Risks of Trees Hanging Over Your House: What Homeowners Need to Know
Trees are a great asset to your property, but when branches grow too close or hang over your home, they can quickly become a major risk. Overhanging limbs can cause roof damage, gutter clogs, mold growth, pest issues, and even expensive insurance claims. Understanding these risks can help you protect your home and avoid costly surprises.
Common Risks When Trees Touch or Hang Over Your Roof
When trees touch your roof or hang above your home, several problems can develop over time. Branches can scrape shingles and wear down the protective surface, leading to leaks or early roof replacement. Overhanging limbs also drop leaves, seeds, and twigs that clog gutters and trap moisture.
This trapped moisture can create the perfect environment for moss, mold, mildew, and algae. These growths weaken roofing materials and can spread quickly. Overhanging branches also give pests like squirrels, raccoons, and insects an easy path onto your roof and into your attic. And during strong winds or storms, heavy limbs are more likely to snap and fall, causing significant damage.
How Overhanging Branches Damage Roofs, Siding, and Gutters
Over time, branches that hang over a home can cause structural and cosmetic damage. On the roof, they can scrape away shingles, collect moisture, and speed up rot. Leaves and debris block gutters, causing water overflow that can damage fascia boards and pool around your foundation.
Siding can also suffer from constant contact with branches. Repeated rubbing can crack siding, chip paint, or hold in moisture long enough to cause mildew or wood rot. In severe weather, heavy limbs can bend or break gutters entirely, leading to more water-related issues.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Tree Damage?
Many homeowners want to know whether insurance covers damage from fallen trees. In most cases, a standard homeowners insurance policy does cover damage caused by a healthy tree or branch that falls due to storms, high winds, lightning, or the weight of snow or ice. If the tree hits a covered structure, insurance typically helps with repairs and debris removal.
When Tree Damage Is Not Covered by Insurance
Homeowners insurance doesn’t cover every scenario. If a tree is dead, rotting, or clearly hazardous—and the homeowner has ignored the issue—insurers may deny the claim due to lack of maintenance. Insurance also doesn’t pay to remove a healthy tree because it “might” fall someday. If a tree falls in your yard without damaging a covered structure, cleanup is usually not covered. Insurance is designed to cover sudden and unexpected events—not preventable problems.
Warning Signs That a Tree May Be Unsafe
Spotting issues early can help prevent property damage. Homeowners should watch for:
- Dead or brittle branches
- Cracks in the trunk
- A sudden lean or shift in the tree
- Sparse leaves or dead sections at the top
- Fungus or mushrooms growing near the base
- Peeling bark or hollow areas
- Roots lifting out of the ground
These are all signs a tree may be unhealthy or unstable. If you see them, it’s best to call a professional.
DIY Tree Trimming vs. Hiring a Certified Arborist
Small branches that are easy to reach from the ground can often be trimmed by homeowners safely. But large branches, limbs near the roof, or anything close to power lines should be handled by a certified arborist. Professional tree trimming reduces the risk of damage to your home and helps ensure the tree stays healthy.
Who Pays When a Neighbor’s Tree Falls on Your House?
If a healthy tree from your neighbor’s yard falls due to a storm, your homeowners insurance usually covers your damage. This is considered a “no-fault” situation. However, if the tree was dead, rotting, or a known hazard—and your neighbor ignored it—their insurance may be responsible for the damage. Documenting concerns or providing written notice ahead of time can be helpful. If the tree sits directly on the property line, responsibility may be shared.
At Conner Insurance, our goal is to make sure you have the right coverage to protect your home, your roof, and your wallet.
Contact us today to review your homeowners insurance and see if your policy offers the right balance of protection and affordability.
