When severe weather strikes, it can leave more than just puddles and broken branches in its wake. For homeowners across Northern Virginia, Maryland, and the D.C. area, one of the scariest outcomes of a summer storm is having a tree come crashing down—especially if it lands on your home.
A fallen tree on your house creates not just physical damage but emotional stress. Suddenly, you’re dealing with safety concerns, insurance claims, emergency contractors, and figuring out where to even begin. The good news? You’re not alone, and there’s a clear path forward.
In this post, we’ll walk you through exactly what to do if a tree falls on your house—from ensuring your family’s safety to contacting a trusted emergency tree removal team like JL Tree Service.
1. Make Sure Everyone Is Safe
The most important step is also the most obvious—but it can be hard to think clearly in the moment. If a tree has fallen on your house, your first concern must be the safety of everyone inside.
Evacuate if Necessary
If there’s any indication of structural damage—cracked walls, shifting floors, or unusual creaking sounds—leave the home immediately. Don’t try to wait it out or sleep in a house that might be compromised.
It’s better to overreact than to take chances. Even a relatively small tree can exert enough force to damage a roof or wall. Larger trees can cause partial or total collapse.
Be Cautious Around Utilities
If the tree brought down power lines, smells like gas, or caused sparks or smoke, get out immediately and call 911.
These are not things you can—or should—try to assess on your own. Even utility workers are trained to treat all downed wires as live until proven otherwise.
Stay Calm, Call 911 If Needed
Emergency services will help assess the danger, and they’ll know how to alert the right utility companies or first responders. Once everyone is safely outside or in a safe part of the house, you can begin to document the damage and make calls for help.
2. Call Your Insurance Company Right Away
Once everyone is safe and accounted for, it’s time to start managing the aftermath. If you’re a homeowner, contact your insurance company as soon as possible.
Most Policies Cover Tree Damage
In many cases, if a tree falls on a covered structure (like your house, garage, or fence), your homeowner’s policy will pay for the damage—minus your deductible.
This includes not only damage from the tree itself, but often removal of the tree from the structure and any emergency mitigation work needed to prevent further damage.
However, coverage varies based on your provider and the specific cause of the fall (wind, disease, neglect), so it’s critical to report the incident promptly.
What Insurance Will Need From You
Your claims adjuster will likely ask for the following:
- A clear description of what happened
- Photos or videos of the fallen tree and damaged areas
- Any repair estimates or invoices from service providers
Don’t begin any major removal work until your insurance company has had the chance to inspect and document the scene—unless it’s an immediate hazard that must be cleared for safety.
3. Contact an Emergency Tree Removal Company
Once the situation is secure and your insurance company has been notified, your next call should be to a professional tree removal company—ideally one with experience in emergency response.
JL Tree Service has been helping homeowners through situations like these since 1975. Our crews are trained to handle high-risk removals and use specialized equipment to prevent further damage while getting the job done quickly.
Why Emergency Tree Removal Needs Professionals
Trying to remove a tree from a house is nothing like clearing a limb from your yard. When a tree lands on a home, it can:
- Be under tremendous internal tension
- Shift unexpectedly
- Compromise surrounding materials like gutters, power lines, or roof trusses
The risk of further damage—or injury—is high if it’s not handled correctly. That’s why we strongly advise homeowners to never attempt to cut or move the tree themselves, even if it looks stable.
24/7 Service Matters
At JL Tree Service, we offer 24/7 emergency response, especially during peak storm season. If a tree falls on your house in the middle of the night or on a holiday weekend, we’re ready to respond when you need us most.
4. Avoid Additional Damage While You Wait
If it’s safe and your home is still structurally sound, there are a few things you can do to prevent further damage while waiting for professionals to arrive.
Cover Exposed Areas
If parts of your roof or siding have been torn open and rain is forecast, a heavy-duty tarp can prevent water from making the situation worse. But only attempt this if the area is stable and you can access it without risk—don’t climb on damaged roofs.
If you have roof or attic access from inside, you may be able to temporarily block off leaks with buckets, boards, or absorbent towels.
Clear Small Debris
If your yard is scattered with small branches or light debris, go ahead and clean that up while you wait. It won’t interfere with the emergency removal process and will make the area safer for the work crew.
Leave larger limbs and anything that’s elevated or lodged in a dangerous position to the pros.
Keep Pets and Children Away
While kids and pets may be curious, it’s best to create a perimeter around the damaged zone. Trees can shift without warning—especially in windy conditions or after heavy rain.
5. Schedule Repairs and Tree Assessments
Once the emergency is over and the tree has been removed, you’ll likely be dealing with home repairs, roof work, or even siding and window replacement. At the same time, it’s smart to think about preventing the next incident.
Inspect Nearby Trees
If one tree fell, there’s a good chance others may be at risk. JL Tree Service offers certified arborist inspections to evaluate tree health, root stability, and canopy structure. We can help determine which trees need pruning or removal to prevent future hazards.
Structural Tree Pruning
Many tree falls could have been prevented with regular trimming, especially in large hardwoods or trees with poor structure. Our crews can thin canopies, reduce wind resistance, and remove vulnerable limbs before the next storm season hits.
Coordinate with Contractors
As your house is being repaired, keep communication open between contractors and tree professionals. Sometimes, removing leftover debris or stumps is best done before major roof or siding work begins. We’re happy to coordinate timelines and site access with your contractor team.
Be Prepared Before the Next Storm Hits
One of the best things you can do after a tree falls on your home is to take steps to prevent it from happening again. Regular tree inspections and pruning, especially before hurricane or storm season, can reduce your risk dramatically.
At JL Tree Service, we’re proud to offer both emergency tree removal and preventative tree care throughout the Northern Virginia, Maryland, and DC area. Whether you’re dealing with a tree on your roof right now or want peace of mind for the future, we’re here to help.
Need Emergency Help Right Now?
Call JL Tree Service 24/7 for immediate assistance or schedule an inspection with our certified arborists. We’ve been protecting homes like yours for nearly 50 years—and we’re just one call away.
