Landscaping can have numerous benefits. It beautifies your property and can add to the curb appeal and resale value of your home. It also can provide great physical exercise and a connection with nature if you do it yourself.
Whether you rely on your own landscape design skills or hire a professional to implement your vision, you’ll want to consider the implications that your efforts – and how you maintain them—can have on your home.
Here are some tips for reducing the likelihood that you will have a home insurance claim related to landscaping on your property.
Tree Maintenance
Remove any old, dead or rotten trees
It’s best to have these taken down professionally, and as soon as you notice them. Wind damage is one of the most frequent causes of loss and trees blowing over on houses is both common and often preventable.
Trim those trees
It’s important to actively maintain and trim the branches of any trees that are right up against your home.
Wind can cause the branches to rub up against the house, causing damage to the paint, gutters or trim. Home insurance would not cover any damages incurred this way, as it would be considered due to wear and tear over an extended period of time.
Additionally, trees situated very close to the house can invite animal activity from squirrels, raccoons and other critters that can enter the home and cause damage and health risks.
Beware of trees that grow close to power lines
If you see branches overhanging the lines, talk to your city or town about options for having the limbs trimmed. Also be sure to note if any of the trees look dead or rotten, which may require their complete removal.
