Tree Damage Caused By Storms In Louisiana

(KMDL-FM) As Louisiana braces for an approaching tropical system, there are the usual concerns about rising water and heavy rain. Wind is not usually an issue with the kind of tropical system we're expecting but it won't take a lot of wind to cause tree damage across South Louisiana because of the rain-soaked ground.

Since many of the popular trees that grow in South Louisiana have wide and full canopies filled with leaves, they become a giant "wind sock" when tropical breezes blow. Beneath that canopy, many of our favorite Oak Trees don't have deep root systems; they have wide and expansive root systems, but those trees may not be as deeply rooted as you think they are.

Here's Why It Won't Take Much Wind to Topple Trees in Louisiana Today

That means when the wind blows, and the ground beneath that tree is saturated and soft, there is an increased chance that Mother Nature could topple that tree. And that brings us to the essence of this article.

Take a look at your yard and your neighbor's yard. Do you see any trees that, if they fell in a storm, could cause damage to your property? This might be a good observation to make before the winds and rain pick up later today.

But what if one of your neighbor's trees was toppled by heavy rains and high winds, and it smashed your fence, your garden shed, fell into your swimming pool, or even damaged your home? The neighbor would have to pay, right?

The short answer to that question is no, probably not.

Here's Why Your Neighbor Won't Have to Pay For Tree Damage at Your House

In Louisiana, if a neighbor's tree falls on your home during a hurricane or storm, it will be your homeowner's insurance that foots the bill for damages. A hurricane is considered, under Louisiana law, to be "an Act of Nature", so the tree's owner is generally not at fault.

This scenario holds for healthy trees and sick and diseased trees, unless you have informed your neighbor of your concerns about a diseased or damaged tree before the storm hit. Yeah, you're going to need proof.

In the case where you have shown proof that your neighbor's tree was damaged or diseased, then the neighbor or their homeowner's insurance policy would be on the hook for damage repair and debris removal.

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Hopefully, we have no trees down and no power outages across the region. If you do have concerns about your power, these guys are who I would call. You'd be surprised how affordable a whole house generator can be.