Emergency Tree Removal: What to Do After a Storm

Step 1: Assess Safety First

Before you do anything else, make sure everyone is safe. Storm-damaged trees are unpredictable and can shift, crack, or fall further without warning.

• Stay away from downed power lines: If a tree has fallen on or near power lines, assume the lines are live and deadly. Stay at least 35 feet away and call your utility company immediately. Do not attempt to remove any tree touching power lines.
• Evacuate if the structure is compromised: If a tree has fallen on your house and there is visible structural damage — cracked walls, sagging roof, broken rafters — do not go inside. Call 911 if anyone is trapped.
• Watch for hanging branches: "Widow makers" are broken branches caught in the canopy that can fall at any time. Do not walk or stand under a damaged tree.
• Turn off gas if needed: If a tree has hit your house near a gas line and you smell gas, evacuate immediately and call your gas company.

Step 2: Document the Damage

Once it is safe to do so, document everything for your insurance claim before any cleanup begins:

• Take photos and video from multiple angles showing the tree, the damage it caused, and the surrounding area.
• Photograph any damage to your home, fence, vehicles, or other property.
• If the tree came from a neighbor's yard, photograph the stump location to establish where it was rooted.
• Keep a written record of the date, time of the storm, and weather conditions.

Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Company

Most homeowner's insurance policies cover tree damage caused by storms, but the details vary. Here is what you need to know:

• Damage to your home: If a tree falls on your house, your homeowner's insurance typically covers the repair costs and the cost to remove the tree, minus your deductible.
• Tree removal without structural damage: If a tree falls in your yard but does not hit anything, most standard policies cover $500 to $1,000 for removal. Some policies do not cover removal at all if no insured structure was damaged — check your policy.
• Neighbor's tree falls on your property:Counterintuitively, your insurance covers damage from a neighbor's tree that falls on your property. Your neighbor's insurance is only liable if the tree was clearly dead or hazardous and they were negligent in not removing it.
• Filing the claim: Call your insurance company as soon as possible. Ask about your deductible, coverage limits for tree removal, and whether you need to use an approved contractor. Get a claim number before scheduling any work.

Step 4: Find Emergency Tree Removal

After a major storm, every tree company in the area is flooded with calls. Here is how to find help quickly while avoiding common pitfalls:

• Start with companies you know: If you have an existing relationship with a tree service company, call them first. Existing customers often get priority.
• Use a directory: Search Tree Removal Map for emergency tree service companies in your area. Look for companies that specifically list 24/7 emergency service.
• Call multiple companies: Do not wait for callbacks. Call 5 to 10 companies and take the first one that can respond promptly with a reasonable price.
• Verify insurance even in an emergency: This is still critical. An uninsured crew that causes additional damage leaves you holding the bag. Take 60 seconds to ask for proof of insurance.

How to Avoid Storm Chasers and Scams

Major storms attract out-of-town crews looking to profit from desperate homeowners. Protect yourself:

• Never hire door knockers: Legitimate companies do not go door-to-door soliciting work after storms. Crews that show up unsolicited are almost always uninsured, unlicensed, and overpriced.
• Never pay in full upfront: A small deposit is reasonable. Paying the full amount before work is done is how you lose money to scammers.
• Get a written estimate: Even in an emergency, a reputable company will give you a written price before starting work. If someone wants to start cutting without agreeing on a price first, that is a major red flag.
• Be realistic on pricing: Emergency tree removal costs 50 to 100% more than non-emergency work. This is normal due to overtime labor, hazardous conditions, and high demand. But quotes that are 3 to 4 times normal rates are price gouging.
• Check before signing: Look up the company's name, phone number, and reviews online before signing anything. A quick search can save you from a bad decision made under pressure.

Preventing Future Emergency Situations

The best emergency tree removal is the one you never need. Proactive tree maintenance dramatically reduces storm damage risk:

• Have your trees inspected by a certified arborist every 3 to 5 years. They can identify structural weaknesses, disease, and dead wood before they become emergencies.
• Keep trees properly pruned. Thinning the canopy reduces wind resistance and lowers the chance of large branches breaking.
• Remove dead or dying trees proactively. A controlled removal on your schedule is far cheaper and safer than an emergency removal after a storm.
• Consider cabling and bracing for valuable trees with structural weaknesses. This is far less expensive than removal and preserves mature trees.

Use Tree Removal Map to find tree service companies in your area that offer both emergency response and preventive maintenance. Building a relationship with a local company before an emergency happens means faster response when you need it most.