Questions & answers · Home insurance
A storm destroyed trees and bushes in my yard. Will my home policy pay to replace them and haul away the debris?
Home insuranceOtherCaliforniaChecked Nov 6, 2026
From K.Actuary, founded by Sangmin Kwon, ASA · sources checked 2026-11-06 · Source: California Department of Insurance View original ↗
In short
- Home policies cover trees and bushes only on a limited basis.
- California's guide says one tree or bush often has a low limit.
- Removing debris may use a part of your coverage limit.
What this means
The California Department of Insurance (CDI) says "Trees, shrubs, and other plants are insured on a limited basis." It says the total limit for this coverage generally is 5% of the dwelling limit, with a sub-limit of $500.00 (and in some cases $250.00) for loss to any one tree, shrub or plant. CDI says to check the language in your own policy [1].
If a covered loss leaves debris that must be removed, CDI says this coverage lets you apply a certain percentage, generally 5%, of the coverage limit to pay for removal [1].
This guide is from CDI's 2015 residential claims brochure, so numbers in your policy may differ [1].
Your next step
Find the "trees, shrubs and plants" and "debris removal" lines in your policy and write down the limits. Then photograph the damage before anything is removed. The page gives no deadline.
Check it yourself
Open the CDI guide below and read the paragraph "Trees and Shrubbery/Debris Removal" on page 5.
Where this comes from (1)
[1] California Department of Insurance · checked 2026-11-06
Trees, shrubs, and other plants are insured on a limited basis. The aggregate limit for a loss under this coverage generally is 5% of the dwelling limit of liability provided as an additional amount of insurance, with a sub-limit of $500.00 (and in some cases $250.00) for loss to any one tree, shrub, or plant. Check the language in your individual policy for the coverage that applies. If a covered loss leaves debris …
How we found this
We matched your question to 1 official source, quoted the exact lines, and re-checked each quote against its source on 2026-11-06.
What we don’t know yet
Your own plan or notice may say something different. If your letter cites another rule, send it and we will look again.
Every answer is checked against the official rule it quotes.
Information only — not legal advice. Your plan, insurer or agency decides.
This answer quotes the official sources listed above, with the date we checked them. Your own policy, notice and state rules control. We are not your lawyer or your insurer. We don’t file, argue or negotiate claims for you — you send any letter or form yourself.
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Answer id CQ7037. Spotted an error? Tell us.