Yes, Your Insurance Company Might Hate That Big Tree in Your Yard. Here’s Why.
Over the past few years—especially since the Derecho—insurance companies in Bettendorf, the Quad Cities, and across the Midwest have been hit hard with storm damage claims. Every time a major storm rolls through, roofs are ripped up, siding is shredded, and trees come crashing down onto homes. The damage can be massive, and insurance companies often end up paying for both tree removal and full home repairs: new roofs, siding, windows—or in some cases, complete rebuilds.
Eventually, some insurance companies have had enough. Some have even pulled out of Iowa altogether. Others have tightened their rules, fighting claims or raising premiums. And now, many are doing something new: using satellite tools like Google Earth to inspect the properties they insure.
If they spot a large tree that looks like it could fall on a house, they send out an inspector. These inspectors aren’t tree experts—but to them, a big tree means big risk. Even a healthy tree can fail in a strong wind. That’s why more and more homeowners are getting letters from their insurance companies saying: “Remove the tree, or lose your coverage.”
And yes—they can do that. We’ve already removed several trees for homeowners who got those very letters.
Why People Wait (and Why They Shouldn’t)
Most homeowners know when a tree needs to go. They see it leaning, rotting, or dying and say, “I need to take care of that.” But then life gets busy, and they put it off—until it becomes urgent. Usually, that urgency comes with a letter from the insurance company. Suddenly, it’s not a choice—it’s a requirement.
We get it—tree work is expensive. No one’s excited to spend thousands of dollars removing a tree. It’s not like buying a new TV or patio set. You don’t “get” something you can enjoy—what you’re paying for is peace of mind and protection for your home.
Tree removal is expensive because it’s dangerous, highly skilled work that requires serious equipment and safety precautions. We carry insurance, maintain a full fleet of equipment (bucket trucks, chippers, cranes, stump grinders—you name it), and follow strict safety standards. It’s not “just a saw and gravity.” It’s planning, strategy, risk management, and years of experience.
Beware of the “Cheap Tree Guy”
When homeowners are forced to remove a tree, many look for the cheapest option. That’s when they find Tree Bubba Hack—the guy who shows up with a chainsaw, no credentials, and a suspiciously low price. He may claim he’s done trees for years, but last week he was doing roofs, and next week it’ll be patios or fences. Today, he’s a “tree expert.”
The problem? Tree Bubba Hack usually has no insurance, no training, and no plan. If something goes wrong—and it often does—you could end up with serious damage to your property. And worse, your insurance may not cover it, especially if you hired someone unlicensed or uninsured.
It’s already happened here in Bettendorf. A homeowner hired a cheap tree cutter. The tree fell on their house. They filed a claim—and the insurance company denied it. Why? Because they didn’t hire a qualified professional.
How to Protect Yourself
If you’re hiring someone to remove a tree—especially because of an insurance notice—do your homework:
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Ask for proof of insurance, and call the insurance company to confirm it’s valid.
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Ask about experience and safety record. (For the record, I’ve never had a lost-time accident—ever.)
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Ask how they plan to remove the tree, and what precautions they take to protect your home and neighborhood.
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Check with your city for local licensing info or any complaints.
Tree removal is serious business. You can’t afford to cut corners. You need someone who knows what they’re doing and has the gear, insurance, and experience to back it up.
The Bottom Line
If your insurance company is pressuring you to remove a tree—don’t wait. And don’t risk hiring the cheapest guy around. Hire a vetted, experienced, insured Arborist who will protect your property and your peace of mind.
When the work’s done, plant a new tree! It’ll be years before your insurance company has a problem with that one.
Need help? Just call me. I’ll make sure it’s done right.