Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our emergency tree services
Emergency Tree Services
Are you available in my area?
We operate 24/7/365 with a nationwide network of certified arborists ready to respond immediately to emergencies.
For critical situations where a tree has fallen on a structure or is creating an immediate safety hazard, we prioritize dispatch to ensure the fastest possible response. Our emergency hotline is always staffed, and our teams are strategically positioned to minimize travel time to your location.
What should I do if a tree falls on my house?
If a tree falls on your house, follow these steps:
- Ensure everyone's safety by evacuating if necessary
- Call 911 if there are any injuries or immediate dangers (like downed power lines)
- Contact us at (866) 320-7003 for emergency tree removal
- Notify your insurance company about the damage
- Document the damage with photos for insurance purposes
Never attempt to remove the tree yourself as this can cause further damage and is extremely dangerous. Our emergency teams are equipped with specialized equipment and have the training to safely remove trees from structures while minimizing additional damage.
What areas do you service?
We provide emergency tree services nationwide through our extensive network of certified arborists and tree care professionals. Our coverage includes all 50 states, with particularly strong presence in:
- California
- Texas
- Florida
- New York
- Illinois
- Pennsylvania
- Ohio
- Georgia
- North Carolina
- Michigan
- New Jersey
- Virginia
No matter where you're located in the United States, we can connect you with a qualified local professional to address your tree emergency promptly. Our centralized dispatch system ensures that we can coordinate emergency response anywhere in the country.
What equipment do you use for emergency tree removal?
Our emergency response teams are equipped with specialized equipment designed for safe and efficient tree removal in emergency situations, including:
- Crane trucks for removing large trees from structures
- Bucket trucks for accessing high areas safely
- Professional-grade chainsaws and cutting equipment
- Rigging systems for controlled dismantling
- Stump grinders for complete removal
- Debris chippers for efficient cleanup
- Specialized equipment for working around power lines (when safe)
Our teams are trained in the safe operation of all equipment and follow strict safety protocols to protect your property from additional damage during the emergency removal process.
How much does emergency tree removal cost?
Emergency tree removal costs vary depending on several factors:
- Size and type of the tree
- Location and accessibility
- Complexity of the removal (e.g., trees on structures)
- Time of day/night
- Additional services needed (stump removal, cleanup)
While we can't provide exact pricing without assessing the specific situation, emergency tree removal typically ranges from $500 to $5,000+. The good news is that most homeowner's insurance policies cover emergency tree removal when a tree damages an insured structure.
We provide free estimates before beginning work, and our insurance specialists can help determine what's covered under your policy.
Insurance & Claims
Does homeowners insurance cover tree removal?
Most homeowners insurance policies cover tree removal when a tree falls due to a covered peril (like wind or lightning) and damages an insured structure such as your home, garage, or fence. Coverage typically includes:
- Removal of the tree from the structure
- Repairs to your home or property
- Temporary housing if your home is uninhabitable
However, if a tree falls without damaging an insured structure (e.g., falls in your yard), coverage is often limited or not available. Some policies offer limited coverage (typically $500-$1,000) for tree removal if the tree is blocking a driveway or handicap access.
Our insurance specialists can help determine what's covered under your specific policy and provide the documentation needed for a successful claim.
What documentation do I need for an insurance claim?
For a successful tree damage insurance claim, you'll need:
- Photos of the damage from multiple angles (before cleanup begins)
- Documentation of what caused the tree to fall (e.g., storm, lightning)
- Detailed inventory of damaged property
- Estimates for tree removal and property repairs
- Your insurance policy information and claim number
Our team provides comprehensive documentation services including:
- Professional assessment of tree damage and cause of failure
- High-quality photos from multiple angles
- Detailed cost estimates for removal and repairs
- Expert reports addressing specific insurance requirements
We can submit this documentation directly to your insurance company and communicate with adjusters on your behalf to streamline the claims process.
My neighbor's tree fell on my property. Who is responsible?
In most cases, when a tree falls due to natural causes like storms or wind:
- The property owner where the tree landed is responsible for removal and repairs
- Your homeowner's insurance would typically cover damage to your structures, regardless of who owned the tree
- This is considered an "act of God" situation where the tree owner is not liable
However, if the tree was visibly dead, diseased, or hazardous before falling, and the neighbor was negligent in addressing it:
- The neighbor could potentially be liable for damages
- Your insurance company might pursue their insurance company for costs (subrogation)
- Documentation of the tree's pre-failure condition becomes important
Our certified arborists can provide professional documentation of the tree's condition to help determine liability in these situations. We recommend contacting your insurance company first, then working with our insurance specialists to navigate the process.
How long does the insurance claim process take?
The timeline for tree damage insurance claims varies depending on:
- Your insurance company's policies and current claim volume
- The complexity of the damage
- The quality and completeness of documentation provided
- Whether additional inspections are required
With our documentation and support, most claims are processed within 1-2 weeks. Emergency services can often begin before final claim approval, especially for hazardous situations.
Our typical claim timeline:
- Initial assessment and emergency services: Immediate
- Documentation submission: Within 24-48 hours
- Insurance adjuster inspection: 2-5 days
- Claim approval: 5-10 days
- Completion of all services: 1-2 weeks after approval
Our insurance specialists work to expedite this process and keep you informed at every step.
Tree Health & Safety
How do I know if a tree is hazardous and needs removal?
Signs that a tree may be hazardous include:
- Large dead or hanging branches
- Cracks or splits in the trunk
- Leaning trees, especially those that have recently started leaning
- Multiple trunks with weak attachments (V-shaped rather than U-shaped)
- Fungal growth on the trunk (indicates internal decay)
- Exposed or damaged roots
- Cavities or hollows in the trunk
- Dead or peeling bark
- Signs of insect infestation
The risk level increases when hazardous trees are located near structures, driveways, play areas, or other high-use areas. Trees that show multiple warning signs should be evaluated by a professional.
Our professional hazard assessment service provides a thorough evaluation of your trees by certified arborists who can identify risks that may not be obvious to untrained observers.
What should I do after storm damage to trees on my property?
After a storm:
- Stay away from downed power lines and call your utility company immediately
- Assess damage from a safe distance - do not approach severely damaged trees
- Document damage with photos for insurance purposes
- Contact us for emergency removal of hazardous trees or limbs
- Don't attempt to remove large branches or trees yourself
- Be cautious of "storm chasers" offering tree services without proper credentials
Even trees that appear intact after a storm may have suffered internal damage that can lead to failure weeks or months later. Signs of hidden damage include:
- Fine cracks in the trunk
- Heaving soil around the root plate
- Subtle leaning that wasn't present before
- Damaged roots that may not be immediately visible
Our storm damage response team can quickly assess and address any immediate hazards, as well as identify trees that may pose future risks due to storm damage.
How can I prevent tree emergencies?
Preventative measures to reduce the risk of tree emergencies include:
- Regular professional inspections: Have your trees inspected by a certified arborist every 3-5 years, or after major storms
- Proper pruning: Regular maintenance pruning to remove dead or weak branches before they become hazards
- Addressing problems early: Don't ignore early signs of tree stress or disease
- Proper planting: Plant new trees in appropriate locations, away from structures and utilities
- Species selection: Choose tree species that are well-suited to your climate and soil conditions
- Avoid root damage: Protect tree roots during construction or landscaping projects
- Proper mulching: Use correct mulching techniques to promote tree health
- Adequate watering: Especially during drought conditions for younger trees
The most cost-effective approach to tree emergencies is prevention. Regular maintenance and early intervention for potential problems can save thousands of dollars in emergency removal and property damage.
Our hazard assessment service can identify potential issues before they become emergencies, allowing for planned, preventative action.
Can damaged trees be saved, or do they always need removal?
Not all damaged trees need to be removed. The decision depends on:
- The extent and location of the damage
- The tree's overall health before the damage
- The tree species and its ability to compartmentalize damage
- The tree's location and risk to targets if it fails
- The tree's value (aesthetic, historical, environmental)
Trees that can often be saved include those with:
- Less than 50% of the crown (branches and leaves) damaged
- Strong, intact trunk with no significant splits
- Healthy root system
- No structural weakness at branch attachments
Preservation techniques may include:
- Proper pruning of damaged branches
- Cabling or bracing for structural support
- Lightning protection systems
- Root zone management and soil improvement
- Treatment for pests or diseases
Our certified arborists can assess damaged trees and recommend whether preservation is a viable option through our tree preservation service.