Tree care blog

Can Tree Roots Affect Home Insurance?

Posted on: 4 February 2024

If you’re a homeowner or prospective buyer, you may have asked an oddly specific yet crucial question: can tree roots affect my home insurance? Well, you’re not alone. Home insurance policies, trees, and their sprawling roots are all part of a complex relationship. There’s no denying that trees can bring an array of benefits to our homes – from offering a habitat for wildlife to enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your property. However, on the flip side, they can sometimes cause subsidence and other property damage. What happens if that pretty sycamore tree is too close to your house or stunning laurel tree roots cause damage to your property? How do tree distance from your house, the tree roots under your house and other factors impact your home insurance and trees cover?

In this post, we’ll explore whether homeowners insurance covers tree root damage, how tree roots damaging property can influence your policy, and how to navigate tricky scenarios like neighbours’ tree roots damaging your home or garden. We’ll also discuss if removing a tree can cause foundation problems in the UK, whether subsidence caused by trees is covered by insurance and the importance of specialist garden insurance.

Understanding the Relationship between Trees and Home Insurance

Trees and home insurance might seem completely different, but they are more intertwined than you might initially assume. Trees, especially those in close proximity to your property, can play a substantial role in your house insurance terms and conditions, as well as the premium you pay.

Why do insurance companies pay close attention to the trees near your house? The answer lies in the potential risk trees pose. On the one hand, trees can be fantastic for increasing the visual appeal of your property, enhancing privacy, providing shade, and even adding to your property’s value. But conversely, they can also be a source of concern due to the potential damage they can cause to your home. The risk increases significantly when trees are situated too close to your property, as their roots can interfere with the foundation of your house.

Tree roots under a house can exert pressure on its foundation, potentially leading to cracking, movement, and even subsidence in extreme cases. Also, falling branches or trees (due to disease, adverse weather conditions, or poor maintenance) can cause significant damage to the building structure, nearby vehicles, or even neighbours’ properties. In light of this, insurers consider the type of trees on your property, their health, and their proximity to your house during underwriting, which directly influences your insurance policy.

In other words, the relationship between trees and home insurance is complex and crucial. By understanding how the two interact, you can make informed decisions about the trees on your property to ensure they’re enhancing your home rather than becoming an insurance liability.

Tree Root Damage: Real Threat or Overblown Fear?

When it comes to tree roots damaging property, it’s not so much a matter of fear but more about being informed and prepared. Tree root damage is a real threat and can have serious implications for homeowners, but there’s no need for undue alarm. You can handle the situation efficiently and effectively with the right information, preventative measures, and insurance coverage.

Tree roots grow extensively underground, searching for water and nutrients. In this search, they can come into contact with the foundation of buildings, causing a variety of problems. Tree roots can create pressure on the sides of the foundation, leading to cracks and displacements. They can also absorb large amounts of water from the soil, causing it to shrink, resulting in subsidence. In some extreme cases, tree roots can even infiltrate your property’s drainage system, leading to blockages and potentially costly repairs.

However, while the risks are real, they are not inevitable. Many factors influence whether a tree might cause damage to your property, including the tree species (as different trees have different root growth patterns), the tree’s distance from the house, the age and health of the tree, and the type of soil and its moisture levels.

So, tree root damage is not an overblown fear. It’s a real concern that should be considered seriously by homeowners and potential buyers. However, it’s also a manageable risk when handled correctly, and it doesn’t have to overshadow the many benefits of having trees in your garden.

What Your Home Insurance Might and Might Not Cover

Home insurance policies vary significantly across different providers, and even the individual policies offered by the same provider can differ. But let’s explore some common scenarios where home insurance may not cover tree root damage.

1. Tree falls and causes damage: If a tree on your property falls and damages your home, your outbuildings, or other insured structures, most standard home insurance policies will cover the costs to repair the damage up to your policy’s limit. This applies even if the tree was healthy and fell due to uncontrollable events, like a storm. The same applies to trees falling on and damaging vehicles, which should be covered under comprehensive auto insurance.
2. Tree damages neighbour’s property: If a tree on your property falls and damages your neighbour’s home, your home insurance policy may cover the costs, provided you were not negligent in maintaining the tree.
3. Tree root damage to your property: This is where it gets complicated. Some policies may cover damage caused by tree roots if the damage was sudden and accidental. For example, if a tree root suddenly ruptures your water line, your home insurance may cover the cost of repairs. But if tree roots slowly cause your foundation to crack over time, this is often considered a maintenance issue and not covered by most standard home insurance policies.
4. Removal of fallen trees: Most home insurance policies will cover the cost of removing a fallen tree if it has caused damage to insured structures, but they typically have a limit. If a tree falls in your garden and doesn’t damage anything, the removal cost is usually your responsibility.
5. Preventative tree removal: If a tree poses a clear and immediate threat to your property (for example, it’s diseased or dying), some insurance companies may contribute towards the removal cost as a preventative measure, but this is not standard across all policies.

Remember, these are general rules of thumb; specific coverage can vary depending on your provider and policy details. Always check your home insurance policy or consult your provider for precise information.

Tree Proximity and Your Insurance

The location of a tree in relation to your house – that is, its proximity – can significantly impact your home insurance policy. Here’s how:

Potential risks: Trees located too close to your property pose a higher risk of potential damage. Branches could fall on the building, and the roots could affect your home’s foundations or underground utilities. These risks could, in turn, lead to higher insurance premiums.

Types of trees: The type of tree also matters. Some trees have aggressive root systems that can cause problems even when not near the house. For instance, a willow tree is known for having particularly invasive roots, while oak trees, despite having extensive root systems, are less likely to cause subsidence due to their deeper root structures.

Tree height: The potential for a tree to cause damage isn’t just about its horizontal proximity to your house. It’s also about its height. A taller tree could potentially cause more damage if it were to fall.

Maintenance: If a tree close to your house isn’t adequately maintained and poses a threat due to disease or instability, this could impact your policy. In the worst-case scenario, your insurance company could even invalidate your policy if they believe you’ve been negligent.

There’s no hard and fast rule in terms of how close to the house a tree can be. The ‘safe’ distance depends on the tree’s species, age, and health. However, as a rough guide, many experts suggest trees should be planted at least at their mature height away from the property.

In cases where you’ve inherited problematic trees when purchasing a property or where a tree has grown to a problematic size or proximity, it’s essential to consult with a professional arborist to assess the situation. It’s equally vital to communicate with your insurer to understand how the tree may affect your coverage and whether steps like pruning or removal might be necessary.

Tree Removal and Foundation Problems

While we’ve spoken about how trees near your house can potentially cause foundation issues due to their expansive root systems, it’s equally important to discuss the flip side: can removing a tree cause foundation problems? The answer is yes, it can, especially in the UK, where many homes are built on clay soil, which is highly susceptible to changes in moisture levels.

Trees, particularly larger ones, consume significant water from the ground. When a tree is removed, this uptake of water stops and the moisture content of the soil can increase. This can cause the soil to expand, leading to an upward movement of the ground, known as “heave”. Heave can significantly damage a building’s foundations, particularly if the tree is close to the property.

As well as the potential for heave, removing a tree removes the root system that was helping to bind the soil together. Over time, as these roots decay, they can leave voids in the ground, leading to instability and increasing the risk of subsidence.

So, if you’re considering removing a tree from your property, it’s crucial to seek advice from a professional arborist or a structural engineer. They can guide how to remove the tree safely and minimise the risk of causing foundation problems. Also, inform your insurance provider before any significant changes to the trees on your property. Failure to do so could lead to problems with your coverage should issues arise.

Subsidence: Does Home Insurance cover it?

Subsidence is a term that can strike fear into the heart of any homeowner. It refers to the sinking or downward settling of a property’s foundations, often caused by changes in the soil beneath the building. One common cause of subsidence is tree roots, which can draw moisture from the soil, causing it to shrink and the house to settle.

But does house insurance cover subsidence? The answer is typical yes, but with some caveats. Most standard home insurance policies in the UK include coverage for subsidence. However, each policy may have different conditions, and coverage can depend on the specific circumstances and cause of the subsidence.

For instance, subsidence caused by tree roots could be covered, but the insurer may have requirements about tree management on the property. If they believe that the homeowner has been negligent – for example, not maintaining a tree properly or planting a tree known to cause subsidence too close to the property – then they might not pay out for a claim.

It’s important to note that if your home has a history of subsidence, finding insurance coverage can be more challenging. You may need to look into specialist policies or insurers, such as John Lewis specialist home insurance, which provide coverage for higher-risk homes.

Additionally, any claim related to subsidence typically has a higher excess than standard claims. The excess is the amount you will have to pay towards each claim. So, while subsidence is generally covered by home insurance, it’s important to understand your policy’s specifics, keep your insurer informed about any issues, and ensure you’re taking the necessary precautions with the trees and other plants on your property.

Protecting Your Home and Your Insurance

Having discussed the potential impacts of trees and tree roots on home insurance, let’s conclude by providing actionable steps to protect your home and ensure you’re covered under your insurance policy.

1. Regular tree inspections: Schedule regular check-ups for your trees, especially those near your house. Look for signs of disease or instability. If you notice anything worrying, contact a professional arborist for advice.
2. Tree maintenance: Regular pruning can help manage tree growth and decrease the chances of branches falling. Make sure any pruning is done correctly, as poor pruning can harm the tree and increase the risk of problems down the line.
3. Plant wisely: If planting new trees, research the best species for your area and soil type. Consider their mature size and plant them safely from your house. Avoid species known for aggressive root systems or those prone to disease.
4. Be proactive with problematic trees: If a tree poses a risk due to its size, health, or proximity to your house, don’t wait for it to become a problem. Consult a professional for advice, and if necessary, consider removing it.
5. Inform your insurer: Whenever you make significant changes to the trees on your property, inform your insurer. This includes both removing trees and planting new ones.
6. Understand your insurance policy: It’s essential to understand the specifics of your insurance policy. If you’re unsure whether your policy covers tree-related damage or subsidence, don’t hesitate to contact your provider for clarification.

By following these steps, you can enjoy the benefits of having trees on your property without the stress of potential insurance issues. It’s all about balancing the enjoyment trees bring against the risks they pose and managing those risks effectively.

Dealing with Neighbour’s Tree Roots

Living in close quarters with neighbours can sometimes mean dealing with issues caused by their trees. In such cases, knowing your rights and how to proceed effectively is crucial.

1. Identify the problem: The first step is to be sure that your neighbour’s tree is indeed causing the problem. This might involve hiring a professional to inspect the damage and identify the cause.
2. Communicate: If you find a neighbour’s tree damaging your property, approach them diplomatically about the problem. They might not be aware of the situation and may be willing to rectify it.
3. Document the issue: Keep a record of all communications and actions related to the issue. Take photographs of the damage, and keep copies of any professional reports and estimates for repair work.
4. Insurance involvement: If the damage is significant, contact your insurance provider. They may be able to offer advice, and in some cases, they might take up the issue on your behalf.
5. Legal advice: If your neighbour is unresponsive or disagrees with your assessment, you may need to seek legal advice. In the UK, you have a right to remove any tree roots encroaching on your property, but you must be careful not to harm the tree in the process, or you could be liable for damages.

Maintaining a good relationship with your neighbours is also important, so try to handle the situation with diplomacy and understanding.

The Takeaway on Tree Roots and Home Insurance

In this guide, we’ve explored how trees and their roots can impact your home insurance in the UK, covering topics such as tree-related damages, subsidence, and the implications of tree removal.

It’s evident that while trees can enhance your property’s aesthetic and environmental value, they can also present potential risks. Thus, proper tree management is crucial. This includes regular inspections, wise planting, proactive handling of problematic trees, and maintaining open communication with your insurer.

Remember, insurance policies can vary widely. While some types of tree-related damages are generally covered, conditions and exclusions often exist. It’s always wise to read your policy documents carefully or speak with your insurer to understand exactly what is and isn’t covered.

We also covered the potential for foundation problems when removing a tree, highlighting the importance of professional advice when considering such actions. Additionally, we touched upon issues arising from a neighbour’s trees and the potential need for specialist garden insurance for those with considerable landscaping features.

By staying informed and proactive, homeowners can balance enjoying the benefits of their trees and managing the potential risks they pose to their property and insurance coverage. Ultimately, it’s about living harmoniously with nature while protecting our homes and peace of mind.

If you need help with trees on or around your property, call the team here at Tree Wise Men! We offer tree services in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire & Buckinghamshire and surrounding areas! You can complete the form below or contact us on Facebook! Are you looking for more tree care advice? Then check out some of our other helpful blog posts!