Last updated on February 22nd, 2025 at 11:22 pm

Last Updated on February 22, 2025 by

Real estate agents in some areas of the country will constantly face the issue of trees that overhang houses. This has become such a problem with changes in insurance company inspection policies that it is affecting closings.

Years ago insurance companies rarely inspected homes after the purchase. Now it’s a common occurrence usually within 30-45 days. Most inspections are done by insurance company contractors, drones or even asking owners to take photos with an app.

Before listing a house with overhanging branches

If you have listed a house with overhanging trees or damaging tree roots, you should ask your client to trim the trees before an offer comes in. This goes back to “curb appeal”. Here is what insurance companies are saying:

IInsurance Company Tree Policies

Insurance carriers have specific statements and guidelines regarding trees and overhanging limbs, particularly in high-wind areas. The exact wording varies between companies and policies, but here are common themes and examples:

General Requirements

• Insurers require homeowners to trim trees that overhang the roof or are close to the house to prevent damage from falling limbs or windstorms. Overhanging branches directly threaten the home’s roof and structure.
• Insurance companies may require the removal of trees they deem hazardous or pose a risk to the insured property, even if those trees don’t directly overhang the house.
• Insurers may deny coverage for related damages if homeowners fail to maintain trees and landscaping. If a neglected tree falls and damages the house, the insurance company may deny the claim.
• Insurance companies may increase premiums or deny coverage for properties with excessive tree growth or known hazardous trees. Problematic trees directly affect insurance costs or even make the property uninsurable.

High-Wind Area Requirements

• In high-wind areas, insurers require a greater distance between trees and the dwelling to reduce wind-related damage. Acceptable distances between trees and houses are greater in these areas.
• Insurers may require the removal or trimming of specific tree species due to their susceptibility to wind damage. Some species are more prone to falling or losing limbs in high winds.
• In high-wind areas, insurers may require inspections by a certified arborist to assess tree health and stability. This proactive measure identifies potential hazards.

Specific Requirements Examples

• Insurers often require homeowners to trim all tree limbs back at least 10 feet from the roofline. This is a clear, specific requirement.
• Insurance companies often require an arborist assessment for trees with a diameter of more than 12 inches within 20 feet of the house. This targets larger, higher-risk trees.
• Insurers typically require immediate removal of dead or dying trees, regardless of their proximity to the house. Dead trees are inherently hazardous.

Important Notes

Homeowners should contact their insurance agent or company directly with any questions or concerns for clarification.

Homeowners should carefully review their insurance policies and related documents to understand specific requirements regarding trees and landscaping.

Real Estate Agents – Trees

Real estate agents have a responsibility to their buyer clients to identify and address potential issues related to trees, particularly overhanging limbs. Insurance companies often view overhanging limbs negatively, recognizing them as a potential risk for damage to the property. This can lead to increased premiums or even difficulty obtaining coverage. Therefore, it’s crucial to bring this issue to the client’s attention *before* they purchase the home.

Addressing overhanging limbs proactively can save your clients significant money and hassle. Imagine your clients moving into their new home only to be faced with the unexpected expense of tree removal. This can easily cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. By addressing the issue upfront, you can help them avoid this unpleasant surprise.

Here are two effective strategies to handle overhanging limbs:

• Request Removal Before Closing: The ideal solution is to request that the sellers have the overhanging tree limbs professionally removed before the real estate closing. This way, the issue is resolved before your clients take ownership of the property.
• Secure Funds for Removal at Closing: If the sellers are unwilling to remove the limbs before closing, negotiate for them to obtain a professional estimate for the removal cost. Then, request that these funds be held in escrow or provided as a credit to the buyer at closing. This allows your clients to arrange for the removal immediately after closing, using the funds provided by the seller.

By taking these proactive steps, you demonstrate your commitment to your clients’ best interests and help them make informed decisions about their real estate purchase. Addressing the issue of overhanging limbs not only protects their financial investment but also ensures a smoother and more positive home buying experience.

Real estate agents play a crucial role in helping clients navigate the complexities of overhanging trees, especially in areas like the Mississippi Gulf Coast with its abundant mature trees. Here’s how agents can actively assist, emphasizing the value they bring, particularly to those unfamiliar with the area:

1. Mastering Local Tree Regulations

• Learn the specific tree ordinances for each community: Regulations vary significantly. Some areas require permits even for small tree removals, while others have specific rules for trimming near power lines or structures. Agents must know these local nuances.
• Identify protected tree species: Many areas protect trees due to historical significance, ecological value, or size. These trees often require special permits for any alteration, including trimming. Agents should know the protected species in their region and their regulations.
• Stay updated on ordinance changes: Tree ordinances evolve. Agents must stay informed about updates to provide accurate, current information.

2. Building a Tree Care Professional Network

• Maintain a list of certified arborists: Arborists assess tree health, recommend care, and provide expert advice on removal or trimming. Agents should have a list of reputable, city-authorized arborists.
• Compile a list of reputable tree trimming companies: Agents need a list of reliable tree trimming companies, including their services, approximate pricing (quotes are always best), and specializations (e.g., crane removals).
• Gather examples of past tree removal projects: “Before and after” photos of tree removals, with costs, help clients understand what to expect and budget. Two to three examples are a good start.
• Develop a list of landscapers for post-removal yard repair: Tree removal often requires yard repair. Agents should have a list of landscapers specializing in lawn restoration, stump grinding, and related services.

3. Proactively Educating and Assisting Clients

• Inform clients about potential tree issues: During showings, agents should point out trees that might pose a risk, like overhanging branches, disease signs, or proximity to the foundation.
• Explain insurance implications: Overhanging limbs can affect insurance. Agents should know these potential issues and advise clients.
• Connect clients with tree care professionals: Agents can connect clients with arborists, tree trimming companies, or landscapers, streamlining the process.
• Negotiate tree-related issues: Agents may negotiate with sellers to trim or remove trees before closing or provide funds for this.

Why This Matters, Especially on the Mississippi Gulf Coast:

• Abundance of mature trees: The Gulf Coast’s beautiful, large trees require careful management.
• High winds and hurricane risk: The region’s hurricane risk increases the chance of tree damage. Agents must know how to assess tree health and mitigate risks.
• Out-of-town buyers: Many relocating buyers are unfamiliar with local tree ordinances, protected species, and the region’s specific tree challenges. Agents with this expertise are invaluable.

Being a Great Real Estate Agent:

Agents who possess this knowledge and offer these services become trusted advisors, not just salespeople. They show commitment to clients’ long-term well-being and help them make informed property decisions. This service is especially valuable to out-of-town buyers who rely on their agent’s local expertise. It builds trust, fosters strong client relationships, and contributes to successful transactions. client relationships, and ultimately contribute to a successful real estate transaction.

How can you help your clients learn more about trees?

Send a link to this great article about trees and insurance, it contains what they need to know before they make a decision to sell or buy. The article also contains several references if they want to learn more about the trees in their yard. A great app for mobile phones is “PictureThis”. Just take a photo of any part of a tree or plant and the app will tell you what it is. Also weeds and insects. It’s an amazing app. Real Estate agents have this app on their phones to help their clients identify plants.

How many times have you worked with someone who has never lived in your area and has wondered what a plant or tree was? This happens all of the time. A good example is walking a property when the prospective buyer wants to remove a tree. If it’s large and it’s protected, that will probably not happen. This may be a deal breaker. If you identify the tree as one that is not protected, the problem is solved.

I have used it to identify “water oaks” which are not protected and look similar to live oaks. When I have identified it as a water oak and the fact that can be removed without a permit, the discussion becomes positive. The point here is to become great at more than just filling out paper. Click on the article link below