Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Tree Damage to Your Neighbor’s Property?

Homeowners insurance can cover tree damage to a neighbor’s property, but it depends on what caused the tree to fall. If the tree came down due to a natural event like a storm or high winds, your neighbor’s insurance typically handles the damage — even if the tree came from your yard.

However, if the tree was dead, diseased or clearly at risk and you failed to maintain it, you could be held liable. In that case, your homeowners insurance may cover the damage through your liability coverage. Likewise, if a neighbor's tree falls and damages your property, your own insurance would usually pay for repairs to your home, fence or other structures. Coverage decisions depend on the specifics of your policy and the details surrounding the incident.

Homeowners insurance typically applies when a tree damages your neighbor’s property due to a sudden event covered by your policy. In most cases, your neighbor’s insurance handles their own damage, even if the tree came from your yard. Here are the most common covered situations:

• Storms or high winds: A healthy tree falls during severe weather
• Lightning strikes: A tree hit by lightning falls and causes damage
• Heavy snow or ice: Winter conditions cause a tree to collapse unexpectedly

Coverage depends on your policy and the cause of the fall, so it’s important to confirm details with your insurer.

Homeowners insurance won’t cover tree damage in certain situations, especially if the cause isn’t a named peril or if no actual damage occurred. Here are common reasons your claim might be denied:

• Uncovered perils: Tree damage caused by floods, earthquakes or landslides is typically excluded unless you have separate coverage.
• Negligence: If the tree was clearly dead, rotting or leaning and you failed to address it, your insurer may deny liability coverage.
• No structural damage: If a tree falls in your yard but doesn’t hit your home, fence or other covered structure, removal costs usually aren’t covered.

To avoid surprises, check your policy’s exclusions and speak with your insurer about how coverage applies to trees on your property.

You may be held liable if a tree from your property damages your neighbor’s home due to neglect.

For example, if the tree was visibly dead, diseased or at risk and you failed to remove it, your neighbor can file a liability claim through your homeowners insurance or take legal action. If you're found responsible, your liability coverage can help pay for their repairs and any legal costs resulting from a lawsuit.

Homeowners insurance may cover the cost of removing a fallen tree, but only under specific conditions. If the tree damages a covered structure (like your home, garage or fence) or blocks access to your driveway, your policy will typically pay for removal.

However, if the tree falls without causing damage or creating an obstruction, most standard policies won’t cover cleanup costs, regardless of whether the tree came from your property or a neighbor’s. Always check your policy for tree removal conditions and limits.

While homeowners insurance can help after damage occurs, prevention is the smartest way to avoid costly claims and neighbor disputes. Proactive tree care helps reduce the risk of falling limbs, storm damage and liability. Here are practical ways to protect your property (and your neighbor’s) from tree-related damage:

By following these tips, you can help protect your trees and prevent damage to your property and your neighbor's property over time.

In this page, we explained when homeowners insurance covers tree damage to a neighbor's property, what exclusions may apply and how liability is determined. If a healthy tree falls due to a storm or other covered peril, the neighbor's policy usually pays for repairs. However, if the tree was dead, damaged or clearly neglected, your liability coverage may be responsible.

To avoid disputes and denied claims, regularly inspect your trees, address visible hazards and review your policy to understand what's covered and what's not.

Tree damage can create complicated insurance questions, especially when it affects someone else's property. These common questions help clarify how homeowners insurance applies and what actions you should take.

MoneyGeek builds its insurance content using independent research, real-world policy reviews and official rate filings submitted to state Departments of Insurance. For this page, we analyzed how standard homeowners insurance policies address tree-related damage, including coverage for neighbor property damage, exclusions and liability scenarios.

We also reviewed insurer documentation to clarify when tree removal is covered and how claims are handled if negligence is involved. While our insights reflect common industry practices, policy terms vary by provider. Always consult your homeowners insurance policy or speak with your insurer to understand how coverage applies to tree damage in your specific situation.