Trees and Fallen Debris: What Landlords Need to Know About Storm Damage

Trees and debris may seem like minor storm risks, but they cause some of the most expensive and disruptive property damage landlords face. From blocked access to major structural harm, knowing how your insurance handles fallen trees and debris is key to protecting your rental.

Steadily's storm and hail damage coverage includes protection for many types of storm debris scenarios—but not all. Here's what rental property owners should know.

What Counts as Storm Debris Damage?

• Tree limbs or entire trees falling on your rental property
• Debris breaking windows, damaging siding, or puncturing roofs
• Heavy branches blocking driveways or entryways, making the unit uninhabitable
• Flying debris from nearby properties causing impact damage

When Insurance Typically Covers It

• If the tree was healthy and fell due to wind, hail, or lightning
• If storm debris damages a covered structure like a home or detached garage
• When cleanup is required to access or protect the property (e.g. tree blocking a door or roof tarp installation)

When It May Not Be Covered

• If the tree was dead, dying, or poorly maintained before the storm
• If the debris only affects the yard and causes no structural damage
• If the cost is below your deductible

Landlord Best Practices Before and After a Storm

• Schedule regular tree maintenance and trim branches near structures
• Document property condition with photos before storm seasons
• After a storm, take clear photos of the damage and prevent further harm (e.g. cover exposed areas)
• Contact your landlord insurance provider quickly—delays can limit coverage

Insurance Tip: While standard landlord policies typically cover storm-related tree damage, not all include coverage for tree removal unless the tree damages a structure. Always review your policy details.

Want broader protection? Consider equipment breakdown or liability coverage if falling debris creates hazards for tenants or neighbors.

More storm damage topics:

• Storm damage restoration
• Hail damage
• Lightning and electrical damage

Bottom Line: Debris Damage Is More Than Just a Mess

For landlords, fallen trees and storm debris aren't just cleanup jobs—they can create major disruptions, tenant displacement, and expensive repairs. Make sure your coverage is storm-season ready.

Get a landlord insurance quote from Steadily and protect your property from whatever blows your way.