For homeowners
What happens if a tree company hits a gas line?
Short answer
Get everyone away from the spot right away, then call 911 and the gas company from a safe distance. Who pays depends on what happened and on your contract. To lower the risk, 811 should be called before any digging or stump grinding.
By Umair Nawaz. Published October 25, 2026. General information, not legal, tax or insurance advice.
The longer answer
A broken gas line is an emergency. If you smell gas, hear a hiss, or see dirt blowing, move everyone out and away from the spot. Do not switch lights or machines on or off. From a safe distance, call 911 and your gas utility. Do not go back until emergency crews say it is safe.
Prevention is simple. Before a crew digs or grinds a stump, someone should call 811, the free call-before-you-dig number, so buried lines get marked. Ask your tree company if they will do it or if you should. Then keep the paint or flags in place until the job is done.
Who pays for damage depends on the facts, such as whether the line was marked, who dug, and what your contract says. The company's insurance may respond, and your own homeowner policy might too. These details vary, so call your insurance agent if it happens.
Ask any company you hire for a certificate of insurance before work starts. This is a short explanation, not legal advice.
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Hiring a tree service?
Plain guides for homeowners
Safety first: stay away from downed power lines and call the utility; call 911 if anyone is in danger. Lirevon does not do tree work. Find local pros on Google Maps and read their reviews, then get two or three written quotes.
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