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Tree Emergency? Here's What To Do

Quick, clear guidance to help you respond safely. Follow these steps based on your situation.

First: Is Anyone in Immediate Danger?

YES - Call 911 Now

If anyone is trapped, injured, or in immediate danger from a fallen or falling tree, call 911 first. Do not attempt rescue yourself.

NO - Continue Below

If everyone is safe, follow the guidance below based on your specific situation.

Find Your Situation

CRITICAL

Tree on Power Lines

Stay at least 35 feet away
Assume ALL lines are live
Don't touch tree, lines, or anything in contact
Call 911 immediately
Call your utility company
Keep others away from the area
Wait for utility crew to de-energize
PPL Electric: 1-800-342-5775
Met-Ed: 1-888-544-4877
URGENT

Tree on Your House

Get everyone out if structure is damaged
Check for gas smell - if yes, leave and call 911
Turn off electricity at main breaker if safe
Do NOT enter damaged areas
Take photos from a safe distance
Call your insurance company
Call a tree service for emergency removal
Detailed Guide: Tree Fell on House →
URGENT

Tree Leaning or About to Fall

Move people away from the fall zone
Estimate fall direction - stay clear
If threatening a structure, evacuate
Do NOT try to prop up or cut the tree
Mark or block the danger area if possible
Call a tree service immediately
CAUTION

Hanging or Broken Branches

Stay out from under the tree
Keep children and pets away
Mark the area if it's a high-traffic zone
Do NOT try to shake or pull branches down
Call a tree service to assess and remove

Hanging branches ("widow makers") can fall without warning. They're more dangerous than they look.

IMPORTANT

Tree Blocking Road or Driveway

Check for downed power lines before approaching
If on public road, call local police non-emergency
Set up warning markers if safe
Small debris may be movable - use caution
Call a tree service for large trees
ASSESSMENT

Storm Damage - Multiple Trees

Wait until storm has fully passed
Check for power line issues first
Prioritize: structures > access > cleanup
Document all damage with photos
Contact insurance before major cleanup
Expect delays - everyone needs help
Detailed Guide: Storm Damage →

Information to Gather Before Calling

Having this information ready helps tree services respond faster:

About the Tree

  • Approximate size (height and trunk diameter)
  • What it's touching or threatening
  • Species if you know it
  • Standing, leaning, or down?

About Access

  • Can a truck reach the tree?
  • Any gates, fences, or obstacles?
  • Overhead power lines nearby?
  • Your exact address

About Urgency

  • Is anyone in immediate danger?
  • Is a structure actively damaged?
  • Are utilities affected?
  • Is access completely blocked?

Find Emergency Tree Services

Local tree care professionals serving the Lehigh Valley

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Emergency tree removal • Storm damage • 24/7 service

What to Expect with Emergency Tree Service

Response Times

True emergencies (structure damage, trapped people, utility issues) get priority. Expect immediate response for life-safety issues. For urgent but non-critical situations, response may be same-day or next-day depending on demand—especially after storms when everyone needs help.

Emergency Pricing

Emergency tree work costs more than scheduled work due to urgency, after-hours labor, and difficult conditions. Get a written estimate before work begins when possible, but understand that stabilizing a dangerous situation may need to happen immediately.

Insurance

Document everything with photos before cleanup begins. Most homeowner's policies cover tree removal when a tree hits an insured structure. Call your insurance company promptly—most require timely notification.

Insurance Coverage Guide →

Not Sure What To Do?

When in doubt about safety, err on the side of caution. Move away from the tree, keep others away, and call for professional help. Trees are heavy and unpredictable—don't risk injury trying to handle it yourself.