Tree Fell on House: Immediate Steps to Take

A tree just fell on your house. It's a scary situation, but panic won't help. This guide walks you through what to do, in what order, to keep everyone safe and protect your interests.

First 15 Minutes: Safety Only

Get Everyone Out If Needed

If the tree has caused significant structural damage—collapsed roof, broken walls, major tilting—evacuate the building. Don't try to assess damage from inside. Get everyone, including pets, to a safe distance.

If damage appears limited to one area and the structure seems stable, you can likely remain in unaffected parts of the house, but use caution.

Check for Downed Power Lines

Look before you approach the tree or damaged area. If power lines are down or the tree is touching lines:

• Stay at least 35 feet away
• Assume all lines are live
• Don't touch the tree, lines, or anything in contact with them
• Call 911 immediately
• Don't re-enter the house until the utility company confirms power is off

Downed power lines are the most dangerous part of this situation. People die from electrocution in exactly these scenarios.

Shut Off Utilities If Safe

If you can safely access your utility shutoffs:

• Electricity: Switch off the main breaker
• Gas: Turn off at the meter if you smell gas or if the tree hit near gas lines
• Water: Turn off if you see broken pipes or flooding

Only do this if it's clearly safe to access these areas. Don't enter damaged parts of the structure to reach shutoffs.

Call 911 If Needed

Call 911 if:

• Anyone is injured
• Power lines are down
• You smell gas
• The structure is severely damaged or unsafe
• You're not sure whether it's safe

First Hour: Assess and Document

Take Photos and Video

Once safety is addressed, document everything before anything is moved or repaired:

• Wide shots showing the tree and the house
• Close-ups of where the tree contacted the structure
• All visible damage to roof, walls, windows
• Interior damage if safe to access
• The tree itself (base, trunk, root ball if uprooted)

This documentation is critical for insurance claims. More photos are better than fewer.

Prevent Further Damage

If safe, take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage:

• Cover holes or broken windows with tarps or plywood
• Move valuables away from exposed areas
• Place buckets under leaks

Insurance policies typically require you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage. Keep receipts for any materials you buy.

Call Your Insurance Company

Most policies require prompt notification of damage. When you call:

• Report the incident and describe damage
• Ask about emergency repairs and spending limits
• Ask about temporary living expenses if the house is uninhabitable
• Get a claim number
• Find out what documentation they need
• Ask when an adjuster will visit

Don't commit to any permanent repairs or large expenses until you've spoken with insurance.

First Day: Getting Help

Emergency Tree Removal

You'll likely need emergency tree service to remove the tree from your house. Some considerations:

Who to call: Start with established local companies, not door-knockers. If you don't know anyone, ask your insurance company—many have preferred vendors.

What to expect: Emergency rates are higher than normal. After major storms, wait times can be long. True emergencies (structure actively threatened) get priority over cleanup.

Before they start:

• Get a written estimate
• Verify insurance
• Understand what's included
• Take more photos

Coordinate with your insurer: For significant damage, your insurance company may want to send an adjuster before extensive work begins. Ask them.

Structural Assessment

For significant damage, you may need a structural engineer to assess whether the building is safe. Your insurance company can advise on this, and the cost is typically covered.

Temporary Repairs

Focus on making the structure weather-tight and secure:

• Board up broken windows and doors
• Tarp damaged roof areas
• Secure the property against intrusion

Keep all receipts. Emergency repairs are typically covered by insurance.

If You Can't Stay There

Most homeowner's policies include "additional living expenses" (ALE) coverage for temporary housing if your home is uninhabitable. Before booking hotels:

• Confirm your policy includes ALE coverage
• Ask about spending limits and what's covered
• Keep all receipts for lodging, food, and related expenses

The Insurance Process

What's Typically Covered

• Damage to the structure: Roof, walls, foundation damage from the tree impact
• Personal property damage: Items inside the house damaged by the tree or resulting weather exposure
• Tree removal: Cost to remove the tree that hit the house (usually with limits, often $500-1,000 per tree)
• Additional living expenses: Hotel, food, etc. if the house is uninhabitable
• Debris removal: Often included with tree removal

What's Typically NOT Covered

• Trees that fell but didn't hit anything: Usually not covered
• Damage to your trees: Landscaping coverage is limited
• Preventive removal: Removing other threatening trees before they fall
• Damage from neglected trees: If the tree was visibly dead or hazardous and you ignored it, coverage may be denied

Working with the Adjuster

• Be present when the adjuster visits
• Show them all damage, including hidden areas
• Share your documentation (photos, videos, receipts)
• Get their findings in writing
• You can dispute their assessment if you believe it's inadequate

A Note About "Your Tree" vs. "Neighbor's Tree"

It often doesn't matter where the tree came from. Generally:

• Your homeowner's insurance covers damage to your property from falling trees, regardless of whose property the tree stood on
• Neighbor's insurance typically isn't responsible unless they were negligent (knew the tree was hazardous and did nothing)
• Claims go through your own policy; your insurer may pursue recovery from the neighbor's insurance if negligence was involved

This varies by state and policy. Ask your insurer about your specific situation.

Summary Checklist

Immediate (0-15 minutes):

• ☐ Ensure everyone is safe and out if needed
• ☐ Check for downed power lines—stay away
• ☐ Shut off utilities if safe to do so
• ☐ Call 911 if anyone's hurt or lines are down

First hour:

• ☐ Document everything with photos/video
• ☐ Take steps to prevent further damage
• ☐ Call your insurance company

First day:

• ☐ Get emergency tree removal if needed
• ☐ Arrange structural assessment if significant damage
• ☐ Complete temporary repairs
• ☐ Arrange temporary housing if needed
• ☐ Keep all receipts

The Bottom Line

A tree on your house is stressful, but it's manageable. Prioritize safety, document thoroughly, communicate promptly with insurance, and don't make hasty decisions about permanent repairs until you understand your coverage. Most homeowner policies are designed exactly for situations like this.