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Fallen Tree Damage Appraisal for Washington Homes

Western Washington’s tall Douglas firs, western red cedars and bigleaf maples are part of the appeal of living here, until a winter storm drops one through a roof.

Call (844) 537-1427Free claim review
Common trees
Fir, cedar, maple
Big cost driver
Crane & framing
Policy limit
Removal sub-limits

Why tree claims get underpaid

A 120-foot Douglas fir doesn’t just break shingles. It can crack rafters, push walls out of plumb, damage foundations and send water into every room below. Yet first estimates often treat a tree claim like a roof repair, with a patch of sheathing and a few bundles of shingles.

During the November 2024 bomb cyclone, falling trees caused deaths and heavy damage across King and Snohomish counties. The scale of those losses shows how much structural work, engineering and specialized removal can be involved.

Items that are often missing

  • A structural engineer’s evaluation and the repairs it calls for.
  • Crane access, rigging and traffic control for tight lots and steep driveways.
  • Temporary shoring, tarping and board-up after the impact.
  • Interior water damage, insulation, drywall and flooring below the impact.
  • Gutters, decks, fences and detached structures in the tree’s path.

Removal limits and what they mean

Many homeowner policies cap debris and tree removal at a modest amount, and some pay removal only when the tree hits a covered structure. Those limits are policy terms, so appraisal can’t override them. But the cost of repairing the structure the tree struck is usually covered under the dwelling coverage, and that is where most of the money sits.

Neighbor’s tree?If a neighbor’s tree hits your house, your own policy usually responds first. Questions about whether the neighbor was negligent are legal issues that go beyond appraisal.

Frequently asked questions

Does my policy pay to remove a tree that fell but didn’t hit anything?

Often not, or only in limited circumstances such as blocking a driveway or ramp. Check the debris removal section of your policy.

Do I need an engineer?

If framing, walls or the foundation may be affected, an engineer’s report gives the panel a reliable basis for structural repair costs.

Can I cut up and remove the tree before the adjuster comes?

Take extensive photos and video first, keep receipts, and do what’s necessary to protect the property. Tell the insurer what you’re doing and why.

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Have a claim that doesn’t add up?

Send us the insurer’s estimate. We’ll review it and tell you what we see.

(844) 537-1427Email the estimate