A fallen tree is one of the most stressful situations a homeowner can face. Whether it has crashed onto your roof, blocked your driveway, or is leaning dangerously over your property, knowing the right steps to take can minimise further damage and keep everyone safe.
Immediate Steps After a Tree Falls
Safety comes first. Follow these steps in order:
- Evacuate if necessary – If the tree has damaged your home’s structure, get everyone out until the building is assessed.
- Call emergency services – If the tree is on power lines, blocking a road, or someone is injured, call 000 immediately. Never approach fallen trees near power lines.
- Document the damage – Take photos and videos from a safe distance for your insurance claim.
- Contact your insurer – Report the incident as soon as possible. Most home insurance policies cover storm damage from fallen trees.
- Call an emergency arborist – Only qualified professionals with the right equipment should handle fallen or unstable trees.
What Emergency Tree Removal Involves
Emergency tree removal services operate outside normal business hours and are equipped to handle hazardous situations. The process typically involves:
- Making the site safe by stabilising or removing immediate hazards.
- Carefully dismantling the tree in sections using chainsaws, rigging, and sometimes cranes.
- Removing debris from the structure, vehicle, or area affected.
- Temporary tarping or securing of damaged roofing or structures.
The arborist team will assess the situation and determine the safest approach. In some cases, partial removal may be done immediately with the remainder scheduled for the next day when conditions are safer.
How Much Does Emergency Tree Removal Cost?
Emergency work costs more than planned tree removal due to the urgency, after-hours labour, and additional risk. Expect to pay 30 to 50 percent more than standard tree removal costs. Common pricing ranges include:
- Small tree emergency removal – $500 to $1,500
- Medium tree on structure – $1,500 to $4,000
- Large tree complex removal – $3,000 to $10,000+
After-hours call-out fees typically range from $200 to $500 on top of the removal cost. If a crane is needed, this can add $1,000 to $3,000 to the total.
Insurance and Emergency Tree Removal
Most home and contents insurance policies cover the cost of removing a tree that has fallen onto an insured structure. However, there are common exclusions and conditions to be aware of, which are covered in detail in our guide to storm damage to trees and insurance claims. Keep all invoices, photos, and correspondence for your claim.
Preventing Tree Emergencies
While storms and extreme weather cannot be prevented, regular tree maintenance significantly reduces the risk of tree failure. Annual inspections by a qualified arborist can identify weak branches, root problems, and structural defects before they become emergencies. Understanding the complete tree removal process also helps you make informed decisions about trees that may be reaching the end of their safe lifespan.
When you need fast, reliable help with a fallen or dangerous tree, every minute counts. Connect with emergency arborists in your area through our free service and get the urgent help you need.