Trees Near Your Home: What Does This Mean?

Brooke Williams -

How They Can Affect Your Insurance

Do you have trees near your home? While they add beauty and shade, they can sometimes increase your home insurance costs - especially if they’re growing too close to the building or causing damage.

This guide explains what’s usually covered by your home insurance, how trees can potentially impact your premiums and what you can do to reduce the risks.

Does Home Insurance Cover Tree Damage?

In most cases, yes. Standard home insurance policies usually include accidental damage caused by trees, such as if one falls during a storm and damages your roof, fence or outbuilding.

Some insurers may also cover tree root damage, particularly if it leads to subsidence (when the ground beneath your home shifts or sinks). However, not all policies include this automatically, so it’s always worth reading the policy details carefully before you buy.

You typically don’t need specialist tree damage insurance - your regular buildings insurance should cover it. Just note that cover can vary between providers, so it’s smart to compare policies before you commit.

How Trees Can Affect Home Insurance

Trees look great on your property, but insurers can see them as a potential risk.

If a tree is large, old, or close to your house, it could increase the likelihood of:

  • Storm damage
  • Root intrusion
  • Subsidence, especially on clay soil

These risks can make your buildings insurance premium higher or, in some cases, limit the number of insurers willing to offer you a quote.

What If There Are Trees Within 10 Metres of My Home?

That’s usually when insurers start paying closer attention.

Trees within 10 metres can impact your home’s foundations, particularly on clay-rich soil, where roots can absorb moisture and cause the ground to shrink or shift.

It doesn’t mean you’ll be refused cover - but your insurer might ask for extra details about the tree type, size, and distance from your home. You might also pay a little more for the added risk.

What Information Insurers Might Ask For

When you apply for home insurance, you might be asked:

  • How close the trees are to your property
  • What type of trees they are (some have faster-growing or more aggressive roots)
  • Whether there are visible issues, such as cracked paving, leaning fences, or early signs of subsidence

Being honest and upfront helps ensure your policy is valid and prevents problems if you ever need to make a claim.

Tips for Managing Tree Risks at Home

You don’t have to remove your trees - just maintain them well. Here are some easy ways to reduce the risk:

  • Get trees inspected regularly - especially older or larger ones near your home. Find a qualified Tree Surgeon.
  • Trim overhanging branches to prevent storm damage or broken fences.
  • Install root barriers if needed, to protect your foundations.
  • Watch for ground changes, such as cracking, lifting, or sinking.
  • Keep photo records if you spot anything unusual - useful for insurance claims.
  • Ask for expert advice - your local council’s tree officer or a professional arborist can help.

When to Contact Your Insurer About Tree Damage

Get in touch with your insurer as soon as possible if a tree has caused damage to your property, fence, or even your neighbor’s home.

It’s especially important to report it if:

  • The tree came down during a storm
  • You notice signs of subsidence
  • Someone else’s property has been damaged

Every policy is different, so it’s best to flag the issue early. Your insurer will explain what’s covered and guide you through the next steps.

Final Thoughts

Trees can boost your property’s appeal - but they also come with responsibilities.
By keeping them healthy and well-managed, you’ll reduce your risk of damage, avoid unnecessary insurance costs, and keep your home safe and sound.