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Home insurance in the UK does not typically cover the cost of removing a tree unless your insurer has specifically requested its removal as part of an active claim. What your policy does usually cover is the damage a fallen tree causes to your home, not the removal of the tree itself.
Are Trees Covered on House Insurance?
Most standard UK home insurance policies do provide cover for damage caused by trees, but it is important to understand exactly what that means in practice. Cover generally applies to the damage the tree or its branches cause, such as a fallen tree taking out a section of your roof during a storm, or branches destroying a fence or garden shed. The tree itself, and the cost of clearing it away, is a separate matter entirely.
When insurers talk about tree cover, they are typically referring to buildings insurance, which protects the physical structure of your home. Contents insurance may come into play if a tree damages items inside your home as a result of structural damage. Some policies also extend to cover tree root damage leading to subsidence, though this is not guaranteed and you should always read the small print carefully.
There are situations where a claim will not be accepted. If you have visibly neglected a tree and it could reasonably have been predicted that it would fall, your insurer may refuse the claim on the grounds of inadequate maintenance. Similarly, if a tree was planted unreasonably close to your home and the insurer was not informed, this could affect your ability to claim.
| Scenario | Typically Covered? |
|---|---|
| Storm causes tree to fall on roof | Yes |
| Fallen branch damages fence or shed | Yes |
| Tree root leads to subsidence | Sometimes |
| Cosmetic tree trimming or pruning | No |
| Preventative tree removal | No |
| Insurer-requested removal after claim | Yes |
| Damage caused by a neglected tree | No |
It is also worth noting that tree cover can vary considerably between insurers. Some will include it as standard, while others may apply exclusions, particularly if you have trees within a certain distance of the property or on clay soil. Comparing policies before you buy is always worthwhile, rather than assuming your existing cover is sufficient.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Tree Removed in the UK?
Because home insurance rarely covers preventative tree removal, most homeowners end up paying for this themselves. Understanding the costs involved is therefore useful, particularly if you have a large or aging tree on your property that poses a potential risk.
Tree removal costs in the UK vary depending on several factors including the size and species of the tree, how accessible it is, whether the roots need to be ground out, and whether a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is in place. A small tree under five metres might cost as little as £150 to £300 to remove, while a large mature oak or willow could run into several thousand pounds once labour, equipment, and stump removal are factored in.
| Tree Size | Approximate Removal Cost (UK) |
|---|---|
| Small (under 5m) | £150 to £300 |
| Medium (5m to 10m) | £400 to £900 |
| Large (10m to 20m) | £1,000 to £2,500 |
| Very large (over 20m) | £2,500 to £5,000+ |
| Stump grinding (additional) | £75 to £400 |
These are estimates, and you should always get at least three quotes from qualified arborists before committing to any work. The Arboricultural Association maintains a directory of approved contractors, which is a useful starting point. Always confirm that your chosen tree surgeon carries public liability insurance, as any damage caused during the work on your property would fall under their liability coverage, not your home insurance.
One thing worth factoring in is the cost of a tree survey. The Royal Horticultural Society recommends having trees close to your home professionally surveyed every few years. Surveys typically cost between £200 and £600 and can serve as useful documentation if you ever need to make an insurance claim relating to the tree at a later stage.he same visit can also bring the overall price down, as the tree surgeon is already on site with equipment.
Looking for some help with Your Tree? Feel Free to speak with a member of our Professional Tree Surgeon Team here
How Far Does a Tree Have to Be from a House for Insurance Purposes?
Distance is one of the most significant factors that insurers assess when calculating the risk a tree poses to your property. As a general rule, trees within 10 metres of your home are where insurers begin to pay closer attention. Trees at this distance, particularly on clay soil, can draw moisture from the ground and increase the risk of subsidence.
However, the recommended safe planting distance varies by species, and this is something the Association of British Insurers (ABI) has published guidance on. Trees with more aggressive or wide-spreading root systems need to be planted considerably further away from buildings to be considered low risk. High water-demand species such as willow, poplar and oak are the most frequently flagged by insurers and surveyors.
Being within the risk zone does not mean you will be refused insurance, but it may mean you need to provide additional information when getting a quote, pay a higher premium, or take active steps such as having the tree surveyed or installing root barriers. In rare cases, an insurer may ask that a tree be removed before they will offer cover at all.
If you are buying a property with trees nearby, your mortgage lender may also require a specialist tree survey before approving the loan. Even if you are buying without a mortgage, commissioning your own survey gives you a clear picture of any existing or potential issues before you commit to the purchase.
Safe Planting Distances by Species (ABI Guidance)
- Willow: 40 metres
- Poplar: 35 metres
- Oak: 30 metres
- Elm: 30 metres
- Horse Chestnut: 23 metres
- Sycamore: 17 metres
- Ash: 21 metres
These figures are particularly relevant on clay soils, where the risk of subsidence caused by moisture extraction from tree roots is considerably higher than on other soil types.
Whose Insurance Pays If a Neighbour’s Tree Falls on My House in the UK?
This is one of the most commonly misunderstood aspects of tree-related home insurance, and the answer often surprises people. In the UK, if your neighbour’s tree falls onto your property and causes damage, you will generally need to claim on your own home insurance policy, not your neighbour’s.
This applies even if the tree was on their land and even if you had previously warned them that it looked unhealthy or dangerous. Your insurer may pursue your neighbour for costs if they can demonstrate negligence, but that is between the insurers and not something you need to handle directly. What it does mean in practice is that you will need to pay your excess and you may see your premium rise at renewal because you have made a claim, even though the situation was not your fault.
There are limited circumstances in which your neighbour could be held directly liable from the outset. If you had formally notified them in writing that a specific tree was at risk of causing damage, and they did not take reasonable action, there may be grounds for a negligence claim. This is a legal matter and Citizens Advice recommends reporting dangerous trees to the local authority if a neighbour is unwilling to act.
What to Do if a Neighbour’s Tree Falls on Your Property:
It is always worth having a conversation with your neighbour about shared trees or those growing close to the boundary before any issues arise. Proactive communication tends to be far more effective than trying to resolve a dispute after damage has occurred.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does home insurance cover the cost of removing a fallen tree?
Home insurance usually covers the damage a fallen tree causes to your home, but not the cost of removing the tree itself unless your insurer has specifically requested its removal.
Will my home insurance premium go up if I have trees in my garden?
It depends on the size and proximity of the trees, but trees within 10 metres of your home or species with aggressive root systems can increase your premium.
Do I need to tell my insurer about trees near my house?
Yes, you should always disclose trees close to your property when getting a quote, especially those within 10 metres of the building, as failing to do so could affect your cover.
Is tree root damage covered by home insurance?
Some policies include cover for damage caused by tree roots, particularly if it leads to subsidence, but this is not standard across all insurers so you should check your policy carefully.
Can I be refused home insurance because of trees?
It is unlikely that you will be refused outright, but some insurers may apply exclusions or ask you to take action before they can offer cover.
What is a Tree Preservation Order and does it affect my insurance?
A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is a legal protection placed on specific trees by a local authority, and you must obtain written consent before removing or significantly altering a protected tree.
Does home insurance cover storm damage caused by trees?
Yes, damage to your home caused by a tree falling during a storm is generally covered as standard under most UK home insurance policies.
Who is responsible if my tree falls on my neighbour’s property?
Your neighbour would generally claim on their own home insurance, though you could be held liable if they can prove you were aware the tree was dangerous and failed to act.
How often should I have trees near my house inspected?
The Royal Horticultural Society recommends a professional survey every few years for trees growing close to buildings, particularly large or mature specimens.
Can I cut down a tree in my garden without permission?
You can remove a tree on your own land unless it is protected by a TPO, located in a conservation area, or you are a tenant who has not received written permission from your landlord.
Does the type of tree affect my home insurance?
Yes, species with high water demands and aggressive root systems such as willow, oak and poplar are viewed as higher risk by insurers and can affect your premiums.
Is subsidence caused by tree roots covered by home insurance?
Subsidence caused by tree roots may be covered, but properties that have previously experienced subsidence can find it significantly harder and more expensive to get cover.
What should I do immediately after a tree falls on my home?
Leave the property, get everyone to safety, call the fire brigade to assess structural danger, and then contact your insurer on their emergency claims line as soon as possible.
Does home insurance cover damage to garden trees themselves?
Most standard policies do not cover the trees in your garden as assets, though if a tree is knocked over without causing damage to your home, cover may apply if your policy includes garden plants.