Here's some helpful information and a few tips you can follow to prevent possible costly winter storm damage to your trees or home.

"Damage caused by wind, wind-driven rain, damage to your home from trees or other falling objects, collapse of a structure due to weight of ice or snow are usually covered under most standard homeowners policies." (Indiana Department of Insurance)

While damage to the home may be covered, it is important to know that the removal of fallen trees may not be. Trees that do not land on and damage your home, are not covered under most standard homeowners policies.

Here are few things you can do to help your trees withstand the power that winter can bring (Purdue University):

Eliminate codominant stems by pruning weak-forked branches. Choose a good, strong central leader for young trees.
Inspect trees for broken, dying, diseased and dead branches each year. Also, conduct a visual assessment after a storm event.
Under no circumstances should a tree be “topped” to prevent wind or ice damage.
A healthy tree is the best defense to any challenge the tree may face in its lifetime. Appropriate watering and fertilization improves root growth and structure, making the tree more stable.

Browning Tree Service employs Joshua Browning ISA certified arborist license #KY-9849A who is a proud member of Indiana Arborist Association and International Society of Arboriculture, serving the West Lafayette and Lafayette, Indiana area!

Resources:

https://www.in.gov/idoi/consumer-services/consumer-alerts/consumer-alert-archives/winter-weather-and-insurance/#:~:text=Damage%20caused%20by%20wind%2C%20wind,under%20most%20standard%20homeowners%20policies.

https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/FNR/FNR-FAQ-12-W.pdf