When a Tree Falls on Your Property: What Happens Next Matters Most

When a tree comes down on your property, the shock is immediate. Whether it's after a severe Georgia thunderstorm or a sudden structural failure, fallen trees create stress, danger, and uncertainty. At Twins Tree Services, we've helped countless homeowners across the Atlanta area navigate these moments safely and efficiently. Knowing what to do in the first minutes and hours after a tree falls can protect your family, your home, and your finances.

Key takeaway: Your safety comes first, cleanup comes second.

Immediate Safety Comes Before Everything Else

A fallen tree is not just an inconvenience—it's a potential hazard zone. Trees often bring down power lines, destabilize nearby trees, or damage roofs and foundations. The first thing we tell homeowners is to stay clear of the area until risks are identified. Even if the tree looks "settled," tensioned limbs can shift suddenly and cause serious injury.

If the tree has contacted power lines, treat the entire area as live electricity. Do not touch the tree, branches, or anything it is resting on. Call your utility company immediately and keep people and pets far away. If the tree has struck your home, watch for sagging ceilings, cracks, or water intrusion, as these can indicate structural compromise.

Safety Note: Chainsaws and fallen trees are one of the most dangerous combinations for untrained homeowners.

Assessing the Damage Without Making It Worse

Once the area is safe to approach, a visual assessment is the next step. You are not looking to fix the problem yet—only to understand it. Take photos from multiple angles, especially where the tree contacts structures, fences, vehicles, or neighboring properties. These images are critical for insurance claims later.

Look for signs that the tree is still under tension, such as bent limbs or branches pinned under weight. Fallen trees often behave unpredictably once cuts are made, which is why professional evaluation matters.

When to Call Emergency Tree Services

Not every fallen tree is an emergency—but many are. We recommend calling emergency services immediately if:

• The tree has hit your home or garage
• Power lines are involved
• The tree is blocking a driveway or road
• Additional trees appear unstable

Typical emergency timeline:
Initial call → On-site assessment → Hazard stabilization → Removal and cleanup

Why DIY Tree Removal Is Extremely Risky

We understand the temptation to handle the situation yourself. A chainsaw and a free weekend may seem like enough—but fallen trees are under extreme tension. One wrong cut can cause branches to whip back, trunks to roll, or entire trees to shift unexpectedly.

Pros of DIY:

• No immediate service cost
• Faster if the tree is very small

Cons of DIY:

• High risk of injury
• Potential for further property damage
• Insurance may deny claims if damage worsens

At Twins Tree Services, our crews are trained to read tension points, use rigging systems, and remove trees in controlled sections to protect surrounding structures.

Understanding Insurance and Liability

One of the most common questions we hear is: "Who pays for this?" In most cases, if a healthy tree falls due to a storm, your homeowner's insurance covers damage to your property. If the tree came from a neighbor's yard, responsibility usually depends on whether negligence can be proven.

We recommend contacting your insurance provider as soon as possible. Provide photos, note the time and cause of the fall, and keep records of all cleanup expenses. Our team can provide documentation and invoices that insurance companies often require.

Pro tip: Do not remove the tree before documenting damage unless it poses an immediate danger.

How Professional Tree Removal Actually Works

Many homeowners are surprised by how methodical professional tree removal is. Emergency jobs are not about speed alone—they're about control. Our crews start by stabilizing the area, then remove limbs and sections in a specific order to prevent shifting.

Typical removal steps:

1. Site safety setup and hazard evaluation
2. Limb removal to reduce weight
3. Sectional trunk cutting with rigging
4. Debris hauling and cleanup

Each job is tailored to the property, especially in tight residential neighborhoods common around Atlanta.

What to Do If the Tree Damaged Your Roof

Roof damage is one of the most serious outcomes of a fallen tree. Even small punctures can lead to water intrusion, mold, and structural issues. After the tree is safely removed, temporary tarping may be needed until full repairs can be made.

We often coordinate with roofing contractors to ensure the structure is safe before full removal continues. This collaborative approach protects homeowners from secondary damage and costly mistakes.

Emergency Tree Cleanup Checklist

Before service:

• Keep people and pets away
• Photograph damage
• Call insurance provider

During service:

• Stay clear of work zone
• Ask about remaining risks
• Confirm debris removal scope

After service:

• Inspect surrounding trees
• Schedule follow-up trimming if needed
• Document completed work

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast can emergency tree services respond?
In most Atlanta-area emergencies, response can be same-day depending on severity and weather conditions.

Do you remove the stump as well?
Stump removal is typically a separate service and can be scheduled after emergency cleanup.

Can you help with insurance paperwork?
Yes, we provide detailed invoices and documentation commonly requested by insurers.

Call Now If a Tree Has Fallen on Your Property

If you're dealing with a fallen tree in the Atlanta area, don't wait. The longer hazards remain, the greater the risk. Twins Tree Services is ready to respond with professional emergency tree removal, storm damage cleanup, and expert guidance every step of the way.

Your safety—and your property—are worth protecting.