How and Why Ivy Is Damaging to Your Trees (and What to Do About It)

Ivy may be a plant associated with the pinnacle of academia, but an ivy league is certainly not something you’d want to find in your yard. The ornamental climbing plant can wreak havoc on your other plant life, including your trees. Here’s what you should know about the risks of this relentless vine and what you can do about it:

Does Ivy Damage Trees?

Ivy can have certain benefits to wildlife, including shelter for small species. Yet, it also has the potential to overtake an entire mature tree. The vine damages bark as it climbs, using the outer layer as a scaffold for climbing and adding extra weight. It will also siphon resources like nutrients and water from the soil, taking them away from the tree. With a thick enough coating, ivy can also hold damaging agents like fungal spores close to the bark, leading to disease or decay.

Ivy makes its way up the tree in an attempt to get closer to the light. When it reaches the canopy, it can shield the tree’s leaves from sunlight and inhibit photosynthesis. As a result, it may ultimately overtake the foliage and kill the tree off slowly.

How to Remove Ivy from Trees

Clearly, ivy is an issue even for the healthiest of trees, and it’s got to go. But before you start stripping the vines away from your bark, stop and read this first!

Ivy stems become affixed to the bark of your tree so strongly that they can take it with them if you pull it off with too much force. This creates an opening in the protective exterior layer of your tree, leaving the vulnerable interior open to damage from pests, disease, and other forms of destruction.

Instead of removing ivy with a hard pull, you’ll want to sever all of the vines growing up your tree’s trunk. Cutting the band of stems around the trunk’s base will separate the climbing vine from its roots. Over time, this will cause the ivy to wither and die. Simply leave the vine in place after it dies, as it won’t cause any further damage to the tree and the leaves will eventually fall off.

How to Prevent Ivy from Returning

Of course, the best approach to take when it comes to ivy is a preventive one. If you’ve already had it, however, chances are you have an ideal environment for the problem plant to thrive. This means you’ll want to take extra caution to keep it from returning.

After you’ve severed the vines, check back continuously to make sure there are no new ivy sprouts at the base of your tree. One effective way to deter this and other unwanted weeds is to lay mulch. The material will lock in nutrients around your tree’s roots while also preventing any sprouts from getting enough sunlight to thrive. But these are just a few of the benefits of mulching around your trees’ base, as it can also help to prevent fungi and other problems while promoting temperature maintenance.

Whether you’re nurturing a damaged tree back to life or handling decaying branches, Premier Tree Solutions can solve all of your tree woes. Our team specializes in pruning, storm damage response, and tree removal, among other tree care services. Call us at 404.252.6448 to schedule a service or send us a message online.

Tree Artists: Sculpting with Mother Nature

Sometimes, the medium an artist chooses to work with is just as interesting as the art itself. Such is often the case with tree artists. From talented sculptors to topiary masters, the gifted individuals who make artwork out of trees always leave us wowed by their work.

Here’s a spotlight on some of the most in-tree-guing forms of art made with our favorite natural wonders.

Bonsai

The bonsai tree is beloved by many and is often used as a symbol of harmony, patience, or luck. While it’s widely recognized, many people are surprised to discover that cultivating the bonsai tree is actually considered an art form.

Bonsai is an ancient Japanese art in which a small tree is grown in a way that mimics its full-size cousin. These miniature trees are meant to be a representation of nature “planted in a container,” which is the literal translation of bonsai. This meticulous art form requires methodical pruning to give the small plant the appearance of a tree, along with careful use of specific soil. Some perfectionist bonsai enthusiasts even aim to water their creation exclusively with rainwater.

Interested in trying bonsai yourself? Juniper is the most popular variety, but Jade is a particularly low-maintenance strain ideal for beginners.

Topiary

The first historical mention of topiary art extends back to the Roman Empire, with author Pliny the Younger describing cypress animals and figures in his gardens. While the art form went dormant after the fall of Rome, it experienced a resurgence throughout Europe during the Renaissance. Exquisite hedge sculptures were especially popular in France, Italy, and England.

A surge in the popularity of houseplants during the 1950s and 60s prompted Disney to showcase their own take on topiary gardens. The artists behind these impressive works utilize an innovative system in which moss is fastened to steel wires, serving as cutting guides and enabling portability. While topiary gardens can also be seen across the U.S., homeowners can clip their own hedges into shapes as complex or simple as they see fit with small-leaved shrubs. Delavay privet, pittosporum, and English holly are a few worthy contenders.

Stump Sculptors

Replacing a chisel with a chainsaw is certainly a bold move, and it’s precisely what has allowed stump sculptors to achieve their iconic woodsy masterpieces. There are lots of places to find chainsaw carvings, from Etsy to your local farmer’s market.

Finished works often feature symbols of nature, from land mammals like wolves and bears to soaring eagles and hawks. These pieces look lovely against a rustic backdrop and make for the perfect conversation starter for your property.

Tree Shaping

Also known as arborsculpture, tree shaping is a unique practice in which artists use living trees to create sculptures. Techniques include braiding, twisting, framing, pruning, grafting, and bending to form unnatural shapes with the natural medium. Contemporary artists like Peter Cook and Becky Northey have designed tree chairs and other exquisite shapes through their Pooktre process, a gradual shaping method.

Your trees don’t have to be pruned artistically to be beautiful, but they do require basic maintenance for optimal growth and safety. Entrust our trained arborists to shape your trees to encourage full growth and keep your property pristine. Schedule a service by calling 404-252-6448 or reach out to our team online.

What To Do if Your Tree Is Dying

A dying tree is a disheartening sight. But it’s more than just an eyesore: left unaddressed, a damaged tree becomes a risk to life and property. With quick intervention, however, you may be able to salvage it — here’s how.

What to Look for in a Dying Tree

Many signs of a dying tree are obvious, like a significant lean, advanced rot, little to no leaf growth, and large cracks. Yet, some can go overlooked. For one, a collection of mushrooms on or around your tree could indicate rot, as the fungi thrive on decaying bark and roots. Damage to the bottom of the trunk (from lawnmowers, for instance) can also lead to structural damage and instability.

Other, more subtle indicators of a dying tree can be found by looking up. A thinning canopy usually means at least some branches are decayed. Premature leaf shedding, yellow or browning foliage, and undersized leaves are also concerning. Or, you might notice some branches with no leaves at all. Known as dieback, this can indicate internal decay, which stops nutrients from reaching the furthest branches.

Sometimes, tree damage results from a temporary problem, such as drought, disease, or pests. By acting quickly, you may be able to stop the tree from dying off entirely.

How to Stop a Tree from Dying Completely

Remove Dead Limbs

First and foremost, have any dead limbs removed. Not only are they at risk of falling, but they’re taking away resources like sunlight and moisture from surviving branches. Our arborists can remove dead branches in a snap to keep the rest of your tree growing healthily.

Prune

Issues like a thinning canopy and premature leaf loss could be a symptom of something as simple as having a poorly shaped tree. Pruning is a precise science that controls growth, can stop the spread of diseases, and builds a strong foundation for your tree’s structure. In some situations, tree preservation is possible through plant healthcare injections as well. Our trained crew provides plant healthcare services and takes the guesswork out of pruning by handling the process according to industry-leading standards.

How to Keep Your Trees Healthy

The best approach to take when it comes to tree health is a preventive one. Here’s how to stop trees from dying in the first place.

Keep Them Cool

Leaf discoloration and wilting are signs of heat stress, which occurs when trees can’t replenish water as fast as they lose it. Most mature trees can survive periods of drought and high temperatures, but you’ll want to keep vulnerable new trees cool by planting them in shady spots and watering them more when it’s 90 degrees or hotter.

Give Them the Space to Thrive

Trees planted near obstructions can’t reach their fullest potential. Ideally, you’ll give each tree a wide enough radius so its roots and canopy can spread out. Plan your tree placement strategically when selecting new species.

Mulch

A freshly mulched yard looks sharp and benefits your trees. When placed atop the roots, mulch can lock in moisture, regulate temperature, and deter weeds. Aim for a 3- to 10-foot radius around the trunk (depending on the tree’s size), and a depth of 2 to 4 inches.

Select Native Species

While it’s certainly possible for other species to survive the climate of your community, native trees have the best odds of flourishing. These varieties are used to local conditions, including soil composition and weather patterns. We’re fortunate to have a huge variety of tree species native to Georgia!

Call in Professional Help

To the untrained eye, it’s not always easy to tell what a tree needs to survive. Luckily, our tree experts can pinpoint the best tree-atment to stop disease or decay. For prompt assistance, call us at 404-252-6448 or book an appointment online.

What to Do with Leftover Wood from a Tree Removal

Having a problem tree removed from your property can be a big relief. But it can also create its own challenge. Rather than having an at-risk tree looming over your yard, you might find yourself with a large pile of logs heaped in it instead. Although it is customary for Premier Tree Solutions to dispose of logs from a property after a tree removal, some homeowners request to keep them. Handling the aftermath of a tree removal can feel daunting, but we have some clever ideas for what you can do with leftover wood.

7 Creative Ways to Use Leftover Wood

1. Fuel Your Fire

Whether it’s for an outdoor pit or an indoor fireplace, leftover logs make the perfect fuel for burning a fire. You’ll need to season the wood before burning, which takes six to twelve months, but you’ll be grateful you saved the wood when chilly nights roll around!

2. Create a Bee Haven

There are few things bees love more than an undisturbed pile of wood. If you have a remote spot on your property, consider stacking some logs to invite these beloved black and yellow friends to create a home. Doing so will benefit our environment, as bee populations are declining worldwide.

3. Design New Décor

If you’ve ever read The Giving Tree, you know that a sturdy stump can double as a soothing seat. Apply this concept to your logs by creating chairs, benches, or other furniture out of them. Even if you’re not handy with woodworking, you might be able to bring the wood to a local artisan who can design a piece for you. Having furniture made from your very own tree is a move that’s both sentimental and sustainable.

4. Make the “Mulch” of It

Mulch has countless benefits. It’s a superb insulator, can inhibit weed growth, and makes a great visual impact. When you have a lot of flower beds or spaces, purchasing mulch material can get expensive. Even when you enlist a professional to shred your logs, you’ll still be saving on next season’s supply.

5. Separate Spaces

Cleanly outline your sidewalks, driveway, and other spaces with logs. These natural path markers will blend in with your landscape, while still creating distinct separate areas. Leftover logs and branches can even be used as makeshift retaining walls to support small terrace slopes.

6. Reach Out to Neighbors

When you’ve used up all the wood that you can, contact neighbors and friends located nearby to see if they’re interested in taking any. Many people with wood burning stoves or fireplaces will be happy to accept the tree-at.

7. Contact Your Town

When all else fails, contact your town’s municipal services to find out about the process for getting rid of leftover logs. Some cities and counties will take tree trunks with other landscape waste and brush on designated days. In other areas, you may have to schedule a pickup or drop the wood off yourself at a predetermined location. Before you do so, however, make sure you’ve looked into resources for recycling, such as reclaimed wood donations. Some organizations even offer pickup services for landscape materials and will gladly take the extra logs off your hands.

If you have a problem tree that needs removal, contact Premier Tree Solutions for prompt and efficient service. Our experts specialize in safe tree removal that preserves the rest of your property. Call 404-252-6448 to schedule a free assessment or send us a project proposal online.

Keep Your Trees Safe from Summer Storms!

Summer storms can wreak havoc on your landscape. As the tallest and most prominent features in your yard, trees often get the brunt of the damage. The good news is there are steps you can take now to protect your trees against severe weather through the summer season and beyond.

Keep Your Trees Healthy

Sturdy, well-maintained trees will fare best through high winds and other stormy conditions. This is why you’ll want to make sure you’re caring for your trees year-round, as a little frequent TLC can go a long way in keeping your trees healthy.

Most mature trees get adequate water through rainfall, but extended droughts can compromise even the healthiest root systems. If your area is experiencing a heat wave, be sure to provide water for both new and established trees.

Mulching is another tactic that can keep your trees in great shape. It’s a simple yet effective way to lock moisture in around the root system, but it also keeps other issues at bay. From pests to invasive weeds, many issues can be avoided by mulching around the base of your tree every spring and fall. Aim for three to four inches of depth.

Remove Problem Branches

Of course, one of the biggest threats on your property during storm season is a dead or damaged branch that could come down with heavy gusts. The importance of routine trimming and pruning cannot be overstated when it comes to keeping your home safe. While you may be able to remove small, low-lying branches on your own, any larger branches warrant professional help.

Although winter is the ideal time for pruning – when new growth is halted and you’re less likely to injure the tree – problem branches shouldn’t wait. Pruning removes at-risk limbs, including those that are damaged by disease. Since these branches have little to no healthy bark, they’re more vulnerable and thus more likely to come down during a storm.

To an untrained eye, it’s not always possible to tell which branches pose a threat. If you’re unsure whether you might need professional pruning, we’ll be happy to perform an inspection. We’ll make sure your trees are stormproof so your property stays safe through severe summer storms.

In the Event of Storm Damage

Sometimes, all the safeguards in the world are still no match for Mother Nature. Living in an area prone to tropical storms and hurricanes, we’re all unfortunately likely to experience weather-related damage at one point or another. If your property has been hit hard by a summer storm, we’re here to help.

Hurricane-force winds can uproot trees that have stood healthy for years. They can also bend and twist trunks, causing internal damage to the tree’s structure. Whether you have a single tree that needs to be removed or you have a yard full of heavy branches, trust our team to get the job done. We offer prompt and thorough storm recovery services to get your lawn looking its best again. We can also assess your property for hidden damage to trees and their root systems that may need to be addressed.

No matter what your tree care needs entail this summer, turn to Premier Tree Solutions for expert services delivered by certified arborists. Our detail-oriented team will treat your property as if it’s our own, providing the best level of care for your trees and surrounding grounds. To schedule a tree consultation, call 404-252-6448 or reach out to us online.

How to Keep Your Trees Cool

Scorching summer days are right around the corner. While many of us retreat beneath a shady canopy for a break from the heat, we often overlook the toll hot weather can take on our favorite shade-giving trees. Long periods of heat and direct sunlight can have a serious impact on your trees, so here’s what you should know about keeping them cool through the coming season.

Know the Signs of Heat Stress

Heat stress occurs when trees lose water faster than it can be replaced. Under normal circumstances, trees absorb water from the atmosphere through their leaves and branches, as well as from the soil via their root system. During extreme heat, however, the transpiration process accelerates, and trees lose water at a faster pace. Periods of drought can make the issue even worse.

Signs of heat stress include wilting leaves, internal leaves becoming yellowed, an inability to produce new growth, scorching, dropping leaves, and brown or red spots on leaves. The best way to prevent any of these heat stress symptoms is to keep that damaging heat stress from happening in the first place.

How to Keep Your Trees Cool in Hot Weather

Provide Adequate Water

Most established trees can weather droughts, but you can minimize the risk of heat stress by giving them a soak at least once a month. Be sure to water at the drip line, or the edge of the canopy, which is where most of the trees’ roots will be concentrated. If you don’t have a drip irrigation system set up, direct a garden hose to the area at a low flow.

For young trees (those that have been in the ground for three years or fewer), double up on your normal watering routine during periods of intense heat. Many new trees need 15 gallons of water at least twice a week if the temperature is 90 degrees or higher for an extended time. Water either in the early morning or after sunset to reduce evaporation. Provide water slowly using a slow-release watering bag, drip system, or trickling hose directed at the roots for up to 20 minutes.

Remove Dead Branches

Summertime isn’t the ideal season for pruning, as it’s best to do this when trees are dormant. But if they have seriously compromised branches, address them promptly. Doing so will keep your property safe through summer storms, while also ensuring all the water and nutrients are reserved for healthy growth.

Mulch Around Your Trees

We often think of mulching as a method for retaining heat to protect roots in cold weather — but it can have a similarly beneficial effect in summer, too. Mulch can help your trees’ roots retain moisture during droughts, and provide a buffer against extreme heat. If you haven’t already done so this year, be sure to apply fresh mulch around your trees before the hottest days arrive.

Incorporate Shade

While it’s true that trees provide shade for people, some smaller varieties could benefit from shade themselves. Air beneath trees can be as much as six degrees cooler than air in the direct sun, or even 25 degrees cooler than the air directly above asphalt. Plant deciduous trees with sprawling canopies to the south of any smaller trees or shrubs you’d like to protect from the sun. Maples and oaks are a few of our favorite species to consider.

For healthy trees year-round, turn to Premier Tree Solutions for top-notch care from certified arborists. Our team can help maintain your landscape through trimming and pruning, storm damage cleanup, and care for diseased or damaged trees. Call us at 404-252-6448 for an expert tree consultation or by sending us a message online.

How Your Yard Can Support Bees

The plant life on your property plays an important role in supporting local ecosystems, and bees are no exception. These and other pollinators help to maintain more than 90% of the world’s flowering plant species, but like most creatures, they’ve become threatened by human activities. In honor of World Bee Day on May 20th, here’s how you can use your yard to support bee populations.

Plant Bee-Friendly Flowers & Shrubs

Bees use nectar and pollen in flowering plants as sustenance and for honey production. While there are plenty of bee-friendly trees to consider, you could also attract these special insects to certain spots of your landscape with specific flowers and shrubs. Blue wild indigo, wild bergamot, aromatic aster, and coastal plain Joe Pye weed are some of the best options for native bees. As an added bonus, each of these flowers will bloom in a different season, so you can support pollinators year-round with all four. If you’re interested in shrubs, try the buttonbush or sweet pepperbush.

Bee Mindful of Nests

When we think of homes for bees, a Winnie-the-Pooh hive may be the first image that comes to mind. While honey bees do indeed live in hives, 70% of the world’s bee species actually nest underground. If you’re concerned about yard damage or getting stung, fear not: their small mounds will only be in place briefly during spring nesting season, and will then wash away with seasonal rain. So to support bee culture, try to avoid any heaps of soil you spot on your lawn while mowing during the spring, as these are possibly entrances to their nests. You’ll also want to forego any pesticides, which could harm not only bees but other wildlife.

To make your lawn even more hospitable, leave your autumn leaves in place until spring, as this can help to provide coverage for better nesting. As an added bonus, the ground-burrowing insects will help to aerate your soil, which can facilitate healthier grass growth for the coming season.

Create a Place for Burrowing

While many bee species nest in the soil, honey bees prefer to dwell above ground. One of their favorite places for building honeycombs is a wood pile. Use scrap wood or dead logs to create a comfortable space for them to thrive. Just be sure to leave spaces between the logs so your bee neighbors can build their nest and come and go with ease. And of course, stay away from the pile to avoid the risk of getting stung — or bitten by other creatures that may have set up a home there.

Set Up a Water Source

Like all insects, bees need water. A stagnant water source like a bird bath could invite mosquitoes and bacteria. Instead, create an insect “puddling station” by filling a shallow dish with soil and small stones. Leave it near your bee-friendly plants and fill it with water as needed. If you’re really looking to upgrade your landscape and support an even broader ecosystem, you could also build a small pond with a water pump for circulation.

Keeping your trees healthy is an important aspect of supporting local wildlife. For top-notch tree maintenance including pruning and removal, turn to our team. Call (404) 252-6448 or send us a message online to get in touch.

When Should You Call in a Tree Expert?

For many homeowners, the DIY route is an economical and sometimes even enjoyable way to tackle yard maintenance. But there are certain tasks that always warrant professional help. Whether it’s to utilize special machinery and equipment, or the expertise only an arborist can provide, here are a few instances when you should call in a professional tree team.

Stump Grinding

Sometimes, homeowners attempt to grind a stump down on their own and quickly realize they won’t get very far. Even the best chainsaws are no match for Mother Nature; a tough trunk is sure to dull your blade at best. At worst, you could sustain serious injuries from flying bark.

Instead of attempting to take this task on yourself, turn to Premier Tree Solutions. We have special equipment built with this very purpose in mind, including a stump grinder that uses high-speed cutting disks to chip away at wood quickly and efficiently.

Pruning

When to prune, how much to take off, and how to do it safely — these are all questions that homeowners ask themselves when caring for their large trees. Fortunately, our experts not only know the answers, but can perform the task with precision. We have the right skills and equipment for trimming and pruning, including machines like specialized lifts on tracks to access hard-to-reach areas.

Fallen Trees

Removing a fallen tree promptly is important from a safety standpoint, but a downed tree is also a tremendous eyesore. If a tree falls on your property, you may already have other details to worry about, like contacting your homeowner’s insurance and pursuing storm damage repairs. Allow us to handle the task of removing the tree safely and efficiently. Our expert storm cleanup crew can remove uprooted trees and their debris without causing any further damage to your property.

At-Risk Tree or Limb

There are several signs that a tree is at risk of falling. Deep cracks, rot, leaning, pests, and limbs that have dropped or appear to be at risk of dropping are just a few. Don’t leave it to chance by waiting any longer. Not only does an at-risk tree create safety hazards for property and people, but many insurance companies won’t cover damage caused by a tree that was a known danger.

Pest & Disease Control

Trees are subject to pests and diseases that require the right interventions to stop them. Many issues require specialty response measures. While not every tree affected by pests or disease can be saved, professional intervention will stop the problem to prevent further damage to your landscape.

Planting Consultation

Planting new trees can be a financial investment — not to mention the time and effort you’ll put in while doing so. There’s nothing worse than dedicating these resources to your landscape only to have your new saplings die off in a matter of weeks. From the proper soil, to location and care, our experts can guide you through the planning process to give your trees the best chances at successful growth.

No matter your tree care needs, Premier Tree Solutions is the best team for the job. Our professional crew is trusted by homeowners in the Atlanta area for both routine and emergency services. Request your quote today by calling 404-252-6448 or by sending us a message online

Famous Trees in Popular Media

Trees have a longstanding history of playing symbolic roles in pop culture. From appearing in song lyrics and memorable movie scenes, to acting as central characters in novels, the presence of trees in entertainment is nearly as old as media itself. Brush up on your tree-via with a few of the most iconic trees found in popular media.

Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy

Marvel fans will recognize the lovable tree played by Vin Diesel in the Guardians of the Galaxy films. After sacrificing himself for others and being reduced to a sapling, Groot shows us that he’s a true friend, all the way down to his roots.

The Whomping Willow from Harry Potter

A landmark on the grounds of Hogwarts, the wizarding school Harry and his friends attend, the Whomping Willow is an enchanted tree that protects the property by violently thrashing its large branches. The wrath of the willow doesn’t discriminate, however, and even innocent parties have run-ins with the wooden beast throughout the series.

The Weirwood from Game of Thrones

Known for their blood-red leaves, weirwoods are a deciduous variety found within Westeros, one of the four known continents in George R. R. Martin’s fantasy series, A Song of Ice and Fire. Fans of the TV adaptation, Game of Thrones, will recognize the weirwood in King’s Landing as a site where several pivotal scenes take place.

Grandmother Willow from Pocahontas

A traditional guardian figure, Grandmother Willow is a sentient willow tree who delivers wisdom to Pocahontas in the 1995 Disney film. Wise and at times witty, she serves as an adviser to the Powhatan woman as she navigates the arrival of English colonial settlers.

Tree of Life from The Lion King

Hailing from another Disney classic, the Tree of Life plays a central role in The Lion King. It’s the home of Rafiki, the film’s baboon shaman, and is the site of his central discovery that the hero Simba is still alive after leaving the Pridelands. Today, the Disney theme park Animal Kingdom is home to its own Tree of Life, a 145-foot sculpture of a baobab tree which was constructed with more than 8,000 different branches and 102,000 artificial leaves.

The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein

Good luck getting through this children’s classic dry-eyed. The Giving Tree represents the sacrifices parents make for their children. As a young child grows into a man, he uses the tree’s resources until the charitable apple tree is reduced to a stump, perfect for the elderly man to sit upon in peace.

Sycamore Trees in “Dream a Little Dream of Me”

First recorded in 1931 by Ozzie Nelson, “Dream a Little Dream of Me” has been performed by at least 40 other artists, including Eddie Vedder, The Mamas & The Papas, Doris Day, Louis Armstrong, and Ella Fitzgerald. The lyrics are dreamy indeed, encouraging a lover to think fondly of tender moments shared, with “birds singin’ in the sycamore trees,” while they’re apart.

The Old Oak Tree in “Tie a Yellow Ribbon”

“Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree” was first recorded by Tony Orlando and Dawn. It’s told through the perspective of a soldier returning home from the military, and is based on the idea of a yellow ribbon being used as a symbol of devotion worn by women whose partners were serving in the war.

The trees in your own yard may not be famous, but they can provide years of enjoyment when properly maintained. Allow Premier Tree Solutions to help care for your trees with services like trimming and pruning. Contact us online or call 404-252-6448 to get in touch.

Homeowners Insurance & Your Trees: What to Know

Your trees add aesthetic value to your property and provide a number of other compelling benefits to our lives. But in certain conditions, trees could actually be a liability.

Because of this, homeowners insurance companies have strict requirements in place for policyholders, and failure to comply could result in a loss of coverage or denial of claims. Here’s what we want you to know about how your trees can affect your homeowners insurance coverage.

​​Please note: The following includes generalities of property-insurance policies and is not to be taken as legal advice or definitive information about specific coverages or specific loss. Every policy is different, and we recommend you consult a licensed insurance adjuster or an attorney in your state to interpret each policy.

Which Tree-Related Incidents Will Insurance Cover?

In many cases, homeowners insurance plans cover damage to your property caused by fallen trees or limbs — whether yours or your neighbor’s. This includes damage to your home’s structure and its contents, as well as sheds, fences, and other features on your property. Should a tree on your property fall and damage neighboring homes or structures, your neighbors’ homeowners policy should also cover those damages.

With that in mind, homeowners insurance companies hold their members responsible for maintaining the trees on their properties. For instance, trees that are dead or decaying should be removed promptly, as they pose known risks to surrounding structures and life. If a tree is poorly maintained, dead, or diseased and then damages your home, your insurance company may deny your claim.

If a tree you haven’t maintained properly causes damage to your neighbor’s property, your insurance might pay for those damages through subrogation, a reimbursement process during which they pay back a claim from your neighbor’s insurance company. But if the insurance adjuster believes you were negligent in the matter, your own homeowner’s insurance premium may increase. It’s even possible for your insurance company to deny coverage or refuse to renew an existing policy if they find the trees on your property are overgrown, dead, or otherwise risky.

How to Keep Your Property Protected

Fortunately, the issues of denied coverage and claims are almost always avoidable with proper tree maintenance. In general, most homeowners’ insurance companies prefer that their policyholders keep trees at least several feet away from the house and above the roof. (Be sure to check your policy for specific requirements, however.) In some cases, trees may need professional tree pruning or even tree removal to satisfy these requirements. Taking the time to address these problem trees now could wind up saving you thousands of dollars in the future.

Trees that are dead or diseased should absolutely be remedied, or if possible removed. Signs of an at-risk tree include:

  • Visible cracks and other noticeable trunk damage
  • Hollow trunk
  • Large, dead branches
  • A lean of more than 15% from vertical
  • Damage to more than half of a tree’s root system, such as from nearby excavating
  • Noticeable rot
  • Development of shoots or fungus on or around the tree

In some cases, it may be possible to remove only the affected limbs, including those that are at risk of falling due to a split or break.

While trees can be a valuable asset, you need a professional’s help to keep them so. Our certified arborists can help you determine whether a tree or its limbs can be saved, or whether removal is the safest solution for your property and your wallet. Request an assessment from one of our team members online or by calling 404-252-6448.