After powerful storms swept across central North Carolina overnight, cleanup crews and homeowners are dealing with downed trees scattered across the region.
The damage may not have been caused by the storm alone.
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While heavy rain and strong wind can bring trees down, experts say the ongoing drought has quietly weakened many trees for months.
During dry conditions, a tree's fine roots begin to die off as the soil loses moisture. Those roots help anchor the tree in place, so when intense rain and strong wind arrive, weakened trees are more likely to topple.
If a tree falls near your home, knowing who is responsible for the damage can save you from an expensive surprise.
In most cases, homeowners insurance covers damage to your house if a tree falls on it. Many policies also pay up to about $500 for tree removal when the tree damages a covered structure. However, if a tree simply falls in your yard without damaging your home, you're generally responsible for removing it yourself.
Tree damage involving neighbors can be more complicated.
If a healthy tree falls from your neighbor's property onto your home, your homeowners insurance typically covers the damage to your property. Likewise, if a healthy tree from your yard falls onto your neighbor's house, your neighbor's insurance generally covers their damage.
The exception is when the tree was clearly dead, dying, or hazardous. If a property owner knew, or reasonably should have known, a tree posed a danger and failed to address it, they may be held responsible for the damage it causes.
Arborists recommend inspecting trees regularly for warning signs that they could fail. Look for dead branches, cracks or hollow spots in the trunk, a tree that has begun leaning more than before, or signs around the base such as lifting soil, exposed roots, or mushrooms, which can indicate decay.
