What should I do first if a tree falls on my house?
Get everyone out of the area, stay away from the tree and any wires, and contact your utility if lines are down. Then take photos and contact a tree removal provider.
A tree that falls in a storm, or cracks and leans over your roof, is a scary sight. Emergency tree removal means getting a trained provider to the property to cut the tree safely and clear what is blocking your home, driveway or street.
Appearedpitch Tree Service is a referral service. We do not cut or haul anything ourselves. We connect homeowners in Nesquehoning and the Nesquehoning area with independent providers in our network who handle storm damage and who understand older houses, with their aging roofs, stone foundations and past repairs. Availability varies by provider, so a quick conversation is the smartest way to learn who can come out and when.
If a tree is touching a power line, stay far away and contact your utility first. If it is only blocking a path or resting on a fence, you can request an estimate and a local provider can talk through the next steps with you.
Take a breath. Get everyone inside and away from the tree, the roof edge and any broken limbs. A fallen tree can be under tension, and a branch that looks stable can shift without warning.
Do not climb on the trunk. Do not try to cut it with a pocket saw or a borrowed chainsaw. Homeowners get hurt most often in this exact moment.
If a wire is touching the tree, hanging low or lying on the ground, treat it as live. Stay far back, keep kids and pets away, and contact your utility company first. A tree removal provider cannot safely begin until the lines are dealt with.
A tree that is only near a line, not on it, still needs a trained provider. Do not guess.
Not every tree trouble is a true emergency. Here is a simple way to sort it, from most urgent to least.
If you see any of these, ask for a provider who handles emergency tree removal right away.
A provider usually starts by walking the site. They look at how the tree is resting, what it is touching and where the weight sits. Then they pick a plan.
For trees near a house, the work is often done in sections. Limbs come off first, then the trunk is lowered in controlled pieces. Rope rigging or a crane may be used when a tree is too close to a roof to simply drop.
This is a tree falling service done in reverse: the goal is to control every piece so nothing new lands on your home.
Older roofs are often thinner, more brittle or patched over the years. A heavy limb can press on weak decking in ways that are not obvious from the yard.
Tell the provider how old the roof is and what repairs have been done. That helps them choose where to stand, where to rig and how much weight the surface can take. Many providers can also place a temporary cover over exposed areas, though that varies.
Many homes in this region have full basements with stone or block foundations. A big tree falling nearby can shift soil, and a root ball that lifts out of the ground can leave a hole against the wall.
After the tree is gone, take a look inside the basement. Watch for new cracks, damp spots or loose mortar. Older homes also hide things like buried oil lines, old drain pipes and forgotten wiring, so share what you know with the provider before any digging or heavy equipment comes in.
Cold winters and freeze-thaw cycles stress trees. Ice builds up on branches, wet snow adds weight, and spring snowmelt softens the ground around roots. Coastal storms add strong gusts to the mix.
A tree that looked fine in autumn can fail after a few rough weeks. That is why many urgent calls come after a storm, not before it.
Some policies may cover sudden damage from a fallen tree, but coverage differs a lot. Check your policy, and ask your insurer what they need before work begins.
Providers can often help document damage for a claim. Take your own photos too, before anything is moved if it is safe to do so. Keep every receipt and written estimate.
When a storm hits a whole area, many neighbors need help at once. Providers get busy, and wait times can stretch. Request a callback to check provider availability, then be ready to describe the tree, the damage and any hazards.
A provider may secure the worst danger first and come back for full cleanup later. That is normal and often smart.
Old house, careful plan. Before anyone starts a saw, ask these questions:
A solid provider answers plainly. They explain how they will lower the tree, name the equipment and tell you what could change the price. They are happy to put things in writing.
They also admit what they cannot see yet. Honest uncertainty is a good sign.
Storms bring out people who knock on doors with a chainsaw and a pitch. Be careful if someone:
You can say no and ask for a written quote from someone else.
Once the tree is down, ask about the stump. Stump grinding can be added to the job, often for a smaller extra charge when the equipment is already there. Grinding too close to an old foundation or buried line needs extra care, so mention both.
Also ask about wood. Some providers haul it off, and others will leave cut logs for you.
Clear yard, calm mind. After the emergency, ask the provider to look at the other trees on your lot. Dead limbs, leaning trunks, mushrooms at the base and heaved soil are all warning signs.
Trimming or removing a weak tree before winter is usually calmer, and often cheaper, than a rush job in the middle of a storm.
Providers cut and clear trees that have come down on yards, driveways, fences and rooftops.
Broken limbs, split trunks and tangled debris are cleared so you can safely use your property again.
Rigging and sectional cutting help protect older roofs, gutters and chimneys while the tree comes off.
Many providers can grind the remaining stump once the tree is cleared and the area is safe.
Urgent jobs often cost more than planned ones because of risk, equipment and scheduling. These are typical U.S. ranges that vary by job. Always get a written quote.
| Job type | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small fallen tree or large limb | $300 – $1,000 | Easy access, no structure involved |
| Medium tree down in the yard | $800 – $2,500 | Depends on size and cleanup needs |
| Large tree down or leaning | $1,500 – $5,000 | Extra rigging and hauling add cost |
| Tree on a roof or house | $2,000 – $10,000 | Roof type and access matter a lot |
| Crane use for tight spaces | $1,500 – $4,000 | Added to the base removal price |
| Stump grinding | $100 – $600 | Per stump, based on width and roots |
Move everyone away from the tree and wires, and contact your utility if lines are involved.
Request a callback or request an estimate to share what happened.
A local provider from our network contacts you to discuss the job.
Ask your questions, read the written quote and approve the plan.
Providers are matched with houses that have aging roofs, stone foundations and past repairs in mind.
Know what to ask and what a solid answer sounds like.
Independent professionals who know regional winters, storms and yards.
One short request starts the conversation, with no obligation.
Tell us about your tree and your home. Request an estimate and a local provider in our network will follow up with next steps.
No obligationGet everyone out of the area, stay away from the tree and any wires, and contact your utility if lines are down. Then take photos and contact a tree removal provider.
Often, yes. Urgent jobs can involve extra risk, special equipment and tight scheduling. Typical U.S. costs range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Ask for a written quote before work starts.
It depends on your policy. Some policies may cover sudden damage from a fallen tree, while others limit or exclude it. Check your policy, call your insurer, and ask the provider to help document the damage.
Tell us about your tree and your home. Request an estimate and a local provider in our network will follow up with next steps.
No obligation