With storm season underway, insurance companies may take a closer look at the condition of your property before issuing or renewing a homeowners policy. This can include the trees surrounding your home.
Limbs touching or hanging over the roof, dead branches, leaning trees and visible signs of damage or decay may be identified as potential concerns. Depending on the insurance company and policy, homeowners may be asked to have certain limbs pruned or hazardous trees addressed before coverage is issued or renewed.
Start Before a Storm Is in the Gulf
Starting early gives homeowners time to complete necessary tree work before a storm enters the forecast or an insurance deadline approaches.
The International Society of Arboriculture also recommends having a qualified arborist identify branch, trunk and root defects that may weaken a tree during severe weather. Preventive care may include removing dead or defective branches and addressing structural concerns.
Before storm season, look for:
- Dead, broken or hanging branches
- Cracks or splits in the trunk
- Weak branch attachments
- Limbs touching or hanging over the roof
- Leaning trees
- Changes in the soil surrounding the tree
- Visible decay or declining health
No tree can be guaranteed to withstand a hurricane, but identifying concerns early can help reduce avoidable risks to your home and surrounding property.
Document Your Trees Before Damage Occurs
The LSU AgCenter recommends photographing or recording your property before a storm so you have a record of its condition. ISA also recommends taking regular photographs of trees and maintaining accurate landscape and appraisal records.
A professional assessment can provide additional documentation of a tree’s condition, size, species and location. This can create a clearer before and after comparison if a tree is damaged and an insurance claim is filed.
Your Trees May Be Worth More Than You Think
Healthy, mature trees can add significant value to a property. ISA explains that trees and other landscape plants have a measurable dollar value and that professional tree appraisers use recognized methods to evaluate them.
A tree valuation may consider:
- The tree’s health and condition
- Species and size
- Location on the property
- Landscape significance
- Environmental benefits
- Repair, removal or replacement costs
Having a tree professionally assessed before a storm can help document its condition and value before damage occurs.
What Happens After a Storm?
Following a storm, damaged trees should be inspected as soon as it is safe.
A licensed arborist can:
- Inspect and document visible damage
- Identify immediate or potential concerns
- Determine whether the tree may be preserved
- Recommend pruning, repair or removal
- Estimate repair or replacement costs
- Prepare a professional tree valuation or written report
The LSU AgCenter also recommends photographing storm damage and providing written documentation to your insurance company.
Insurance coverage and requirements vary, so always confirm the details of your policy directly with your insurance provider.
Get Ahead of Storm Season
If you have limbs over your roof, visible tree damage, an upcoming insurance renewal or questions about the value of your trees, Bayou Tree Service can help.
Our licensed arborists serve homeowners throughout New Orleans and Baton Rouge.
New Orleans: 504.837.8733
Baton Rouge: 225.372.8585
