Insurance Coverage Compliance for Trees & Tree Trimming

In Utah, homeowners are not currently required by insurance companies to trim trees that hang over their residences or neighboring properties. However, they may refuse to pay for damages caused by improperly trimmed trees or continue future insurance coverage.

The "insured's duty to mitigate damages" is a standard provision in insurance contracts issued in Utah. According to this provision, policyholders must exercise ordinary care to prevent or minimize loss or damage to their property. An insurance company may refuse to pay for damages caused by a tree falling on a house if the policyholder knew, or should have known, that the tree posed a risk and did nothing to reduce that risk.

Different insurance providers and policies will have different specifications for tree trimming. However, most insurers demand that trees be cut back so that they don't extend more than 6 feet beyond the building's exterior. The removal of dead or diseased branches is another possible need.

Are you concerned about a tree or trees that are overhanging your property and how it could affect your insurance coverage if an accident were to happen? You should contact your insurance carrier to discuss their precise tree trimming regulations. Hiring a professional tree trimming company to assess the trees and recommend any necessary cutting and trimming according to your insurance provider's policy requirements is a great option. Not only will it provide peace of mind knowing your property is safer, but it will also ensure that your property is in compliance with your insurance carrier’s policy and terms. 

The benefits of having a professional tree trimming and maintenance service are:

• Keep trees trimmed regularly.
• Remove dead or diseased branches.
• Advice on maintaining tree growth away from building structures.
• Be aware of the weather conditions in your area, like wind and snow, and trim trees accordingly.
• Ensure property safety by removing or securing any possible areas of tree damage.

Even if you kept the trees trimmed around the building in the past, that might not be enough. Insurance companies are changing their policies, and they might be different from what they were in the past.

You can help prevent property damage to homes, building structures, and surrounding property from falling trees or branches by contacting our professional team at Timber Ridge Tree Services. We look forward to hearing from you and providing you with a free assessment of your property's trees.