If a tree just came down on your property, take a breath. Get everyone to safety first and call for help. The rest can wait. Here’s what to do, in order.
First, Make Sure Everyone Is Safe
Get everyone out of the damaged area. If the tree is on your roof, check for cracks in the ceiling, sagging, or creaking sounds. If the structure feels unstable, go outside and stay out. Call 911 if anyone is hurt or you smell gas.
What to Do If a Tree Falls on Power Lines
Treat every downed line as live. Stay at least 30 feet away, and don’t touch the tree, the lines, or anything they’re touching, including a car or a puddle nearby. Call 911 and your utility (in Santa Rosa, that’s PG&E). Don’t try to move branches off the line yourself, even with a wooden handle. Wait for the utility to confirm the power is off before anyone starts cutting.
What to Do If a Tree Falls on Your Car
If you’re inside the car and a wire is touching it, stay put and call 911. Don’t step out. If no wires are involved, get out carefully and move away from the tree, since it can shift. Take photos of the damage before anything moves.
What to Do If a Tree Falls on Your House
Once everyone is safe, protect the home from more damage. Cover exposed areas with a tarp if you can do it safely from the ground. Don’t climb onto a damaged roof. A weakened roof, or a tree still under tension, can give way without warning.
Document Everything Before You Touch Anything
Photograph and video the tree, the damage, and the surrounding area from several angles. This matters for your claim. Write down the date, time, and weather conditions.
Call Your Insurance Company
Call as soon as it’s safe. Homeowners policies often cover a tree that damages your house, and comprehensive auto coverage typically handles a car. A tree that falls without hitting anything may only get limited removal coverage. Ask your adjuster what your policy covers. Emergency removal to prevent further damage is usually fine to start, but keep your receipts.
Call a Licensed, Insured Tree Service Company
A tree on a structure is a job for professionals. Removing it wrong can drop more weight onto the roof or send branches into other lines. Look for a company that’s licensed, insured, and experienced in emergency storm work. Ask if they’ll work directly with your insurance adjuster, because that saves you paperwork later.
Why Did the Tree Fall?
Wind and saturated soil after heavy rain are common causes. Often there were warning signs too: dead branches, fungus at the base, leaning, or root damage. If you have other trees near your home, it’s worth having an arborist take a look before the next storm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who do I call when a tree falls on my house?
Call 911 if there’s immediate danger, then your insurance company and a licensed emergency tree service.
Is it safe to stay in a house with a tree on the roof?
Not unless a professional says so. Hidden structural damage can make the roof unstable.
Should I remove the tree myself?
No. Tension, weight, and nearby power lines make it dangerous, even for experienced DIYers.
Does insurance cover tree removal?
It depends on your policy and whether the tree hit a structure. Check with your agent.
Need Help Right Now?
Treecs Inc. provides emergency tree service in Santa Rosa and across Sonoma County. If a tree is down on your property, call us at +17077750293 and we’ll get a crew out as quickly as we can.