Storm Damage 101: What to Do When a Tree Falls on Your Property

May 7, 2025

Don’t Wait—What to Do When a Tree Falls After a Storm

Storms can hit hard and fast in Tennessee. High winds, heavy rain, or ice can turn even the healthiest-looking tree into a dangerous threat. If a tree falls on your property—whether it’s across your driveway, leaning on your home, or tangled in power lines—it’s critical to act quickly and safely. At Quality First Tree Service, we specialize in emergency tree services and know exactly how to handle these situations. Here’s what you need to know if a tree comes down on your property.



Step 1: Stay Safe and Assess From a Distance

The moment a tree falls, your first priority should be safety. Don’t try to move limbs, approach the tree, or climb onto your roof. Fallen trees may seem stable but can shift suddenly, especially if they’re resting on a structure or tangled in other trees. If power lines are involved, stay far away and call your utility company immediately—live wires are a serious and immediate danger.


Assess the situation from a safe distance. Take note of what the tree has damaged: Is it blocking access? Has it hit your home, shed, fence, or vehicle? This information will help guide the next steps and give professionals the details they need to respond quickly.

An old house with a tree in front of it.

Step 2: Call an Emergency Tree Service—Not a General Handyman

Removing a fallen or severely damaged tree isn’t a DIY job. It requires specialized equipment, technical skill, and a clear understanding of how to remove weight safely from different angles. This is where trained professionals like the crew at Quality First Tree Service come in. We’re available for emergency response and know how to safely cut, section, and remove trees without causing further damage.


Our team is fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and we bring years of experience handling emergency removals in the toughest conditions. We also haul away all debris and recycle 100% of it, leaving your property clean and safe.

A chainsaw is sitting on top of a rock in the woods.

Step 3: Document the Damage

Once your safety is secured and help is on the way, take a few clear photos of the damage. This is especially important if the tree has impacted your home, vehicle, or other insured property. Photos from different angles, both wide and close-up, will help support your insurance claim and provide a record of the incident before cleanup begins.


If you’re unsure about what to document, we’re happy to walk you through it. At Quality First Tree Service, we know how stressful this situation can be, and we’re here to guide you through it—not just clear the mess.


Step 4: Contact Your Insurance Provider

If the tree has caused structural damage, call your homeowner’s insurance company and begin the claims process. Most policies cover damage from fallen trees due to storms or other natural events. Provide them with the documentation you’ve collected and let them know you’ve contacted a professional tree service.



If you’re unsure about how to file a claim or need help determining coverage, we can point you in the right direction. While we don’t handle insurance paperwork directly, we’ve worked with many local homeowners during the claims process and understand how to support your restoration timeline.

There is a tornado and lightning in the sky.

Step 5: Plan for Future Prevention

Once the immediate danger has been addressed, take time to evaluate the other trees on your property. Was the fallen tree visibly leaning or diseased before the storm? Were there signs of decay that went unnoticed? One fallen tree is often a wake-up call for larger, underlying issues.


Our certified arborists can assess the health and stability of your remaining trees and recommend trimming, pruning, or preventative removal where needed. This proactive step not only protects your property but helps your landscape remain beautiful and safe.


Contact Quality First Tree Service

A fallen tree can feel like a disaster, but with the right response, you can move from emergency to recovery quickly. At Quality First Tree Service, we offer 24/7 emergency support, experienced crews, and environmentally responsible service you can trust. If a storm has left your property damaged, don’t wait—call us today at (931) 374-8450 for fast, professional help.



Tree trouble? Let us handle it—safely, efficiently, and with care.

A tree with white flowers is in the grass in front of a house.
Lightning strikes in the night sky over a city
Mistletoe is hanging from a tree in front of a house.
A man is standing in the woods holding a chainsaw.

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