Emergency Guide
A Tree Fell on Your House? Here's What to Do First.
Take a breath — most of these situations are manageable if you handle them in the right order. Safety first, documentation second, phone calls third.
If anyone is trapped or injured, or a power line is involved, call 911 now. Everything below can wait until people are safe.
- 1
Step 1: Make sure everyone is safe
Get people and pets out of the affected part of the house — and out of the house entirely if there is any sign of further collapse, sagging ceilings, or structural damage. Call 911 immediately if anyone is trapped or injured, or if power lines are involved.
- 2
Step 2: Don't go near downed power lines
Treat every line touching the tree, the roof, or the ground as live, even if it looks dead and nothing is sparking. Stay well back, keep others away, and call Duke Energy or Brunswick EMC. Never try to move a limb off a wire yourself.
- 3
Step 3: Document before you touch anything
Photos and video of the tree, the damage, the root plate, and the surrounding area from multiple angles — outside and inside. Capture the wide context and the close details. Once the tree is cut up and hauled off, those images are the entire basis of your claim.
- 4
Step 4: Contact your homeowners insurance
Most policies cover this when the tree fell on a covered structure during a storm. Call the same day, ask about your debris-removal cap, and confirm whether a named-storm deductible applies to this event.
What insurance typically covers → - 5
Step 5: Call a licensed, insured tree removal company
Not the first door-knocker. Ask for proof of liability and workers' comp insurance, and get a written, itemized estimate. Don't sign an assignment of benefits before your adjuster has seen the damage.
Typical tree removal price ranges → - 6
Step 6: Watch for secondary hazards
Hanging limbs, a partially uprooted root ball, and a cracked trunk stay dangerous long after the initial fall. A root plate that lifted can settle back or drop further with wind or rain. Keep everyone clear of the zone until a professional confirms it's stable.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to stay in my house if a tree fell on the roof?+
Only if there is no sign of structural movement — no sagging ceilings, cracked walls, jammed doors, water pouring in, or gas smell — and no power lines are involved. When in doubt, leave and have the fire department or a structural professional clear the home before you go back in.
Who do I call first — insurance or a tree company?+
Insurance first, once everyone is safe and you have photos. Your carrier confirms coverage, debris-removal limits, and your deductible, which changes how you scope the removal. The only exception is an active emergency: power lines, gas, or an unstable structure come before any phone call except 911.
What if the tree came from my neighbor's yard?+
In North Carolina your own policy typically responds first, regardless of where the tree grew. Your insurer may pursue your neighbor's carrier if the tree was visibly dead or hazardous and they had been notified in writing. Photograph the stump and root plate on their side too — that's the evidence that matters later.
How fast do I need to get the tree removed?+
Tarp and secure the opening within a day or two to stop water damage, but do not rush the removal itself. Most carriers only require you to prevent further damage. Take the time to get a licensed, insured company and a written estimate rather than signing with the first crew that knocks.
This page offers general safety and planning guidance, not emergency, legal, or insurance advice. If anyone is in danger or power lines are involved, call 911 immediately.
Still not sure what to do next?
Send us a photo or description and we'll give honest, free guidance — no sales pitch, no pressure.