A fallen tree on your property could cause significant damage if you do not remove it. You’ll most likely need to hire professionals to cut the chunks, haul them away, and pick up the trimmings.
But who is responsible for fallen tree removal? Specific regulations apply depending on where you live, whether you own the land, and how the tree fell, as advised in this post by Destin’s tree removal service.
Who Is Responsible for Removing a Fallen Tree?
In general, it’s the owner of a dead tree is the person who is responsible for fallen tree removal if it falls on their property. A tree care company can help you with your fallen tree removal needs. They will assess the situation, determine how best to remove the tree, and help you contact your insurance company for advice.
Another matter regarding who is responsible for fallen tree removal is if it falls outside your property bounds. If the tree fell on someone else’s property (outside your property lines), the property owner is responsible for hiring a professional service to remove it. If they do not, they can be liable for any damages.
Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal on or Near Shared Property Lines?
If a tree falls on a shared property line, who’s responsible for removing it? The short answer is: It depends. In some situations, the property owner can be liable for injuries or damage caused by a fallen tree. In other cases, they may not be held responsible at all.
To determine who’s responsible for removing the fallen tree on a shared property line, you need to answer these questions:
- Who owns the tree?
- Who owns the land where the tree fell?
- How high is the fence between your properties?
- Is there any written agreement between you and your neighbor that specifies who is responsible for what? If so, does it refer to this specific situation in any way?
When Is a Municipality Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal?
Who is responsible for fallen tree removal on public lands? In most cases, a municipality is responsible for removing a fallen dead or healthy tree when the tree is:
- On a public street or sidewalk.
- On private property that is adjacent to a public street.
- Over 20 inches in diameter at the stump (or if a live tree, it’s more than 6 inches in diameter at the first branch).
- Lying across the public way or sidewalk, blocking traffic or pedestrians.
- Leaning toward or touching a building or other structure.
Call the Tree Removal Experts in Destin, FL, for An Assessment
When you see a fallen tree on your property, it can be a little intimidating. You might be thinking: “Who is responsible for fallen tree removal? What is the cost of removal?”
Don’t worry! At Brothers In Arms Tree Services, we’ll give you an honest assessment and help you with your tree removal and insurance policy options. You can also learn how trees near a house are cut down. Call (850) 461-9500 to speak to one of our qualified arborists for an assessment.