Summer is a popular time for home improvement projects—and that often includes sprucing up the yard. Whether you’re adding new trees, installing a trampoline for the kids, or finally getting that backyard pool, it’s important to know that some landscaping choices can actually affect your homeowners insurance.
While most people don’t think of plants, patios, or swing sets as insurance-related, these features can increase risk or change your coverage needs. If you’re investing in your outdoor space this season, it might be the perfect time to get a fresh insurance quote Albuquerque NM homeowners can trust.
Here’s how your landscaping could impact your policy:
1. Trees and Shrubs: Beauty and Risk
Trees add value and curb appeal—but they also come with hazards:
- Fallen limbs during windstorms can damage your roof, fence, or even a neighbor’s property.
- Roots can crack foundations, damage underground pipes, or buckle walkways.
- Proximity to the home matters—planting trees too close to your house may increase the risk of storm damage or fire spread.
Most homeowners insurance policies cover damage caused by fallen trees (due to storms or lightning), but they may not cover removal if the tree is healthy and falls without causing damage. It’s a good idea to keep trees trimmed and healthy—and report any that appear unstable to your insurer.
2. Pools, Trampolines, and Swing Sets = Increased Liability
Known as “attractive nuisances,” features like pools and trampolines can make your yard more fun—but also more dangerous.
If someone is injured while using your trampoline or falls into your pool—even without your permission—you could be held liable.
Your insurance company may:
- Require additional liability coverage
- Ask you to install safety features (fencing, locks, pool covers, etc.)
- Exclude coverage for high-risk items unless disclosed
If you’re adding one of these features, it’s a smart move to review your liability limits and consider adding an umbrella policy for extra protection.
3. Outdoor Kitchens, Fire Pits, and Grills
An outdoor kitchen or fire pit can raise your home’s value—and your fire risk. Many policies cover structures like built-in grills or patio kitchens, but they need to be listed accurately.
Make sure your insurer knows about:
- Permanent fixtures like stone counters, gas lines, or hardwired lighting
- Detached structures like pergolas or outdoor bars
A quick conversation with your agent could ensure you’re covered if something goes wrong.
4. Fences, Decks, and Detached Structures
Fences, gazebos, sheds, and decks are usually covered under the “other structures” portion of your homeowners policy—but only if they’re included in your property inventory and within your coverage limits.
If you’ve recently added or rebuilt any of these:
- Let your agent know
- Double-check your limits to ensure replacement cost is sufficient
- Keep receipts and photos for your records
When to Get a New Quote
If you’ve done any major landscaping or added outdoor features in the past year, it’s worth requesting a home insurance quote Albuquerque NM residents can rely on to reflect those updates.
At ABQ Insurance, we help homeowners like you stay protected as your property evolves. From backyard upgrades to full landscaping projects, we’ll make sure your policy is built to keep up with your life—not lag behind it.
Let’s review your coverage today. Call 505-217-2100 or message us to get a custom quote and protect everything you’ve worked hard to build—inside and out.
