Emergency Tree Removal After a Storm - What to Do Immediately
Houston is no stranger to severe weather. From tropical storms and hurricanes to sudden thunderstorms with straight-line winds, our trees take a beating. When a storm damages trees on your property, knowing what to do immediately can protect your family, your home, and your finances.
Step 1: Stay Safe
This is the most important step. After a storm:
- Do not go outside until the storm has fully passed
- Stay away from downed trees and branches, even if they look stable
- Never touch or go near downed power lines - assume they are live
- Keep children and pets indoors until the area has been assessed
If a tree has fallen on your home and you smell gas or see sparks, evacuate immediately and call 911.
Step 2: Assess the Damage from a Safe Distance
Once it's safe to go outside, walk your property and look for:
- Trees or large branches on structures (house, garage, shed, fence)
- Trees on vehicles
- Trees blocking driveways or roads
- Leaning trees that could still fall
- Hanging branches caught in the canopy
- Damaged trees near power lines
Take photos and videos of all damage for insurance purposes before any cleanup begins.
Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Company
Most homeowner's insurance policies cover storm damage from fallen trees, including:
- Removal of trees that have fallen on structures
- Repair of damage to the home, fence, or other structures
- Sometimes removal of trees blocking driveways
File your claim as soon as possible. Your insurance company may have preferred vendors, but you have the right to choose your own tree service.
Step 4: Call a Professional Tree Service
Emergency tree removal is dangerous work that requires professional equipment and expertise. When choosing a company:
- Verify they carry liability insurance and workers' compensation
- Be wary of storm chasers who go door-to-door after storms
- Get a written estimate before work begins
- Ask about their experience with storm damage specifically
Step 5: Do Not Attempt DIY Removal
We cannot stress this enough. Storm-damaged trees are unpredictable:
- Branches under tension can spring violently when cut
- Partially uprooted trees can shift without warning
- Trees on structures require careful rigging to prevent further damage
- Chainsaws in untrained hands cause thousands of injuries every year
What HamodaTrees Can Do
Our emergency response team is available when Houston storms strike. We provide:
- Rapid response to secure your property
- Safe removal of trees from structures using cranes and rigging
- Debris cleanup and hauling
- Documentation for insurance claims
- Temporary tarping if a tree has damaged your roof
Save our number before storm season. When you need us, we'll be there.