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After a storm damages your trees: what to do, step by step
A storm has passed and there is a tree on the roof or across the drive. This guide gives you the safe order of things: people first, power lines next, then photos, insurance and a good local crew.
By Umair Nawaz, founder of Lirevon Updated How we check facts
Safety first
- Someone is hurt, trapped or in danger, or you smell gas: call 911 first.
- A wire is down, or a tree is touching a line: stay far away and call your electric utility. Assume every downed line is live, even if the power is out.
- Stay out from under damaged trees. Broken limbs can hang high in the crown and fall later, even on a calm day.
- Do not climb, use a ladder or run a chainsaw on storm wood. Bent and trapped wood can spring back hard. This is work for a trained, insured crew.
Nothing here is worth getting hurt for. Photos and calls can wait until everyone is safe.
The first few hours, step by step
Go in this order. Each step makes the next one safer.
1. Check on people first
Make sure everyone is safe. If anyone is hurt or trapped, or you smell gas or see sparks, get out and call 911 from a safe place.
2. Look for power lines before you go outside
Wires can hide under branches and water. Treat every downed wire as live. Keep kids and pets inside and call your electric utility.
3. Look from a safe spot
Broken limbs can stay stuck high in a tree and drop hours or days later. Do not stand under a cracked, leaning or hanging limb.
4. Leave the cutting to a pro
Storm wood is twisted and under stress. When cut, it can spring back or roll. Do not climb, lean a ladder on a damaged tree or run a chainsaw on bent wood.
5. Stop more damage, only if it is safe
If rain is coming in, move valuables and put down buckets from inside the house. Some policies ask for reasonable steps like this, so ask your insurer. Do not go on the roof.
6. Start a simple log
Write down the storm date, what fell, what it hit and every call, visit and receipt from now on.
If a tree is on the house or blocking the only way out, read about emergency tree service. If a tree is still standing but looks hurt, use the checklist in is my tree dangerous?
Photos and notes for insurance
Photos taken before cleanup make the talk with your insurer easier. Take them from a safe place.
- Take wide photos from a safe distance first, so it is clear where the tree is and what it hit.
- Then take close photos of the damage: roof, gutters, fence, car or shed.
- Take a short video walking around the area. Say the date out loud.
- Keep every receipt, such as a tarp, a hotel night or emergency work. Photograph damaged items before you throw them out.
- Call your insurer soon. Ask what they need and whether they want to see the damage before work starts.
What insurance covers depends on your policy, your state and what the tree hit. This is a short explanation, not legal or insurance advice. Our trees and insurance page covers the basics, and your insurer has the final word.
How to spot a storm chaser
"Storm chasers" are crews that travel to storm areas looking for quick work. Some do fine work. Others take a deposit and leave, or have no insurance. These signs mean slow down.
They knock first and push you to sign today
After big storms, crews from far away often go door to door. "This price is only good today" is a pressure tactic. A real local company will still be there tomorrow.
They want cash or a big payment up front
Be careful with cash-only deals or large payments before any work is done. Get the payment terms in writing.
They cannot show proof of insurance
Ask for a certificate of insurance for liability and workers, and call the insurer on it to check.
No local address, no reviews, no written quote
Look for a company on Google Maps with reviews over time, a local phone number and a written quote that lists the work.
They offer to "handle" your insurance claim
Do not sign papers that give someone rights to your claim unless you understand them. Talk to your insurer first.
To report a suspected scam, contact your state consumer protection office. Rules vary by state.
Getting quotes you can trust
We do not list prices for tree work. Tree size, where it fell, what it hit, access and whether a crane is needed all change the cost. Get two or three written quotes.
- Get two or three written quotes. In a storm rush, the first crew to show up is not always the right one.
- Make sure each quote lists the same work: which trees, whether the stump is ground, and whether wood and debris are hauled away.
- Ask what is not included, such as cleanup or repairs to the fence or lawn.
- Ask when they can start. After a big storm, waits can be long. An honest answer is a good sign.
- Get proof of insurance before work starts, and check if your town needs a permit.
For more help, read how to hire a tree service, see the questions to ask, and learn the tree removal cost factors. Some towns need a permit even after a storm; see tree permits.
After-storm checklist
Work down this list. It is general information, not an inspection or advice for your exact case.
| Step | When |
|---|---|
| Everyone safe; 911 called if anyone is hurt or in danger | Right away |
| Downed or touched power lines reported to the utility | Right away |
| People and pets kept away from damaged trees and wires | Right away |
| Wide and close photos and a short video taken | Same day, before cleanup |
| Insurer called; claim number written down | Within a day or two |
| Two or three local, insured tree pros contacted | As soon as safe |
| Certificate of insurance checked | Before work starts |
| Written quotes compared for the same work | Before you sign |
| Permit checked with your town, if needed | Before removal |
| Receipts and final invoice saved | After the work |
More guides for homeowners are on the homeowners page.
Common questions
What should I do first when a tree falls on my house?
Get everyone out of the damaged area. Call 911 if anyone is hurt, or if you smell gas or see sparks. Stay away from wires. Then take photos, call your insurer and call local insured tree pros.
A tree is on a power line. Can I move it?
No. Do not touch the tree or the wire. Stay far away and call your electric utility. Call 911 if there is fire, sparks or anyone in danger.
Can I cut up the fallen tree myself?
We do not recommend it. Storm wood is under stress and can spring back or roll when cut. Leave it to a trained, insured crew.
Will my insurance pay to remove the tree?
It depends on your policy, your state and what the tree hit. This is a short explanation, not insurance or legal advice. Call your insurer and see our trees and insurance page.
How do I know if a door-to-door crew is legit?
Ask for a written quote, proof of insurance you can check and a local address. Read their Google reviews. Be careful with cash-only deals and pressure to sign today.
How much will storm tree removal cost?
We do not list prices. Cost depends on tree size, where it fell, what it hit, access and whether a crane is needed. Get two or three written quotes.
The tree came from my neighbor's yard. Who pays?
It depends on your state, the facts and the policies. Often your own policy is the first call for damage to your home. This is a short explanation, not legal or insurance advice.
Do I need a permit to remove a storm-damaged tree?
Some towns require one, and some have faster rules after storms. Check with your city or county, or ask the tree company.
Why can I not get a tree company to call me back?
After a big storm, local companies get far more calls than they can answer. Leave a clear message or text with your address and what fell, and try two or three companies.
Does Lirevon remove storm trees?
No. Lirevon does not do tree work and does not list or rank tree companies. We help tree service owners answer their calls.
Keep reading: what to do if a tree falls on a power line, how to document storm damage for insurance, which trees break in storms, and the tree care guide for your state. A leaning or cracked tree may be a hazard tree.
This page is general information. It is not a tree inspection, and it is not legal or insurance advice. In an emergency, call 911. Lirevon does not do tree work.
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