do, though, don't proceed with your tree removal plans until you talk to tour neighbors, and be sure to get the agreement in writing to avoid any issues in the future.
Does the Government Approve?
In some rare cases, homeowners will have trees on their properties the government has given a designation of heritage, historic, or landmark due to their unique characteristics and value to the community. While it can be an honor to have such a tree on your property and may increase the market value of your home, these trees typically come under government protection. This means you can't do anything to them without permission from the agency who handles this type of foliage.
To have a heritage, historic, or landmark tree removed, you'll typically need to submit a petition that details why you want to take it down. Unfortunately, you'll likely only get approval if the tree presents a hazard of some kind. For instance, if it has become severely diseased or been pushed over into a dangerous leaning position by a severe wind storm, then the agency may approve your request.
These trees are typically managed by the local government, so it's best to contact city hall or similar agency to determine if your tree falls into this category and what you need to do take the tree down.
For more information about tree removal or to schedule an appointment to have a tree uprooted, contact a local arbor company.
