Who is Responsible for a Fallen Tree?

PUBLISHED ON

July 26, 2022

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Who is Responsible for a Fallen Tree?

It's hurricane season right now in Florida, and that means a lot of trees are falling down.


But who is responsible when one of these trees falls on your house or car? Is it the city? The county? The state?


Or does it fall on the homeowner's shoulders? It can be confusing trying to figure out who is at fault, so here's a guide to help you out.


If a tree falls in Florida, who is responsible for removing it and cleaning up the mess?

tree fallen over fence into neighbors property in Florida

Depending on the situation, the answer could be your homeowner's insurance policy, your neighbor, or the city.


If the tree falls on your property:


If the tree falls on your house or other structures on your property, your homeowner's insurance will likely cover the costs of removal and repairs. It’s a good idea to check with your insurer to be sure, as coverage can vary from policy to policy.


If the tree falls in your yard but doesn’t damage anything:


If the tree simply falls in your yard and doesn’t damage any property, you're responsible for removing it. However, if the tree is on city property, like a sidewalk or street, the city may remove it for you.


If the tree falls on your neighbor’s property:


If the tree falls on your neighbor’s house or other structures, their homeowners' insurance policy will likely cover the costs of removal and repairs. Again, it’s a good idea to check with their insurer to be sure.


If the tree falls in their yard but doesn’t damage anything:


If the tree simply falls in their yard and doesn’t damage any property, they're responsible for removing it. However, if the tree is on city property, like a sidewalk or street, the city may remove it for them.

uprooted tree pushed over by hurricane in south florida

What are the consequences if the homeowner does not remove the fallen tree themselves or hire someone to do it for them?


If the homeowner does not remove the fallen tree from their property in Florida, they may be subject to a number of consequences. They may be fined by their municipality, their homeowners' insurance may not cover the damage caused by the fallen tree, and they may be sued by any individuals who were injured as a result of the tree falling.

Who is liable if someone is injured or there is damage to property?


Homeowners are usually liable for any injuries or damage caused by trees on their property, regardless of whether the tree was healthy or rotten. In some cases, however, the city or homeowners' association may be responsible. Who pays for a fallen tree?


If a healthy tree falls and causes damage, the homeowner is legally liable. If the tree was sick or rotten, the city or homeowners' association may be held responsible if they knew about the problem and failed to take action. Either way, it's important to document any damage and contact your insurance agent as soon as possible.


Fallen trees can cause severe damage, so it's important to know who is responsible for them. In most cases, the homeowner is liable, but if the tree was sick or rotten, the city or homeowners' association may be at fault. If you're not sure who is responsible, contact your insurance company and they will help you figure it out.

land clearing using a bobcat with a fallen tree

How much will it cost to have a fallen tree removed from your property in Florida?


The cost of removing a fallen tree from your property in Florida will depend on the size and type of tree, as well as the amount of damage it has caused. If the tree has caused major damage to your home or other structures, you may need to hire a professional tree removal company. The average cost of hiring a professional tree removal company in Florida is $500-$1,000.


If the tree has only caused minor damage, you may be able to remove it yourself. But make sure to check with your local municipality or homeowners association before attempting to remove a tree yourself. Some municipalities have specific regulations regarding who's allowed to remove trees.


If you need help removing a fallen tree from your property in Florida, you can contact Real Tree Trimming & Landscaping, Inc. to discuss the removal costs.

arborist removing a broken tree in south florida

What are some tips for preventing trees from falling in the first place?


There are a few things you can do to prevent trees from falling in the first place.


First, make sure that you regularly trim and prune your trees. This will help to keep them healthy and strong.


Second, make sure that you water your trees during dry periods. This will help to keep the roots healthy and strong. Finally, if you live in an area that is prone to storms, make sure to have your trees checked by a professional before a storm hits.


By following these tips, you can help to prevent trees from falling on your property or your neighbors' and causing damage.

What steps should you take next?


So if you live in an area that’s prone to big storms, be sure to get your trees assessed by one of our certified arborists before they fall and do damage.


And if a storm has already passed through and knocked down some branches or trees on your property, don’t hesitate to call our emergency tree service for help cleaning up the mess.


If you're in South Florida, and think your trees might need some attention, give us a call. We can give you free advise, and maybe even come out and take a look.

Get In Touch: (954) 957-9540

Want a free quote or some friendly advice? Call our team today:

(954) 957-9540

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