Falling trees can inflict damage to your home, pose a danger to passing humans and other traffic, and leave you vulnerable to legal claims that could put you out of pocket.

It is, therefore, important to ensure safe tree removal when the circumstances call for it.

However, it is difficult for you as a layperson to know whether your trees are holding up well or need removal. If they do, however, who is responsible for fallen tree removal?

Keep reading to learn more and schedule timely tree removal by SoutheastTree that keeps you clear of the law and unnecessary insurance claims.

Who Is Responsible for Tree Removal?

The law states that property owners are only responsible for tree damage—for example, if a tree falls on your neighbor’s property and you, the owner, knew that the tree was dead or diseased and did nothing about it.

But, how can you tell that a tree is unsafe and needs removal? Here are some tangible signs of tree decay:

• Brown, yellow, or brittle leaves
• Excessive misshapen, broken, or falling branches
• Fungal growth
• Missing bark
• Noticeable lean
• Wood-boring insect holes

Call in a professional arborist like SoutheastTree to confirm or negate your suspicions. They are best placed to tell you whether a tree is diseased or damaged enough to qualify for removal and carry out the necessary safe procedures.

How Arborists Safely Remove a Fallen Tree

Removing a fallen tree is not a job you can do on your own or leave to the amateurs. You must consult a professional arborist when considering who is responsible for fallen tree removal.

Professional arborists use dangerous tools such as chainsaws to bring down any remaining stumps and branches safely, sometimes working in unsafe conditions due to storm damage.

In addition, they may need to detangle tree limbs from a live power line, risking electrocution or climbing branches that could fall if disturbed.

Always choose a tree removal service with the appropriate insurance arrangements (including workers’ compensation) and recognized certifications and memberships from bodies like the Tree Care Industry Association and the International Society of Arboriculture to limit your risk.

Who Is Ultimately Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal?

The answer is not that simple; several scenarios determine who is responsible for fallen tree removal.

All property owners will grapple with this question at some point and, with the following guidelines, should be in a position to make the right decisions.

Briefly:

• If the tree is on your property, you can call in a professional arborist to take charge of its removal and make a home insurance claim.
• If the tree fell on your neighbor’s property, and worse, damaged their property, your neighbor can make a home insurance claim to handle the repairs.
• If the tree on your property was damaged or diseased and fell on your neighbor’s property, causing damage, your neighbor could begin legal proceedings against you. The reverse is also true, and you could take legal action against your neighbor for any negligence that causes a tree to fall on your property.

Consult the Professional Arborists at SoutheastTree for Safe Tree Removal Services

Ultimately, the answer to who is responsible for fallen tree removal is you, the property owner. You should inspect your trees for visible disease or damage and call in a professional arborist for a detailed assessment.

If you are concerned about the health of a tree on your or a neighbor’s property, you can rely on SoutheastTree’s professional Marietta tree ordinance services. If the tree is on your property, this action will indemnify you against any legal action.

Contact us online or call (770) 977-8733 (TREE) to schedule a free assessment from qualified and licensed Marietta arborists.