Tree Insurance & Risk Management Guide
Protecting Property Owners in Johannesburg & Gauteng
Trees add value to a property.
But when unmanaged, they also carry financial risk.
Storm damage. Falling branches. Cracked walls. Uplifted paving. Roof impact. Boundary disputes.
Tree-related incidents can lead to costly insurance claims — or worse, rejected claims.
Apex Tree Felling helps property owners reduce risk before damage occurs.
Why Tree Risk Management Matters
In Johannesburg and across Gauteng:
Sudden summer storms are common
Strong winds expose weak limbs
Large gum trees grow close to structures
Roots interfere with foundations and plumbing
When a tree damages property, liability depends on whether reasonable care was taken.
Proactive maintenance protects you legally and financially.
Common Insurance Risks Related to Trees
Property owners often face:
Roof damage from falling limbs
Vehicle damage in driveways
Boundary wall collapse
Cracked foundations from root systems
Injury claims from falling branches
If negligence can be proven, insurance complications may arise.
Routine assessment reduces exposure.
Public Liability & Tree Work
When hiring a tree service, insurance matters.
If an uninsured contractor damages:
Your home
A neighbour’s property
A vehicle
A boundary structure
The financial burden may fall on the property owner.
Apex operates with:
✔ Public liability insurance
✔ Workmen’s compensation coverage
✔ Structured safety planning
This protects clients during high-risk operations.
Preventative Tree Risk Assessment
We assess:
Leaning trees
Hollow or decayed trunks
Deadwood accumulation
Overextended limbs
Aggressive root growth
Proximity to roofs and power lines
Often, strategic trimming prevents full removal.
Prevention is always more cost-effective than emergency repair.
Estate & Body Corporate Risk Management
Estates and sectional title properties face added responsibility.
Risks include:
Injury to residents
Damage to communal property
Legal exposure from falling trees
We support estate managers with:
Scheduled maintenance plans
Documented safety assessments
Controlled pruning programs
Hazard removal before storm season
Proactive management reduces claims and disputes.
Storm Season Preparedness in Gauteng
Before summer storms:
Remove dead branches
Reduce crown weight
Assess vulnerable large trees
Secure weakened limbs
Emergency removals are more expensive and more dangerous.
Prepared properties are safer properties.
Root Damage & Structural Risk
Certain species — especially invasive or large gum trees — develop root systems that:
Lift paving
Crack driveways
Disturb foundations
Damage underground pipes
Early intervention prevents structural repair costs.
The Apex Risk-Control Approach
We do not promote unnecessary cutting.
We promote responsible management.
Our process includes:
On-site evaluation
Risk grading
Recommendation: prune, reduce, remove or monitor
Structured execution
Clean completion
Our goal is long-term property protection.
Who Should Prioritise Tree Risk Management?
Homeowners with mature trees
Estate managers
Property developers
Schools
Commercial property owners
Farmers with structures near tree lines
If a tree can fall on something valuable, it requires assessment.
Reduce Liability. Protect Your Investment.
Tree damage is unpredictable.
Risk management is not.
Apex Tree Felling serves Johannesburg, Randburg, and the greater Gauteng region with safety-focused, insurance-backed tree services.
Esther Bryce
Founder / Interior designer
Lianne Wilson
Broker
Jaden Smith
Architect
Jessica Kim
Photographer