Filing Insurance Claims for Hurricane Debris and Yard Damage in Louisiana

After a hurricane, the chaos doesn’t end when the winds die down. Homeowners across Louisiana are often left with uprooted trees, broken fences, scattered debris, and destroyed landscaping—all of which can carry real costs, both financially and emotionally. Yet many people don’t realize these damages can become a battleground with their insurance company.  

At Binegar Christian, we help homeowners and property owners across Louisiana fight back when their insurance carrier refuses to cover hurricane debris or landscape damage. Whether your policy was unclear, your claim was denied, or your reimbursement was far too low—we’re here to help you recover what you’re owed. 

Why Debris & Landscaping Damage Matters After a Hurricane

While it may seem cosmetic, hurricane-related debris and yard damage can affect your home’s safety, value, and livability. Storms don’t just knock over trees—they tear up sprinkler systems, ruin landscaping investments, and leave dangerous debris behind.  

Types of landscape and exterior damage include:  

  • Fallen trees and branches  

  • Destroyed sod or flower beds  

  • Broken irrigation systems  

  • Damaged fences, decks, or patios  

  • Crushed outdoor lighting or hardscape features  

Unfortunately, many homeowners are shocked to learn that these types of damage aren’t always fully covered.    

What Insurance Typically Covers (And What It Doesn’t) 

Understanding the fine print of your homeowner's policy is key when dealing with debris or yard claims. Here's what to expect:  

Covered Damage:  

✔ A tree falls and damages a covered structure (e.g., house or shed)  

✔ Debris that physically impacts a covered part of your property  

Excluded or Limited Coverage:  

✘ Debris cleanup for items not damaging an insured structure  

✘ Landscaping items like plants, trees, sod, and gardens—unless scheduled as insured property  

✘ Cleanup cost caps, typically ranging from $500–$1,000  

Conditional Coverage:  

Some high-value landscaping features may be covered under specific riders or endorsements  

Pro Tip: Review your policy before hurricane season begins to know where you stand. Better yet, contact us to review your policy with you. Many homeowners have different coverage than they think they do—and it's best to know your options before a storm hits.'

How Hurricane Francine Reshaped Louisiana Claim Awareness 

When Hurricane Francine tore through the New Orleans metro area in 2023, it left a staggering trail of destruction—not just on homes, but across thousands of lawns, gardens, and neighborhoods. According to WWLTV, the storm caused over $115 million in landscape and debris-related damages, much of which was left uncovered by insurance.  

As a result, many insurers revised policy language to further limit coverage, leaving homeowners with large out-of-pocket costs. At Binegar Christian, we’ve helped Louisiana families navigate these evolving policies, from post-Katrina litigation to Hurricane Francine and beyond.  

Common Disputes Around Debris & Landscape Damage Claims  

Insurance companies often try to minimize or deny yard-related damages, classifying them as cosmetic—even when the impact is significant. Common issues include:  

  • Denying landscaping claims as cosmetic or unrelated to “structure damage”  

  • Rejecting cleanup reimbursements despite documented efforts  

  • Blaming fallen trees on decay instead of storm force  

  • Lowball offers for mature trees or high-end fencing  

  • Inflated contractor fees that aren't reimbursed in full  

Pro Tip: Take photos of your landscaping each spring to help establish pre-storm value and support future claims. 

Filing a Debris or Landscape Damage Claim: Step-by-Step  

  • Document the Damage - Take wide and close-up photos before any cleanup begins.  

  • Keep Every Receipt - Save invoices from cleanup crews, arborists, or landscapers.  

  • Notify Your Insurer Quickly - Time matters—file as soon as possible.  

  • Avoid DIY for Dangerous Jobs - Hire licensed professionals for tree removal or heavy lifting.  

  • Talk to a Lawyer if Denied or Underpaid - Don’t assume your insurer’s decision is final.  

  

Why Work With a Hurricane Insurance Lawyer?

Hurricane debris and yard damage claims fall into a legal gray area—and insurers use that to their advantage. With vague language and coverage loopholes, your valid claim can easily be denied or underpaid.  

Here’s how we help at Binegar Christian:  

  • Clarify your coverage and policy language  

  • Bring in expert witnesses, including arborists or appraisers  

  • Challenge unjust denials and negotiate fair settlements  

  • Represent your case in court, if needed  

With nearly 20 years of experience in Louisiana hurricane insurance litigation, we’re ready to fight for your full recovery. 

FAQs

  • Sometimes. Many policies limit this coverage to a set dollar amount per tree/shrub (e.g., $500). Trees must often be part of a scheduled landscaping plan. 

  • Usually, only if the debris damages a covered structure. General yard cleanup is often excluded or capped. 

  • Use “before” photos, landscaping invoices, or a plan from a professional landscaping company.

  • Your policy may still cover it unless the neighbor was clearly negligent (e.g., ignoring a visibly dead tree).

Secure Your Future with a Free Consultation

Don’t face tornado damage issues alone. When you need an advocate to stand up to insurance companies, reach out to Binegar Christian, LLC.

Get a Free Consultation with Binegar Christian, LLC

Knowing the most valuable and precious asset you own is your home, we fight for each claim as if it were our own. We understand the challenges that come with property damage, insurance claims, and mortgage disputes, and we are here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.