What to Do When a Tree Falls on Your Property
A tree just fell on your property. Stay calm. Here is a step-by-step guide on what to do next to keep your family safe and handle the cleanup.
Step 1: Make Sure Everyone Is Safe
Before you do anything else, account for all family members and pets. If anyone is injured or trapped, call 911 immediately. If the tree has fallen on your home, do not enter the damaged area until it has been deemed safe by a professional. Structural damage can make floors, ceilings, and walls unstable.
Step 2: Stay Away from Power Lines
If the fallen tree has taken down power lines or is touching them, stay far away. Downed power lines can energize the ground around them, the tree itself, and anything the tree is touching — including metal fences, vehicles, and wet ground. Call your utility company to report downed lines and wait for them to de-energize the area before anyone approaches.
Step 3: Document Everything
Once it is safe to do so, take photos and video from multiple angles. Capture the damage to the tree, your property, and any surrounding areas. This documentation will be critical for your insurance claim. Take more photos than you think you need — you can always delete them later, but you cannot go back in time to take them.
Step 4: Contact Your Insurance Company
Report the damage to your homeowner's insurance company as soon as possible. Most policies cover damage caused by fallen trees, including the cost of removal when the tree hits an insured structure. Your insurance company will guide you through the claims process and may send an adjuster to assess the damage.
Keep all receipts and documentation related to the cleanup. Your insurance company will need these to process your claim.
Step 5: Call a Professional Tree Service
Do not attempt to remove a fallen tree yourself. This is especially true if the tree is on your roof, near power lines, or entangled with other trees or structures. Professional tree removal companies have the equipment, training, and insurance to handle these situations safely.
A reputable tree service will:
- Respond quickly to your call
- Assess the situation and create a safe removal plan
- Coordinate with your insurance company if needed
- Remove the tree and all debris
- Grind the stump if applicable
- Leave your property clean
Step 6: Prevent Future Incidents
Once the immediate crisis is handled, take steps to prevent it from happening again. Have the remaining trees on your property assessed by a certified arborist. Identify and address any hazard trees, dead branches, or structural weaknesses before the next storm.
Regular tree maintenance is the single best way to reduce your risk of tree failure. It is an investment that pays for itself many times over.
We Are Here When You Need Us
Tree Climber Unlimited provides emergency tree removal when you need it most. Call Tree Climber Unlimited at (209) 660-3450 for immediate assistance or to schedule a free preventive assessment of your trees.