04/24/2025
🌳 Heads up, Connecticut homeowners! Understanding your responsibility when it comes to trees on your property is crucial. Generally, in CT, if a healthy tree falls due to an "Act of God" like a storm, you're usually not liable for damage it causes to a neighbor's property. Their homeowner's insurance typically covers it.
However, the story changes if a tree on your property was dead, dying, diseased, or had obviously hazardous overhanging branches that you knew about (or should have known about) and failed to address. In such cases, you could be held liable for damages caused by a fallen tree or branch due to negligence.
Keep an eye out for potential hazards like:
Dead or dying trees: These are structurally weak and prone to falling.
Overhanging branches: Especially large or seemingly unstable ones that could drop.
Visible signs of disease or rot: These weaken the tree's integrity.
There's been recent legislative interest in clarifying these responsibilities. Connecticut House Bill 7138, introduced in March 2025, addresses property owner liability for the expenses of removing a fallen tree or limb under specific conditions, particularly when a hazardous condition was previously documented. You can read more about the bill here: https://legiscan.com/CT/bill/HB07138/2025 (Please note this bill's status and potential future changes).
Proactive tree maintenance can save you from potential liability and ensure the safety of your property and your neighbors'.
Concerned about potentially hazardous trees on your Connecticut property? Call us today at 203-712-5818 for a FREE quote on trimming or removal and gain peace of mind!
Summary (2025-04-21) An Act Concerning A Property Owner's Liability For The Expenses Of Removing A Fallen Tree Or Tree Limb. [Referred to Office of Legislative Research and Office of Fiscal Analysis 04/28/25 12:00 PM]
