Standard home insurance provides some coverage for trees and shrubs damaged by wind, hail or snow, as well as fire, lightning, theft, vandalism and other perils outlined in the policy. But generally, the coverage is limited to 5 percent of the amount of insurance on the structure of the house and up to $500 per tree or shrub, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III).

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Check the policy and talk to your insurance agent about whether you need to purchase additional coverage for landscaping through an endorsement on the policy.

Home insurance also covers damage caused by trees that fall and hit the house or another insured structure, such as a garage. Home insurance pays for removal of the tree in that case (generally up to $500 or $1,000, according to III), and some policies might cover removal if the tree blocks a driveway or wheelchair ramp. However, home insurance doesn't cover removal of a tree if it falls in the yard without hitting the house or other insured structure.

Falling trees and car insurance

What if a tree hits your car? Comprehensive car insurance covers the repairs. Comprehensive insurance is optional and covers damage to vehicles from causes other than traffic accidents.

To avoid landscape heartache, choose trees and shrubs that tend to withstand the elements in your region, and learn how to provide proper care to prevent losses. If you fail to maintain a tree and it falls and damages a neighbor's house, your neighbor's home insurance company could come after you to pay for repairs. In that case, your home insurance liability coverage comes into play, but you'd still be on the hook for the deductible and the claim would go on your record. If you have too many claims, the home insurance company could raise your premium.

1. A creek flows through the back yard of a home I am purchasing. Do I have to buy flood insurance?
2. A neighbor's tree fell across my fence. Whose insurance pays?
3. Are new manufactured homes safer than older models?
4. Can I buy insurance to cover my new diamond engagement ring?
5. Can installing a home security system reduce a home insurance premium?
6. Could my home insurance company cancel my policy after I file just one claim?
7. Do I need to buy flood insurance even if I don't live near water?
8. Does home insurance cover all exterior elements?
9. Does home insurance cover jewelry and fine art?
10. How can insurance protect me if my luggage is lost, stolen or damaged?
11. I own a historic home. Do I need special insurance?
12. I'm building a house. How do I insure it while it's under construction?
13. The laptop my company provided to me was stolen recently. Whose insurance policy pays?
14. What are the insurance issues to consider if I decide to rent out my home?
15. What insurance do I need to cover my laptop computer?
16. Will home insurance cover a stolen bike?
17. Will homeowners insurance cover a gun collection?
18. Will insurance cover my valuable coin collection?
19. Will my home insurance cover falling trees and damaged shrubs?
20. Will my home insurance policy cover an in-law apartment in my house?
21. Will my home insurance policy cover hurricane damage?
22. Do I need flood insurance if I live in a condo?
23. Do I need title insurance if I'm buying a condominium?
24. If damages in my condo spread to a neighbor's unit, will my home insurance pay for repairs?
25. What type of home insurance should I purchase for my condo?
26. Will a roommate's renters insurance policy cover my possessions, too?