What to Do After a Storm Before Tree Removal Arrives

What to Do Before We Arrive After a Storm

When a storm knocks a tree down on your property, the minutes right after matter. Here’s what to check, and what to leave alone, before help arrives — including ours.

First: check for power lines

If any part of the downed tree is touching a power line, or you’re not sure, stay back and call your utility company immediately. Don’t touch the tree, don’t try to move branches, and keep kids and pets away from the area. This is the single most important thing to check before anything else.

Take photos before you clean anything up

If you plan to file an insurance claim, photograph the damage from multiple angles before any cleanup starts — the tree, the point of impact, and any damage to your home, fence, or vehicle. Insurance adjusters rely heavily on this documentation, and having it ready speeds up your claim significantly.

Don’t attempt DIY removal on anything large

A fallen tree under tension — leaning against your house, caught in another tree, or partially uprooted — can shift unpredictably the moment a cut is made. This is exactly the situation that sends people to the ER. Leave anything beyond small branch cleanup to a professional crew with the right equipment.

Call for an assessment, even if it doesn’t look urgent

A tree that’s leaning but hasn’t fallen, or one with a split trunk, can still be dangerous even if it looks stable. We’ll do a free assessment and tell you honestly whether it’s an emergency, a “keep an eye on it,” or something that can wait for a routine appointment.

What we do when we arrive

We prioritize storm calls and aim for same-day or next-day response for anything blocking access or posing an immediate risk. We bring the right equipment for the job — including crane service for complex situations — and we’ll provide written documentation to support your insurance claim if you need it. We haul everything away; your yard should look better when we leave than it did after the storm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How fast can you respond after a storm?
A: For trees blocking driveways or posing an immediate hazard, we typically offer same-day or next-day service across Union County. Call 704-288-8882 and we’ll give you a straight answer on timing.

Q: Will my homeowners insurance cover storm tree removal?
A: Often, yes — particularly if the tree damaged a structure or poses an imminent threat to one. We recommend contacting your insurer early and can provide written documentation to support your claim.

Q: Is it safe to wait until morning if a tree fell at night?
A: If there’s no risk to power lines, people, or structural safety, it’s generally safe to wait for daylight. If you’re unsure, call us — we’d rather talk you through it than have you guess.

Q: What areas do you cover for storm response?
A: Monroe, Waxhaw, Indian Trail, Weddington, Stallings, Marvin, Hemby Bridge, and the surrounding Union County area.