A tree on the roof or across the driveway is stressful. Here's what to do in the first hour, and how to get a crew lined up as fast as possible.
First, stay safe
- Assume any downed wire is live. Stay well back and call 911 and your electric utility. Never touch a tree that's touching a wire.
- Get out of rooms under a damaged section of roof. A tree can shift as it settles or as wind picks up.
- Don't climb on the roof or start cutting a tree that's under tension. Bent limbs and trunks store energy and can spring back violently when cut. That's why storm work is left to professionals.
- Take photos of the tree, the damage, and the area before anything is moved. Your insurer will want them.
Why storms here are hard on trees
Eastern Massachusetts gets every kind of tree-breaking weather. Nor'easters bring sustained wind and heavy, wet snow. Ice storms coat limbs in weight they can't carry. Summer thunderstorms bring sudden gusts. Early-season snow can be the worst case: when snow arrives while trees still have leaves, as in the October 2011 nor'easter, branches catch far more weight than they would bare. Trees already weakened by drought, emerald ash borer, or past spongy moth defoliation tend to fail first.
What an emergency tree crew does
- Safely removes the tree or limbs from the roof, vehicle, or driveway, often with a crane or bucket truck
- Helps tarp or temporarily cover roof openings once the weight is off
- Cuts and stacks or hauls wood and chips the brush
- Flags other storm-damaged trees on the property: hangers (broken limbs caught in the canopy), cracked trunks, and newly leaning trees
Insurance tips
Coverage varies by policy, so read yours or call your agent. In general, homeowners policies are more likely to cover tree removal when the tree damaged a covered structure than when it simply fell in the yard. Keep the photos, the crew's invoice, and a short written description of the damage. Avoid signing over insurance benefits to anyone at the door. Get a written quote first.
Frequently asked questions
A tree fell on my house. Who do I call first?
If anyone is hurt, or wires are involved, call 911 first, then your electric utility. Once it's safe, request a tree crew to remove the weight from the structure, then call your insurer. Photograph everything before it's moved.
Who is responsible when a neighbor's tree falls on my property?
This depends on the facts and your policies. Often each owner's homeowners insurance handles damage to their own property, and negligence can matter if a tree was obviously dead beforehand. Talk to your insurance agent for your specific situation.
Will the utility remove a tree that fell on the power lines?
Utilities handle their lines and generally clear what's needed to restore power. They usually don't clean up the wood on private property. Never let anyone cut a tree that's still in contact with lines until the utility says it's safe.
How do I spot a dangerous tree after a storm?
Look for broken limbs hanging in the canopy, fresh cracks in the trunk or at large branch unions, a new lean, and soil lifted or cracked on one side of the base. Keep people and cars out from under anything suspicious until it's checked.
Can I get a quote at night or on a weekend?
You can submit a request or call at any time. Response times after big storms depend on how many calls crews are handling, so trees on houses and blocked access are prioritized first.
Sources and further reading
General information only, not legal advice. Rules change. Confirm with your town before work begins.