Oak tree next to house

[Gary Cook]

My home was built in 1953 in Southern California. I have an Oak tree growing next to my house which is about 150 yrs old. I have lived in this house since 1970 without any problems with the tree, which is pruned about every three years. My Insurance company says I have to remove the limbs that hang over the roof of the house. This would require the removal of half of this beautiful tree. I guess my question is do I have any recourse to this issue.

[Raymond Wand]

Find an alternative insurer.
What if the tree is blown over?
Why don't they want the tree removed entirely?

[Welmoed Sisson]

The thing to remember about trees is that what you see aboveground is only half of the tree. The root ball extends outward to the drip line of the tree. That is, the roots extend out as far as the branches do. If the tree is close enough to the house that half the branches are overhanging the roof, this means the roots are doing their darndest to push through the foundation. This could lead to foundation damage over the years. I always recommend that trees be kept far enough away from the house to ensure the roots aren't trying to undermine the foundation.

[John Kogel]

No allowed to cut an oak tree down in this part of the world. You are permitted to remove a few limbs, if you ask nicely. :D
I imagine parts of the Golden State have similar rules.

[Eric Barker]

My Insurance company says I have to remove the limbs that hang over the roof of the house.

Does that come from an agent's opinion or an actual company document?

[Gary Cook]

Does that come from an agent's opinion or an actual company document?
It came from a company document.