Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Tree Removal in New Jersey?

Adam Overmyer
Oct 7
4 min read

Storms are part of life in New Jersey — heavy winds, lightning, and even those surprise spring snowstorms can send branches (or entire trees) crashing down. When that happens, most homeowners immediately ask the same question:

“Does my homeowners insurance cover tree removal?”

At The Overmyer Insurance Agency (OIA), we get this question all the time — especially after a Nor’easter or one of those quick summer storms that knock out power and litter the yard with debris.

Let’s break down what’s actually covered, what isn’t, and when you might be paying out of pocket.

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When Tree Removal Is Covered by Your Homeowners Insurance

A standard homeowners insurance policy (an HO-3 form) covers damage to your home and other insured structures caused by a covered peril. That includes wind, lightning, ice, or even the weight of snow.

Here’s when tree removal is usually covered:

The tree damages a covered structure.If a tree falls on your house, garage, or fence, your policy will typically pay to remove the tree and repair the damage — up to your coverage limits.
The tree blocks a driveway or handicap access.Even if it doesn’t hit your home, many insurers will help cover removal costs if the fallen tree blocks access to your property or a ramp used by someone with a disability.
The tree fell due to a covered peril.Your policy likely includes debris removal for damage caused by windstorm, ice, or lightning — not due to neglect or decay.

When Tree Removal Is Not Covered

Unfortunately, not every fallen tree means an insurance payout. Here’s when you’re likely on your own:

The tree didn’t damage a structure.If a tree falls in your yard but doesn’t hit your home, garage, or fence — most policies don’t pay for cleanup.Example: A 60-foot oak lands across your lawn after a storm, but nothing’s broken. You’ll probably be responsible for the cleanup cost.
The tree was dead, rotting, or poorly maintained.If your insurance company determines that the tree was diseased or neglected, they may deny coverage even if it caused damage. Regular trimming and maintenance can help avoid these issues.
It’s your neighbor’s tree — but it fell in your yard.This one surprises people. If the tree from your neighbor’s property damages your home, you still file the claim with your homeowners insurance company. They may later seek reimbursement (subrogation) from your neighbor’s insurer if negligence is proven.

How Much Will Insurance Pay for Tree Removal?

Here’s the part that often catches homeowners off guard:Even when tree removal is covered, the amount your policy pays is limited — usually between $500 and $1,000 per tree, and often with an overall cap (like $1,000 or $2,000 total per event).

For example:

A storm knocks down two trees, both hitting your garage.
The total cleanup cost is $3,000.
Your policy might only reimburse $1,000 total, even though both trees caused damage.

That’s because debris removal is considered an additional coverage, not part of your dwelling or other structures limit.

For more context on how your coverage limits work, check out our related article: Why Your Coverage Limits Might Be Too Low in 2025

The “Covered Peril” Rule: What It Means

Insurance coverage depends on why the tree fell.

Wind, lightning, hail, ice, or snow — usually covered.
Flooding, earthquake, or rot — usually not covered.If the cause isn’t a covered peril under your policy, the cleanup and damage costs could fall to you.

If you’re in a flood-prone area, it’s also worth noting:Flood insurance (through NFIP or private markets like Neptune) is a separate policy entirely — your homeowners insurance won’t cover trees or debris removal caused by flooding.

What If You Want More Coverage?

If your property has large trees near your home or you’d rather not pay out of pocket after every storm, you can talk to your agent about adding an endorsement or home systems / debris removal upgrade to increase your limit.

At OIA, we often help clients:

Review their Additional Coverages section for debris removal caps.
Compare companies that offer higher tree removal sublimits.
Add optional coverage for detached structures, fences, and landscaping.

Even a small upgrade in your coverage limit can make a big difference after the next windstorm.

Related Coverage You Should Know

For other types of unexpected home expenses, you may want to learn about:

Service Line Coverage — Is It Worth It? Covers underground water and sewer line repairs often confused with tree-related claims.
Coastal Homeowners Insurance in NJ Explains storm coverage issues for homeowners closer to the Jersey Shore.

OIA Tip: Keep Those Trees Healthy

Insurance is designed to cover the unexpected — not what could’ve been prevented.That’s why keeping your trees trimmed, removing dead branches, and inspecting for rot near the trunk can reduce your risk (and future headaches).

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