What to Do After a Tree Falls on Your Property
A fallen tree can be stressful, but knowing what to do next makes all the difference.
Whether it happens during a storm, overnight, or while you’re away, a fallen tree can create safety hazards, damage buildings, and leave you unsure where to start. Taking the right steps quickly will protect your home, keep everyone safe, and help your insurance claim go smoothly.
At Harvey Tree Care, we’ve handled countless emergency tree removals across Harvey, Yarloop, Benger, Brunswick, Waroona, Burekup and surrounding areas. Here’s a clear, practical guide to follow as soon as a tree comes down on your property.
1. Make Safety Your First Priority
Before doing anything else, assess the area from a safe distance.
Check for immediate hazards such as:
- Downed powerlines
- Live electrical cables near branches or roofs
- Trees leaning further and at risk of collapsing
- Fallen branches blocking access or exits
- Cracked or unstable roofs, fences, or sheds
If powerlines are involved, do not approach the tree. Call Western Power or emergency services straight away.
Never attempt to cut or move the tree yourself, especially if it is large, unstable, or near structures. These situations require arborists with the right equipment.
2. Keep People and Pets Away
Create a safe boundary around the fallen tree. Trees can shift unexpectedly, especially if they are resting on roofs, fences, or other structures. Children and pets should be kept well clear until the area is made safe.
3. Document the Damage
Before any cleanup begins, take clear photos and videos from multiple angles, including:
- Where the tree was originally located
- Damage to roofs, gutters, sheds, fences, or vehicles
- Any debris that caused secondary damage
- The base of the tree and root plate if visible
This documentation is important for insurance purposes and will support your claim.
4. Contact Your Insurance Provider
Most insurers require you to notify them before any work is carried out. They may ask for:
- Photos of the damage
- A description of the incident
- Whether the tree was healthy prior to falling
- Quotes from a tree removal service
Some policies cover full tree removals, while others cover only the removal of debris that has damaged insured structures. Your insurer will advise on what they require.
5. Call an Arborist
Once the area is safe and your insurer has been notified, contact a trusted arborist to remove the tree.
Harvey Tree Care offers fast, reliable emergency tree removal and cleanup. We handle:
- Trees on roofs or sheds
- Fallen limbs blocking driveways
- Uprooted trees resting on fences
- Storm-damaged and unstable trees
- Removal from tight-access or rural blocks
Our team uses specialised equipment to remove fallen trees safely without causing further property damage.
6. Understand the Difference Between Emergency and Standard Removal
Not all tree removals are the same.
Emergency removals include:
- Trees that have fallen on structures
- Trees blocking driveways or roads
- Dangerous limbs hanging or at risk of dropping
- Trees tangled in powerlines or leaning after storms
These jobs require urgent response, extra safety procedures, and often more equipment.
Standard removals include:
- Trees that are still standing
- Trees that are unsafe but stable
- Routine removals for maintenance or landscaping
Knowing the difference helps set expectations for timing and cost.
7. Arrange Cleanup and Stump Removal
Once the fallen tree is cut and removed, our team can also handle:
- Chipping branches
- Clearing debris
- Removing logs
- Grinding the stump
- Preparing the area for repairs or replanting
Removing the stump is especially important if roots have caused structural damage or if you plan to rebuild, replant, or lay new turf.
8. Prevent Future Falls
After an incident, it is worth scheduling a tree health assessment. Many homeowners discover that other trees on their property are also at risk.
Our arborists can check for:
- Rot or decay
- Pest infestation
- Structural weaknesses
- Unbalanced canopies
- Problematic root systems
A simple inspection and some pruning now can prevent another expensive storm event later.
Local Emergency Tree Removal You Can Rely On
At Harvey Tree Care, we respond quickly to fallen trees across Harvey, Yarloop, Benger, Brunswick, Waroona, Burekup and nearby areas. With over 25 years of experience, we handle everything from urgent removals to full cleanups and stump grinding.
If a tree has fallen on your property, contact Harvey Tree Care for fast, safe, and professional service.