When storms sweep through East Tennessee, high winds and heavy rain can quickly turn a peaceful neighborhood into a scene of scattered debris and fallen trees. If you ever find yourself in a situation where a tree has fallen on your property, knowing what to do next is crucial for your safety and your home’s protection. Acting quickly and correctly can make a significant difference in minimizing damage, preventing injury, and restoring your property safely.
The first thing to do when a tree falls is to ensure everyone’s safety. Do not rush outside to inspect the damage immediately, especially if the storm is still ongoing. Wait until the weather clears before taking any action.
If a tree has fallen on your home, leave the structure right away. Heavy branches or roots can shift suddenly, and damaged roofs or walls may collapse without warning. Move your family and pets to a safe area, preferably away from any damaged buildings or power lines.
In addition, if you suspect electrical lines are down, keep a minimum distance of 30 feet. Do not touch anything near the wires or attempt to remove branches yourself. Instead, call 911 or your local utility company to report the downed lines.
Safety comes first, and once everyone is secure, you can begin the next steps of managing the situation responsibly.
Once it’s safe to step outside, take a cautious look at the situation. Determine whether the tree fell on your house, driveway, car, or lawn. Avoid climbing onto the roof or near leaning trees, as the ground may still be unstable.
If the fallen tree has caused property damage, take photos and videos from multiple angles. These will be essential for insurance claims and when consulting professionals later.
If the damage is extensive or the tree is large, avoid trying to handle the cleanup yourself. Contact trained professionals such as the team at Pree’s Tree Specialists for safe and effective tree removal services in Greenback and throughout East Tennessee.
Homeowners insurance typically covers damage caused by fallen trees, but the specifics depend on how and where the tree fell. If the tree damaged your home, garage, or fence, it’s likely that your insurance policy will help pay for repairs.
Call your insurance provider as soon as possible to start the claims process. Provide photos and any documentation of the damage. If the fallen tree was on your neighbor’s property, your insurance adjuster can determine who is responsible for the cleanup and repair costs.
Be sure not to remove any part of the fallen tree until an adjuster has inspected it unless it poses a direct safety hazard. This helps ensure your claim is processed smoothly.
Once you’ve documented the damage and contacted your insurance provider, the next step is to schedule professional tree removal. Removing large fallen trees requires expertise, equipment, and safety training. Attempting to do it yourself can lead to injuries or further property damage.
A certified arborist can assess whether the tree is salvageable or if it needs full removal. At Pree’s Tree Specialists, the team has over 20 years of experience handling emergency tree situations across Loudon, Knox, and Blount Counties. Their state-of-the-art equipment and trained arborists ensure that even the largest and most complex removals are handled safely and efficiently.
After removal, professionals can also inspect nearby trees to check for signs of weakness or damage that could cause future issues.
Even after a fallen tree is removed, there might be lingering risks to your property. Roofs, fences, or driveways may be compromised, and root systems could have affected underground utilities.
If part of the tree remains on your property, make sure all branches, limbs, and debris are cleared away. Standing water or damaged soil can create unstable conditions for nearby trees. If roots have been exposed or compacted, aeration may help your landscape recover. You can learn more about how aeration helps struggling trees in this guide.
A professional inspection from an experienced arborist can determine if there are hidden risks and recommend repairs or treatments to restore your property safely.
When one tree falls, nearby ones may also be weakened. Heavy winds and saturated soil can loosen roots or cause cracks in trunks that are not immediately visible. This makes it essential to have a full property inspection after any major storm.
Certified arborists can identify early warning signs of instability and recommend treatments like pruning, cabling, or bracing to prevent another incident. To see real examples of tree stabilization work, visit the Arborist Gallery.
Addressing these issues promptly not only keeps your property safe but also preserves the beauty and health of your landscape.
Homeowners often make the mistake of rushing cleanup efforts without professional help. Others attempt to save a damaged tree that cannot be safely restored. Both of these actions can increase risk and cost.
Never use chainsaws or climb onto a damaged tree unless you have proper training and equipment. Avoid hiring unlicensed contractors who appear after storms offering quick removals, as they may not carry insurance or follow safety standards.
Instead, rely on reputable local experts who are experienced in East Tennessee’s specific tree species and weather patterns. Partnering with trusted arborists in your area ensures that all work is performed correctly and safely.
The best way to handle storm damage is to prevent it before it happens. Regular tree maintenance and inspections reduce the risk of fallen trees dramatically.
Schedule periodic health evaluations with certified arborists who can detect disease, decay, or structural issues early. You can read more about why inspections are a smart long-term investment in this post.
Other preventive measures include:
Each of these steps can protect your property and extend the life of your trees.
After removal, you may want to replant new trees or shrubs to restore the look of your yard. The selection and placement of new trees are crucial to avoiding future issues.
The arborists at Pree’s Tree Specialists can help with tree planning and establishment, ensuring the new trees are suited for Tennessee’s soil, sunlight, and weather conditions. Proper planting, mulching, and watering practices are essential for a healthy start.
You can explore more of their professional services on the Tree Services page and learn how they help homeowners maintain vibrant, safe landscapes year-round.
Once your property is restored, stay proactive with ongoing maintenance. Schedule annual inspections and seasonal pruning to ensure the safety and health of your trees.
Having an established relationship with a trusted company like Pree’s Tree Specialists means you have immediate help when severe weather hits. Their team serves the entire East Tennessee region, including Loudon, Knox, and Blount Counties, providing reliable tree care whenever you need it.
If you ever experience tree damage or want to strengthen your landscape before the next storm, contact Pree’s Tree Specialists today. Their friendly experts are ready to help you restore peace and safety to your home.
Storms are a natural part of life in Tennessee, but with the right knowledge and support, you can protect your property and keep your landscape beautiful. Knowing what to do after a tree falls can prevent panic, reduce costs, and ensure the recovery process is as smooth as possible.
Whether you need immediate removal, a preventive inspection, or expert advice, Pree’s Tree Specialists are here to help. With over two decades of trusted service, advanced equipment, and certified arborists, they are the region’s go-to professionals for safe, efficient, and dependable tree care.
Your first step should always be to ensure everyone’s safety. Stay indoors until the storm has passed, and avoid any fallen power lines. Once it’s safe, assess the situation from a distance, take photos of the damage, and contact your insurance provider and a certified tree service.
If your neighbor’s tree falls due to natural causes, such as a storm, it is typically your homeowner’s insurance that covers the damage. However, if it can be proven that your neighbor neglected a clearly hazardous tree, their insurance may be held responsible.
Yes, most homeowners insurance policies cover the cost of tree removal and damage repairs if the tree fell due to a covered peril like wind, lightning, or ice. Always check with your insurance company to confirm the details of your coverage.
No. Large fallen trees are dangerous to remove without proper training and equipment. Attempting to do so could result in injury or additional damage. Contact a professional arborist or emergency tree removal service for safe and efficient cleanup.
If the tree is blocking your driveway but not public property, contact a local tree service for removal. If it blocks a public road, call your local government or public works department to report it so it can be cleared safely.
Regular maintenance is key. Schedule annual inspections with a certified arborist, prune weak or overextended branches, and remove any diseased or dying trees. Preventive care can greatly reduce storm-related risks.
Warning signs include cracks in the trunk, leaning, exposed roots, fungus growth near the base, and dead branches. If you notice these, schedule a professional tree assessment right away to avoid potential hazards.
Yes, but only if the soil is stable and not compacted or damaged by roots. It’s best to have an arborist evaluate the area before replanting to ensure proper conditions for a new tree to thrive.
You should contact a certified tree service as soon as it’s safe to do so. Prompt removal helps prevent further property damage and safety risks, especially if the tree is leaning on your roof, fence, or power lines.
Pree’s Tree Specialists offers reliable emergency tree removal and storm cleanup throughout Blount, Knox, and Loudon Counties. Their certified arborists handle hazardous trees safely and restore your property efficiently after storm damage.