If a tree falls on a house, be sure to immediately account for all occupants and evacuate the property. Then, call 911. Professional restoration services can help to confirm next steps.
Older neighborhoods can be a joy to live in. Beautiful architecture, friendly neighbors, good schools, and tree-lined streets. Unfortunately, sometimes those well-established trees can be a disadvantage — especially should a tree fall on a house, block access to the street, or take down electrical wires.
A tree falling on a home is scary and dangerous. It’s important to take proper precautions and know what to do in the event it happens. Learn what to do when a home is hit by a tree or branch, the most common causes of a fallen tree, and warning signs a tree might fall to help assess property damage risk.
Call Rainbow Restoration® for emergency services, whether a tree falls on a roof or a stray branch breaks a window. Our professional roof tarping and window boarding services protect homes and families when disaster strikes.
Table of Contents:
Fallen Tree Safety and Recovery Tips
Even if there doesn’t seem to be much damage to the untrained eye when a tree falls on a house, there may be damage to the structure that can make it dangerous to occupy the home.
Check on Inhabitants and Evacuate the House
If a tree or one of its large limbs damages the roof, check in with everyone — including pets — and get out of the house as quickly and safely as possible.
Having a disaster preparedness plan can also be helpful, like creating a “go bag” of essentials in the event an evacuation is ever needed.
Call 911
Once everyone is out of the building, it’s recommended to call 911. The fire department can help secure the premises and assist anyone who may be hurt. They will also assess the situation and evaluate whether or not occupants may re-enter the building.
Contact the Utilities Provider
Once emergency services are on their way, consider contacting the utilities provider. Since the tree can hit power lines, pipes, or damage wiring in the home the utility company may opt to shut off power and/or water to reduce other risks like water damage and even electrocution.
Contact the Insurance Company
Most homeowners insurance policies will cover at least some of the damage caused by fallen trees — especially if the damage is weather-related. Policies will state if they cover the cost of removing the tree and repairing property damage.
The insurance adjuster will come out and assess the scene before any tree removal work is done. They will see the full extent of the damage before filing a report or recommending any claim reimbursement.
Contact an Arborist
When the storms are over, consider scheduling a visit from a certified arborist. They’re knowledgeable about tree removal and have the experience to get the job done right. They can also coordinate the tree removal with the contractor and other qualified professionals to make sure everything is done correctly.
Contact Rainbow Restoration
Life is full of unexpected and unplanned events, like a tree falling on a house. If this happens, Rainbow Restoration provides the services needed to restore lives and property.
If a roof is damaged, Rainbow Restoration offers roof-tarping services until it can be fixed. If windows are broken, board-up services offer protection from the weather, broken glass, and secures the property. Rainbow Restoration's water damage restoration services can help lessen the chances of mold, warped wood, and stained walls and repair the damage.
With Rainbow Restoration, property owners get start-to-finish disaster restoration services, including debris removal and cleanup, water removal and drying, and reconstruction.
What Factors Affect Who’s Responsible When a Tree Falls?
When a tree falls on a house, it’s important to know who’s responsible for coordinating insurance, cleaning up, and restoration efforts:
- Tree location: Generally, whoever owns the property where the tree was located is responsible. If a tree falls and damages a different property, the parties involved file with their insurance and the insurance companies will decide who’s responsible.
- Negligence: If there’s negligence, such as a dead tree that wasn’t removed, then the party responsible for tree care may be held responsible.
- HOA: If there's an HOA, they may be responsible for the fallen tree. Check HOA guidelines to confirm.
Why Do Trees Fall? 11 Warning Signs and Causes
The two most common reasons trees fall are root damage and weather. Trees with roots that have been weakened by root rot, damaged by construction, or affected by ground compaction can become unstable. This happens especially in the summer months when the canopy is heavy with leaves and rain loosens the soil.
In some cases, the tree may have shallow roots. But even a tree with healthy roots can fall from rain-saturated grounds, high winds, lightning, and other weather events.
Some reasons a tree might fall include:
- Natural disasters or extreme weather, including hail, a tornado, or a hurricane
- Heavy rain combined with straight-line winds
- Pest infestation in the tree
- Tree disease
- Loose or eroded soil
- Excessive force
Warning signs a tree is unstable include:
- A large limb already fell and the tree is off-balance
- The tree trunk is cracked or missing bark
- Roots are exposed
- Soil is cracking or rising at the base of the trunk
- Visible mold or soft spots in the wood
If there are any of these warning signs, call a professional to evaluate the tree and decide the best course of action.
Trust Rainbow Restoration for Recovery After Tree Damage
A tree falling on a house is a serious risk. Rainbow Restoration's service professionals provide 24/7 emergency services to mitigate damage and secure the property to prevent further damage.
Call Rainbow Restoration for board-up, tarp-over, and full reconstruction services to restore a home after tree damage.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property. Services should be performed by licensed and experienced professionals. Rainbow Restoration is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact a Rainbow Restoration professional for a custom, on-site assessment.
Tree Falling FAQ
Should I Worry About Trees Falling on My House?
If you’re worried about an impending storm or see warning signs, such as indications of infestation that can lead a tree to fall, call a professional for expert recommendations.
If My Neighbor's Tree Falls on My House, Who’s Responsible?
If a neighbor’s tree falls on a house, they’re generally responsible. Both parties should submit insurance claims for the incident, and the insurance companies will determine who’s responsible.
Do You Call 911 If a Tree Falls on Your House?
Yes, if a tree falls on a house, call 911. Even if no one is injured, the fire department will help clear what they can and determine if it’s safe to re-enter the home.
What Do I Do If a Tree Falls on Your House During a Storm?
If a tree falls on a house during a storm, take the same steps as in any other case: Check on occupants, evacuate the house, and call 911.
