As experienced tree surgeons, we understand the vital role trees play in our communities. While they provide numerous benefits, including enhancing our environment, trees can also be at the centre of complex situations involving property concerns, community sentiment, and insurance claims.
This blog aims to explore the relationship between trees, property issues, and insurance claims, offering insights for all parties involved.
Wivenhoe Oak
A recent example from Wivenhoe, Essex, illustrates the emotional connection communities can have with their trees.
Local residents protested against plans to cut down a large oak tree in the King George V playing fields car park (see accompanying image). They were concerned that removing the tree would negatively impact the natural appearance of the village and leave the area bare.
The issue began in July 2021, when the town council received a report commissioned by a major insurance company. The report concluded that damage to a nearby concrete structure was caused by “clay shrinkage subsidence, exacerbated by the indirect influence of vegetation.”
This suggested that the tree’s roots could be contributing to soil moisture changes, leading to subsidence issues.
However, residents questioned whether the subsidence was caused by a long-term water leak rather than tree root incursion. One resident claimed that when a hole was dug for mains repair there was no visual evidence of tree roots, which challenged the assumption that the tree was responsible.
In response to community pressure, the town council’s environment committee developed a biodiversity action plan. As part of this plan, they intended to implement a scheme that would more than compensate for the biodiversity loss resulting from the removal of the tree in question, but residents have continued to protest against its removal.
Understanding tree-related issues
Trees can impact properties in a variety of ways, including:
- Subsidence: Tree roots can extract moisture from soil, causing it to shrink and potentially leading to structural movement in nearby buildings.
- Direct damage: Falling branches or tree failure can cause immediate damage to property.
- Root damage: Roots can damage underground pipes, foundations, or paved surfaces.
- Disease and decay: Unhealthy trees can pose safety risks to people and property.
The insurance perspective
Insurance companies face challenges when managing claims related to trees. According to Local Surveyors Direct, subsidence claims alone have cost the insurance industry between £140-400 million annually over the last 10 years.
Insurers must navigate legal complexities, while balancing risk management with environmental and community considerations, and are often criticised for taking ‘the easy option’ of tree removal rather than examining alternatives.
Insurers therefore value collaborations with tree surgery experts who can provide timely and effective solutions. Our team is dedicated to minimising disruptions and ensuring that tree management decisions are made with thorough consideration of all factors involved.
Advice for insurance companies
- Adopt a risk-based approach: Consider the location and context of each tree when assessing potential risks.
- Explore alternative solutions: Rather than defaulting to tree removal, consider options like root barriers, crown reduction, or increased pruning frequency.
- Engage arboricultural experts: Collaborate with qualified tree specialists like us to develop effective management strategies.
- Consider new technologies: Innovations like copper-based root barriers can provide less invasive solutions to tree-related issues.
- Establish framework agreements: Having approved suppliers can help expedite claim resolutions and mitigate ongoing costs.
We are here to support insurers by offering detailed assessments and recommendations that align with their risk management strategies.
Guidance for property owners and businesses
There are also steps that property owners and businesses can take to reduce the likelihood of having to make an insurance claim. They are:
- Regular inspections and maintenance: Provide peace of mind that trees are healthy and safe.
- Early intervention: Prevents issues from escalating and requiring intensive, more drastic intervention.
- Document everything: Keep thorough records of tree maintenance, property issues, and communications with insurers or specialists.
- Understand your responsibilities: As a landowner, you have a duty of care to ensure visitors to your property are “reasonably safe”, including from potential tree hazards.
- Consider tree location: Be aware that trees in high-traffic areas may require more frequent inspections than those in less accessible locations (we can advise you on this if you are unsure).
A balanced approach
As experts, we believe in finding a balance between preserving our urban forest and ensuring public safety and property protection. The Wivenhoe case demonstrates that tree management decisions often involve multiple stakeholders and considerations, including emotions.
Insurance companies play an essential role in safeguarding property owners, but they also have an opportunity to contribute positively to environmental sustainability. By collaborating with arboricultural experts and considering alternative solutions, insurers can often find ways to manage risks without resorting to unnecessary tree removal.
For property owners and businesses, understanding the potential risks and benefits associated with trees is vital. Regular maintenance, early intervention, and professional assessments can go a long way towards preventing serious issues and potentially costly insurance claims.
By fostering collaboration between property owners, insurers, local authorities, and tree care professionals, we can work towards solutions that protect both our built environment and our valuable urban trees.
Transparency and inclusion
It is important to remember that trees are not just potential liabilities – they are valuable, living assets that enhance our communities, improve air quality, and contribute to our overall well-being.
The Wivenhoe tree story reminds us of the importance of community engagement in tree-related decisions. Whether dealing with insurance claims, public safety concerns, or tree health issues, a transparent and inclusive approach can lead to outcomes that satisfy all stakeholders, while preserving our cherished urban canopy.
Please contact us for information about our full range of tree services, including surgery, inspections, reports, and when no other option is viable, tree felling and removal.