04/22/2026
Are Insurance Companies Causing More Harm Than Good to Your Trees?🌳
We’re seeing this more and more here locally- homeowners being pressured to over-prune or butcher their trees just to satisfy insurance requirements that want no branches overhanging rooflines. Maintaining adequate roof clearance is absolutely necessary and good tree management; however, I've experienced insurance companies wanting half of a beautiful, mature live oak removed because it had branches growing over the house.
Here’s the problem: Bad pruning does NOT make trees safer. In many cases, it actually makes them more hazardous.
This excellent article breaks it down:
🔗 https://tcimag.tcia.org/business-strategy/insurance-pruning-cut-risks-not-canopies/
Rooted Arbor Solutions is owned and operated by an ISA Certified Arborist and ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified (TRAQ) professional. That means our recommendations are based on science and experience.
Proper pruning reduces risk the right way, improves tree structure, and extends the life of your tree.
Improper, excessive "insurance pruning" creates poor structure, imbalances, increases failure potential, and permanently damages your tree.
If your insurance company is demanding excessive pruning, it may be worth asking, "Is this actually making my property safer or just checking a box?"
In many cases, you’re better off shopping for a new insurance provider than sacrificing the health, beauty, and safety of your trees. Sometimes a risk assessment report from an arborist can help alleviate the fears of the insurance company.
If you’re unsure what your trees actually need, we’re happy to give an honest, professional assessment. Message us or call/text 210-560-1815 to set up a meeting 🌳🌳
Across neighborhoods in the U.S., something strange is happening. Homeowners are receiving notices from their insurance companies warning them, “Prune back those limbs overhanging your home or lose your coverage.” The offending branches? Those on trees that overhang roofs – even healthy, struc...