In this article, you’ll learn:
First, watch our Home Safety Specialist, John, show you what to look for when trimming trees.
Hi, I’m John, an Allianz Home Safety Specialist.
Weather patterns are getting harder to predict, and that means these branches, they’re trouble. In heavy winds they’re coming down and could smash a window or block your gutters.
Allianz Prevention helps you catch common issues before they become problems.
Search Allianz Prevention to check out tips to care for your home.
Disclaimer: Booking fee applies for Home Health Check service (‘HHC’). Available to existing Allianz direct Home & Landlord Insurance customers living in eligible Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane postcodes. T&Cs apply. For full details of HHC service visit Allianz Prevention. HHC service delivered by AWP Australia Pty Ltd for Allianz Australia Insurance Limited. Tradespeople can be organised at homeowner’s request. Additional costs payable by homeowner.
Trimming isn’t just about tidying up your garden – it's about keeping your home and family safe. Loose or overhanging branches can come down in strong winds, damaging roofs, cars, fences and outdoor areas. If they hit powerlines, they can create outages and serious hazards like electric shocks or fires.
Regular pruning also helps your trees stay healthy. Removing dead or diseased branches, stops that disease spreading through the tree. Thinning out branches lets in more sunlight and air, which can reduce some pest problems and promote stronger growth.
Before you start cutting, think about the tree’s species and age. In general, mature deciduous trees need a trim every three to five years. Most evergreen trees need less frequent pruning. Midwinter – around July or August – is a good time for a prune because it causes less stress to the tree.
Whatever the species, age, and time of year, a tree with damaged, dead, deformed, or diseased branches will need trimming.
Not confident working at heights with pruning tools? Then it’s worth calling a professional.
Arborists are trained, insured, and equipped to handle tricky jobs like branches near powerlines or roofs. They can safely remove dead or hanging branches that could cause trouble in the next storm.
It’s important to trim your trees well before storm season. Storm season hits different parts of Australia at different times. In Tasmania, it can start as early as September. Whereas in the tropical north if may not begin until November.
Wherever you live, checking your trees regularly is key to helping prevent damage. Prune dead, diseased, or damaged branches as soon as you notice them. Strong winds can snap weak branches at any time. A quick look over your garden every few months can help you catch problems before they turn into damage.
Allianz Home Insurance can cover loss or damage caused by insured events, such as storms1 or bushfires.1 Many home insurance policies include impact damage as an insured event. This includes things that can fall and hit your home, like trees or branches, power poles or even space debris. It may also cover items on your roof if they break, such as satellite dishes, antennas, solar panels and hot water tanks.
Looking after your trees can help lower the risk of impact damage to your home. Regular pruning can also help prevent blocked gutters and drains that may cause building damage over time.
Home Insurance doesn’t cover damage to cars. However, comprehensive car insurance may cover tree damage to your car while it’s parked at your home. Always check your car insurance policy details in your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).
If your neighbour’s tree damages your property, you may be able to claim on your home insurance. Depending on your policy and the situation, Building or Contents cover may apply. If your claim is accepted, your insurer may cover the repair or rebuild the damaged parts of your property.
If you’d rather leave the technical checks to a specialist, an Allianz Home Health Check is designed for you. For $299 (incl. GST), here’s what you’ll get:
This service is available to eligible Allianz Home Insurance customers who live within eligible metro Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane postcodes.
For useful links and handy resources on caring for your home, check out Allianz Prevention.
This article has been prepared by Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFSL234708 ("Allianz"). It is a summary of key concepts and not meant to represent the complete picture on any given matter. It is not meant to be legal advice. The information should be read in conjunction with the relevant legislation and regulations. In some cases, information has been provided to us by third parties and while that information is believed to be accurate and reliable, its accuracy is not guaranteed in any way.
Any opinions expressed constitute our views at the time of issue and are subject to change. Neither Allianz, nor its employees or directors give any warranty of accuracy or accept responsibility for any loss or liability incurred by you in respect of any error, omission or misrepresentation in this article.
We may not provide cover for any loss of or damage to your property caused by cyclone, flood, flood water combined with run-off and/or rainwater, grassfires and bushfires during the first 72 hours after you first purchase a policy or increase your cover under an existing policy. Refer to PDS for when exclusion periods apply.
Any advice here does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions apply. Before making a decision about this insurance, consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)/Policy Wording and Supplementary PDS (if applicable). Where applicable, the PDS/Policy Wording, Supplementary PDS and Target Market Determination (TMD) for this insurance are available on this website. We do not provide any form of advice if you call us to enquire about or purchase a product.
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