For homeowners
What should I do first after a storm damages my trees?
Short answer
Stay away from downed power lines and call 911 and your utility for any line that is down. Then look from a safe distance for hanging limbs, leaning trees and lifted roots, take photos, and call an insured tree service.
By Umair Nawaz. Published October 25, 2026. General information, not legal, tax or insurance advice.
The longer answer
Safety comes before cleanup. Walk your property carefully and look up. Hanging limbs, cracked trunks, and trees leaning more than before are hazards. Keep children and pets away.
If you see a downed line, assume it is live. Stay back and call 911 and your utility. Never touch anything near it or try to move a tree that is on a line.
For damaged trees away from lines, take photos for insurance before anything is moved. Then call a professional tree service. Do not climb a damaged tree or use a chainsaw on it yourself.
This is general information, not legal advice.
Read next
More answers for homeowners
- What should I do if a branch is touching my house?Read the answer
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- What should I do if a tree company asks me to sign a liability waiver?Read the answer
- What should I do if a tree company says it has no insurance?Read the answer
- What should I do if a tree crew arrives with no insurance papers?Read the answer
- What should I do if a tree falls on a power line?Read the answer
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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