Short answer: Yes — your homeowners policy generally covers detached structures like sheds, fences, and pools under a part of the policy called “other structures,” and it usually pays to remove a tree that falls on a covered structure. The two things to watch are whether your other-structures limit is high enough for what you actually have, and — with a pool — whether your liability limits are strong enough.
Where in my policy is this covered?
Detached structures fall under “other structures,” or Coverage B — the part of your policy for anything on your property that isn’t attached to the house. It’s typically capped at a percentage of your dwelling limit, often around 10%. That’s plenty for a simple fence, but it can fall short if you’ve got a big shop, a barn, or an expensive privacy fence, and you can raise it.
1. Sheds, fences, and detached structures
Your detached garage, storage shed, fence, or gazebo is covered as an other structure against the same perils as your home. The key is the limit: add up what these structures would actually cost to rebuild, and if that’s more than roughly 10% of your dwelling coverage, ask to increase it.
2. Fallen trees — coverage follows the damage
When a tree comes down, the rule is simple: coverage follows the damage. If the tree hits a covered structure — your roof, fence, or shed — the damage is generally covered, and your policy usually pays to remove the tree up to a set limit. If a tree falls in the yard and hits nothing, most policies won’t pay to haul it off, because nothing insured was damaged.
3. Pools — the liability is the real risk
A pool is usually covered as an other structure, but the bigger issue is liability. Pools are considered an “attractive nuisance” that can draw children onto your property, which raises the odds of an injury claim. Keep your liability limits healthy, use safety measures like fencing and a cover, and seriously consider an umbrella policy. Some insurers also require certain safeguards to keep the pool covered at all.
4. Your neighbor’s tree — whose policy pays?
If your neighbor’s tree falls on your house, you generally file with your own insurer, who covers the damage and may then pursue the neighbor’s insurer if the tree was clearly neglected. Don’t assume the neighbor automatically pays — start with your own policy so repairs aren’t held up.
How to check your coverage
Pull your declarations page and find your other-structures (Coverage B) limit and your personal liability limit. If the structures on your property would cost more to rebuild than that limit, or if you have a pool and modest liability, those are the two numbers to raise.