What to Do (and Not Do) After a Tree Falls on Your Property
A storm rolls through, the wind picks up, and suddenly there's a tree across your driveway, your fence, or worse — your roof. It's a stressful moment, and what you do in the first few minutes matters. Here's a clear, no-panic guide to handling a fallen tree safely, plus a few common mistakes that can turn a bad situation into an expensive one.
First: Make Sure Everyone Is Safe
Before anything else, get people and pets away from the area. A tree that's fallen partway — leaning on a structure, another tree, or power lines — can shift or drop further without warning. Treat the whole area as unstable until a professional has assessed it.
If the tree is touching or near power lines, stay far back and do not touch the tree, any branches, or anything they're resting on. Downed or compromised lines can energize the tree, the ground around it, and even nearby metal fencing.
What to Do
Call 911 if there's immediate danger. Power lines down, a tree resting on a structure with people inside, or someone injured — these are emergencies. Get professionals on the way first, before worrying about the tree itself.
Check for gas or utility damage. If you smell gas, hear hissing, or see damage near a gas meter or line, leave the area and call your utility company from a safe distance.
Document the damage before moving anything. Take photos and video of the tree, the damage to your home, fence, car, or yard, and the surrounding area. This matters for your homeowner's insurance claim — adjusters want to see the scene as close to "as it happened" as possible.
Call your insurance company. Most homeowner's policies cover tree removal when the tree damages a structure (though not always if it just falls in your yard with no damage — check your policy). Start the claim early; many insurers have preferred contractors or specific documentation requirements.
Call a licensed, insured tree service — especially if the tree is large, tangled in lines, or resting on your house. This is not a DIY job once a tree is fully or partially down, particularly under tension against a structure or another tree. A tree in that state can release suddenly and violently when cut in the wrong spot.
Ask about tarping or temporary stabilization. If a tree damaged your roof, a reputable tree service or roofer can often tarp the opening the same day to prevent water damage while you wait on insurance and repairs.
What NOT to Do
Don't try to cut it yourself. A fallen tree is rarely just lying there — it's often under tension, wedged against something, or partially supported by broken branches. Cutting into it with a chainsaw can cause it to snap, roll, or spring in the wrong direction. This is one of the more dangerous DIY mistakes homeowners make after a storm.
Don't go near it if it's touching power lines. Even if the power looks "out," treat every line as live until the utility company confirms otherwise. Call the utility company directly, not just 911, to report a downed line.
Don't move debris before documenting it. It's tempting to start cleaning up right away, but insurance adjusters need to see the original damage. Photos first, cleanup second.
Don't assume a "small" fallen tree is a minor job. Even a modest tree can be unpredictable if it's leaning on a fence, deck, or vehicle. Weight, angle, and what it's resting against all change how it needs to be approached — that's a judgment call for a professional, not a guess.
Don't wait too long to act. A tree resting on your roof, siding, or gutters can cause ongoing water and structural damage the longer it sits. Even if you're waiting on an insurance adjuster, most companies are fine with emergency tarping or stabilization to prevent further loss — ask your insurer if you're unsure.
When to Call for Emergency Tree Removal
If the tree is:
Resting on your house, garage, or another structure
Blocking your driveway or a road
Tangled in power lines
Large enough that removal requires equipment (not just a handsaw)
...it's time to call a professional. Rakescapes offers 24/7 emergency tree service across Dickson and Middle Tennessee, and we're licensed and insured for exactly this kind of work — safely removing storm-damaged trees from homes, vehicles, and property without making the damage worse.
If a tree has come down on your property, call us at 615-886-8208 for fast, safe emergency response.