Trees make a garden, but they can also affect your home insurance. Insurers want to know about large trees near your home because of the risk of falling branches and subsidence. Here's how trees can affect your cover, and what you can do about it.

Most treesnever cause problems for buildings
Up to 3×the tree's height is how far roots can spread
Clay soilis most at risk of subsidence
Source: Royal Horticultural Society (n.d.)

Do trees affect home insurance?

They can. When you get a quote, many insurers ask you to confirm there are no trees above a certain height within a certain distance of your home. If that's not true for your home, you may need to answer more questions, or call the insurer.

Trees don't always mean a higher price. But a big tree close to your house may push up your premium, or come with extra conditions. Any limits or exclusions will be in your policy documents, so read them carefully.

How can trees damage a house?

  • Falling branches can damage your roof, windows, fences and sheds.
  • Whole trees can come down in a storm, especially if they're old or diseased.
  • Subsidence. Trees take water from the soil. In dry weather, clay soil can shrink, and the ground under your home can sink. The Royal Horticultural Society (n.d.) says subsidence is worst in dry years and on shrinkable clay soils.
  • Heave. If a large tree is removed, the soil can swell as it gets wetter, pushing foundations up.
  • Blocked drains and lifted paving from roots (Royal Horticultural Society, n.d.).
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Don't panic about every tree. The Royal Horticultural Society (n.d.) says most trees never cause problems for buildings, and modern buildings are seldom affected. It's usually best to get expert advice before cutting a tree down.

Should I remove a tree near my house?

Not always. Removing a big tree can cause heave, so speak to a qualified tree surgeon or surveyor first. It may be worth removing or cutting back a tree if it:

  • is diseased, dying or leaning
  • is growing into power or phone cables
  • is lifting paving, walls or sheds
  • blocks a lot of light

Check before you cut. Some trees are protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), or because they're in a conservation area. In England, you need the council's written consent before you cut down, top, lop or uproot a protected tree (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, n.d.). Ask your local council's planning team. If you rent, get your landlord's permission first.

What if my neighbour's tree falls on my house?

You'd usually claim on your own buildings insurance. If your neighbour was at fault, for example because they ignored a dangerous tree, your insurer may try to recover the costs from them. You'll normally still pay your excess.

Insurance usually covers the damage a fallen tree causes, but not the cost of removing a tree before it falls.

Planting trees near your home

  • Check how big it will grow. Roots can spread up to three times the height of the tree (Royal Horticultural Society, n.d.).
  • Choose carefully on clay soil. Thirsty trees like willow, poplar and oak are best kept well away from buildings.
  • Keep trees away from drains.
  • Prune and check trees regularly, especially after storms.
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Keep an eye on the risks around your home. Planna's HomeScore checks your property's safety and condition, and sets tailored tasks to help you prevent costly damage. Buying a home with big trees nearby? Get a Planna Home Report and consider a specialist tree survey too.

After a storm, watch out for traders offering "urgent" tree or roof work. Our guide to spotting a roofing scam explains the warning signs. For more help, see our home maintenance guides and does home insurance cover roof leaks?

Trees and home insurance: quick answers

Can I be refused home insurance because of a tree?
It's rare. You're more likely to pay a higher premium or have conditions added. In a few cases, an insurer may ask for a tree to be cut back or removed.

Does home insurance cover tree removal?
Usually not, unless the tree has fallen and damaged your home. Then the clean-up may be covered. Check your policy.

Does home insurance cover subsidence from trees?
Many buildings policies cover subsidence, but often with a higher excess. Check your policy wording.

Do I need permission to cut down a tree in my garden?
Only if it's protected by a Tree Preservation Order or is in a conservation area. Check with your council first (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, n.d.).

Whatever your next move, see how Planna can help at every stage of your home journey.

This article is for general information. Always check your own policy wording.

References

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (n.d.) Tree Preservation Orders and trees in conservation areas. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tree-preservation-orders-and-trees-in-conservation-areas (Accessed: 5 November 2026).

Royal Horticultural Society (n.d.) Trees near buildings. Available at: https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/types/trees/near-buildings (Accessed: 5 November 2026).