Many homeowners often overlook the impact trees surrounding their property can have on their home insurance, with tree root damage being particularly problematic. Whether you are searching for new home insurance cover or have been left wondering whether your tree roots affect your existing policy, this article outlines the main things to consider.

Can Tree Roots Affect My Home Insurance?

Typically, any damage to houses which has been caused by falling branches or trees is covered by home insurance policies – it’s worth reviewing the wording of your existing or potentially new cover for any exclusions to this.

However, the tree roots growing underground can cause issues to crop up as they can lead to more serious structural problems, such as subsidence.

When comparing home insurance, you will most likely be asked whether your property has ever suffered from subsidence or tree root damage. Failure to answer this question honestly can invalidate the insurance. Some insurers will also ask the distance at which the trees are located from your home – an insurer’s stance on this can vary from one company to another, so make sure you check the Ts & Cs of their policy.

What Is Tree Root Damage?

As the name suggests, this is damage inflicted on the foundations or external walls of a property by the roots of a tree or shrub pushing through or against it. In turn, this means that tree roots planted in close proximity to a property can increase the chances of subsidence occurring.

What Is Subsidence?

By definition, this is the ‘gradual caving in or sinking of an area of land’. Tree roots can be a contributing factor to this problem, as they can cause a property’s foundations to become unstable.

In particular, tree roots tend to thrive in areas where water is available, making drains a hotspot for the roots to grow. This can create blockages inside the pipes causing them to leak and redirecting water into unwanted areas, such as under your house.

What Insurance Cover Options Are Available for Tree Root Damage?

If your property is damaged by tree roots, your home insurance policy should provide you with the necessary cover in the event that you need to make a claim. It’s also worth noting that:

• most home insurance policies offer subsidence cover as standard
• an insurer shouldn’t ask you to remove a tree unless they believe it will cause damage
• if they advise you to remove a tree as a precaution and you refuse to do so, you may be held accountable for the cost of any future damage

Generally speaking, tree roots and shrubs shouldn’t be planted too close to a property – it’s advised that they are planted at a distance which equates to their expected full height away from the house.

If you find yourself in need of root or tree removal, you must enlist the help of a professional arborist – such as Artemis Tree Services – to ensure the work is carried out safely and efficiently. Simply contact our expert team today to find out how your property can benefit from our services.