A Tree Fell on My House! Now What?

When severe weather strikes—whether it’s straight-line winds, tornadoes, or ice storms—a peaceful day can quickly turn into a nightmare for homeowners, especially if a tree crashes down on your property. Having a tree fall on your home is a scary experience, and the damage can vary. Knowing what to do right afterward can make a big difference. This guide lists the steps to take in this situation.

1. Assess Your Safety and Exit the Home

The first priority after a tree falls on your house is ensuring the safety of everyone inside. A fallen tree can make parts of your home unsafe, so it’s important to remain calm before you approach the situation. Here are some quick safety steps:

• Avoid the Impacted Area: The area around the fallen tree might have compromised structural integrity, including cracked walls, ceilings, and broken windows, which pose additional risks.
• Check for Immediate Dangers: Be cautious of potential hazards like broken gas lines, exposed electrical wires, or water leaks. Gas leaks are dangerous and can lead to fires or explosions. If you detect a gas smell, leave the house immediately.
• Evacuate Safely: If the tree has caused substantial damage, try to find the safest exit route away from the impacted area. If you’re unable to exit safely, call emergency services and wait for assistance.

2. Call Emergency Services if Necessary

In cases where the damage is significant or the tree has caused dangerous conditions, contact emergency services. This might include calling 911 or your local fire department if there are hazards like electrical fires or gas leaks. First responders can help secure your property and ensure no one is at risk.

3. Document the Damage

Once you’re safe, document the extent of the damage with photos or videos. This is essential for insurance purposes and will help the insurance adjuster assess the damage and determine coverage. Make sure to capture both close-up and wider shots that show the overall impact on your home’s exterior and interior.

• Take Photos from Different Angles: Be sure to capture the tree’s location, points of entry, and affected rooms.
• Include Interior and Exterior Damage: Don’t forget to document the areas inside your home that were affected by the fallen tree, as well as any exterior areas.

4. Contact Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurance company as soon as possible. They will guide you through the claims process, explain what damages are covered, and may help finding someone to help with the tree removal or temporary repairs if needed.

• Know Your Coverage: Standard homeowners insurance policies often cover the costs associated with a fallen tree, including structural repairs and removal expenses. However, coverage may vary, especially if the tree was dead or unhealthy before the incident.
• Ask About Temporary Lodging: If your home is uninhabitable due to the damage, inquire about coverage for temporary living expenses while repairs are underway.

5. Arrange for Tree Removal

Once you have clearance from your insurance provider, the next step is to arrange for the safe removal of the tree. Hiring a qualified contractor or tree removal service is crucial since they have the expertise and equipment needed to remove large trees safely without causing additional damage to your property.

• Use a Licensed Professional: Tree removal can be dangerous and should always be handled by a licensed professional.
• Avoid DIY Removal: Attempting to remove the tree yourself can be dangerous, particularly if it’s large or tangled with parts of your home. Professionals will also be able to check for hidden hazards, like branches entangled with live power lines.

6. Assess Structural Repairs and Mitigate Further Damage

With the tree removed, a contractor can now assess the full extent of the structural damage. Depending on the size and impact of the tree, the repairs may range from minor roof patches to more intensive framing and roof reconstruction.

• Inspect for Structural Damage: Large trees can cause significant issues, including cracked beams, damaged walls, and compromised roofing. A qualified contractor will be able to identify which parts of your home need structural repair or reinforcement.
• Implement Temporary Solutions: In cases where full repairs cannot begin immediately, your contractor might recommend temporary solutions to prevent further damage. This might include tarping your roof, adding temporary support beams, or covering exposed areas to prevent water damage from rain.

7. Understand the Costs and Timeline of Repairs

The cost of repairs will depend on the extent of the damage and the materials needed to restore your home. Your contractor can provide an estimate, and your insurance adjuster can determine what portion of the cost is covered. Be sure to discuss timelines with both your contractor and insurance company so that you have a clear understanding of when repairs will be completed.

8. Address Potential Prevention and Safety Measures

After repairs, consider taking steps to reduce the risk of future incidents. gConsider the following:

• Evaluate the Health of Nearby Trees: Hire an arborist to inspect the health of other trees on your property. Removing dead or diseased trees in advance can help prevent them from falling during storms.
• Install Lightning Rods: Lightning rods can help protect tall trees and reduce the risk of a lightning strike causing them to fall.
• Consider Roof Reinforcements: Depending on your location, reinforcing your roof with impact-resistant materials can make it more resilient to fallen branches or tree limbs.

Bringing Your Home Back to Normal

Handling the aftermath of a fallen tree can feel overwhelming, but following these steps can help you manage the situation. From safely evacuating and documenting the damage to arranging for professional tree removal and structural repairs, every action you take will help minimize further damage and get your home back to normal. Remember that preparation and preventative care can help keep your home safe.

When a tree damages your home in Arkansas, having expert support can make all the difference. Pro Service Builders is here to handle everything from safe tree removal to full structural repairs and restoration. We’ll respond quickly, work hand-in-hand with your insurance company, and be with you every step of the way to ensure a smooth recovery.