Before the Storm
The best storm response starts weeks earlier. A tree that's already compromised — see our tree risk checklist — is far more likely to fail in high wind than a healthy one.
- Remove dead or hanging branches ahead of storm season; they're the first thing to come down in wind
- Have leaning or visibly damaged trees assessed, especially any near the house, driveway, or power lines
- Thin dense canopies on mature trees so wind can pass through instead of catching the full sail of the crown
- Photograph your property and major trees now, before any damage — it makes insurance documentation much easier later
During and Immediately After
Never approach a downed tree or branch that is touching a power line. Treat every line as live until the utility company confirms otherwise, and call 911 or your utility's emergency line immediately.
- Keep people and pets away from any tree with visible new cracks, a fresh lean, or a partially uprooted base — it can continue to fail after the storm has passed
- Do not attempt to cut a tree that's under tension (bent, leaning on a structure, or partially fallen) — these store enormous energy and can snap back violently
- If a tree has fallen on your house, vehicle, or another structure, call your insurance company and a professional tree service before moving anything
- For anything blocking a driveway, roof, or vehicle with people inside, treat it as an emergency and call for 24/7 response
Cleanup and the Insurance Claim
Once the immediate danger has passed, cleanup and paperwork go hand in hand:
- Document everything first. Photos and video of the damage, from multiple angles, before anything is moved or cut
- Contact your insurance company to start the claim and ask what they need documented before work begins
- Get the tree removed promptly once it's documented — most policies expect reasonable, timely mitigation to prevent further damage
- Keep receipts for any tree service, tarping, or temporary repairs; these are often reimbursable
- Ask whether the removal is billed to the homeowner or the tree's origin property if a neighbor's tree fell on your land — this varies by policy and situation
We work directly with insurance adjusters regularly and can provide the documentation, itemized invoices, and before/after photos most carriers ask for.
