Insurance Claims Denied Over Encroaching Branches—and How to Avoid It

If you're like most Florida homeowners, you've probably heard horror stories: an insurance company refused to renew a policy or paid a claim because branches were hanging over the house. That might sound extreme, but it happens more often than you'd think. Especially in places like Valrico, Seffner, or Plant City, where trees grow fast and life gets busy, those overhanging limbs can slowly turn into a liability—until your insurance company flags it during an inspection.

At All Your Way Tree Service, we've helped many homeowners who learned the hard way—once those limbs are encroaching your home, your insurer might view that as a preventable risk, and deny claims if something happens. Let’s walk through why that happens, what proper clearance really means, and how to make sure you never get stuck without coverage because of a limb you’ve been ignoring.

Why Insurers Pay Attention to Overhanging Limbs

Insurance companies are in business to manage risk. When they see tree limbs over your roof, touching your gutters, or leaning toward power lines—they view that as a red flag.

From industry sources:

• Policies often cover storm‑related damage if your trees were maintained properly—but if they were dead, diseased, or overgrown, you’re on the hook (gastonstreeservice.com)

• If an adjuster sees limbs brushing against your roof or close enough to fall—and no pruning was done—they may label the damage as owner negligence

(Allstate)

• In many cases, insurers require clearances—often 6 feet or more—from rooflines or structures to reduce risk

(tampabayclaim.com)

That means encroaching limbs aren’t just a tree problem—they’re a financial one. If your insurance agent flags your property, you could get a notice requiring trimming…or a denial.

Real-World Scenarios: What Happens When You Don’t Act

A denied renewal

A homeowner in a nearby neighborhood got a letter during a policy review: limbs were overhanging the roof by several feet. Even though no damage had occurred yet, the insurance company would not renew unless the homeowner trimmed back the limbs according to their specs. The homeowner complied and had the work done—but only after nearly losing coverage.

A denied claim after a storm

Another case involved a mature oak whose lower branches had been leaning toward the home for months. After a mild windstorm, a large limb fell and damaged the gutter and roof. The insurer reviewed the claim, noted the neglected branches, and denied coverage, citing homeowner negligence.

These aren’t just edge cases. Across Florida, insurers increasingly rely on aerial imagery and policy inspections. If they spot encroaching limbs or poor maintenance, they can refuse claims or cancel policies altogether. (Reddit)

What Is Proper Clearance—and How to Maintain It?

Proper clearance means keeping your trees pruned back based on insurers’ guidelines—typically at least 6 feet away from roof and gutters, sometimes more depending on the insurer or area. Sometimes the rule extends to maintaining clearance from windows, power lines, or even the entire outline of a home. (walkertreeservices.com)

Here's what proper clearance looks like in practice:

• Trim limbs at least 6 feet above your roofline and gutters.

• Keep branches from touching the home’s fascia, vents, or siding.

• Prune dead or decaying wood before rainy or windy seasons.

• Clear branches away from chimneys, HVAC units, and wiring.

• Hire a certified arborist who knows the typical clearance requirements for insurers.

Legal and Liability Considerations in Florida

In Florida, homeowners are generally responsible for the trees and limbs on their property. If one of your trees drops a branch or root into your neighbor’s yard—and especially if damage occurs—you could be liable, depending on whether the tree was healthy or declining. (walkertreeservices.com)

Florida also follows what’s known as the Massachusetts Rule, which means that while neighbors may trim encroaching branches themselves, tree owners can be held liable if the tree is dead or poses imminent danger. (Germain Law Group, P.A.)

In short: encroaching trees are a shared concern. Even if insurance doesn’t deny your claim outright, legal liability and neighbor disputes can follow if you ignore clear risks.

How to Prepare for Annual Insurance Inspections

Step-by-Step Checklist

1. Walk your property every spring. Look for branches that extend toward your roof, windows, or gutter lines.

2. Call in a certified arborist, ideally one versed in insurance standards for Florida.

3. Request a pruning assessment that shows limbs will be trimmed clear of structures—documenting each tree and recommended future maintenance.

4. Keep all records: before-and-after photos, invoices, and arborist reports. Insurance companies love documentation.

5. Submit trimmed/inspection certificates to your insurance agent before inspections happen.

What Site Visits Might Look Like

During your annual home inspection, some insurers or their agents may:

• Do a visual sweep from the street or roof, often using satellite/analyze imagery to see overhang.

• Ask for evidence of recent professional trimming and arborist evaluation.

• Highlight limbs or trees that look dead, poorly maintained, or encroaching.

Here’s the deal: a simple limb that touched your roof once could become your insurer’s excuse to deny a future claim. The good news is: action now can prevent that.

Why Choose a Certified Arborist for Compliance

A certified arborist brings several key benefits:

• Proper pruning: they prune to maintain canopy health and safety—not just to cut things.

• Arborist reports: these written documents often include tree condition, species, age, and risk level. Insurance companies respect that.

• Compliance knowledge: they know common insurance expectations, like required setback distances.

• Professional accountability: if a claim is submitted, you have receipts, credentials, and a documented path of care.

One homeowner shared on Reddit that after their insurer threatened cancellation over overhang, they hired an arborist, submitted photos and receipts—and kept their policy safe.

How to Work with Your Insurance Agent

• Ask upfront: “Does my policy require tree clearance?” There may not be a clear number spelled out—but asking puts it on record.

• Send your records: when you’ve had trimming done, you may be able to avoid future inspection issues.

• Document all communication: text or email that says you’re maintaining trees can help if there's a denial later.

Agents often appreciate proactive customers—they’d rather see you maintaining trees than waiting for damage.

Where to Start: A Simple Routine Plan

When	What to Do
Spring & Pre-Storm Season	Survey trees, check for overhang
Annually	Hire certified arborist to inspect and prune limbs back 6–8 feet
After severe weather	Do a visual check and trim dangling or cracked branches promptly
Before insurance inspection	Provide documentation, photos, and receipts of tree work

Free, Authoritative Resource for Insurance Insight

Insurance companies and tree experts agree: regular upkeep can keep your policy intact. For a deeper understanding of your rights and responsibilities, check this free guide from the University of Florida IFAS Extension on tree risk and management in Florida’s insurance environment:

[University of Florida IFAS Extension Risk Guide] (https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdf/FR/FR173/FR173-2506171.pdf)

It’s packed with science-backed advice for tree care, hazard mitigation, and risk reduction—exactly what insurers expect.

Final Thoughts: Protect Your Home and Peace of Mind

If there’s one thing Florida storms teach us—it’s that insurance won’t always save you if you haven’t been proactive. Encroaching branches, dead trees close to your house, or neglected limbs can derail your claims and potentially void your coverage.

Here’s what matters:

• Keep limbs trimmed away from your home

• Hire qualified arborists who document every step

• Ask your insurance what they require

• Save all photos and reports in case you need them

• Treat tree care like a safety routine—not an afterthought

At All Your Way Tree Service, we offer inspection guidance, pruning to meet clearance standards, and arborist reports that help keep your insurance happy and your property protected.

👉 Interested in a tree safety inspection for insurance compliance?

📞 Contact Us to Book an Arborist Visit

We serve homeowners in Valrico, Seffner, Plant City, and surrounding Hillsborough County. Stay covered, stay safe.