A tree coming down in a storm is frightening, and in the moment it is hard to know what to do first. The most important thing is to stay calm and put safety before everything else, because a fallen tree can hide real dangers. The Yard is a Melbourne tree services team with more than 20 years of experience and 24/7 emergency response, and this is a clear, step-by-step guide to what to do when a tree falls on your property: how to stay safe, the powerline danger to watch for, what your insurer will want, and how to get the tree removed safely. Throughout, the golden rule is simple: keep your distance and let professionals handle the tree.
| In short: If a tree falls on your property in a storm, stay clear of it, especially if powerlines are involved. Keep everyone well back, and if the tree is near or touching powerlines, call 000 and your electricity distributor, and do not approach. Once it is safe, document the damage for insurance and call an emergency tree removal service to remove it safely. Never attempt to move a large fallen tree yourself. |
Step 1: Make sure everyone is safe
Before anything else, account for people and pets and get everyone well clear of the fallen tree and any damaged structure. A tree that has come down is unstable: limbs can be under tension, the trunk can shift, and a partly fallen tree can drop further without warning. Stay out of any part of the house the tree has struck, since the roof or ceiling above may be compromised, and keep children and pets away from the whole area. Do not poke around the tree to assess it or retrieve belongings, as that is exactly when people get hurt. If anyone is injured, call 000 immediately. Safety comes before property every time, so your first job is simply to get everyone to a safe distance and keep them there while you work out the next steps.
Step 2: Watch for power lines (this is critical)
This is the most important safety point of all. If the fallen tree is touching, near, or has brought down power lines, treat the entire area as extremely dangerous and potentially live. Electricity can travel through the tree, the ground and anything in contact with it, so do not approach the tree, do not touch it, and keep everyone well back. In this situation, call 000 and your electricity distributor straight away, and wait for them to make the area safe before anyone goes near it. Never assume a downed line is dead. Even without visible power lines, if the tree is anywhere near where lines run, treat it as a hazard. No tree, and no belonging under it, is worth the risk of electrocution, so when power lines are involved, the only safe action is to keep away and let the authorities handle it.
Step 3: Document the damage for insurance
Once you are certain it is safe to do so, and only then, it helps to record the damage for your insurance claim. From a safe distance, take clear photos and video of the fallen tree, the damage to your property, and the overall scene. Note the date and time and what happened. Many home insurance policies cover storm damage from fallen trees, but cover varies, so contact your insurer as soon as you can to report the damage and ask what they need from you. Insurers generally expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, so keep records of any emergency tree work as well. Rather than assume any particular outcome, check your own policy and speak with your insurer directly, since what is and is not covered differs between policies.
Step 4: Call for professional emergency tree removal
Removing a large fallen tree is not a DIY job, and attempting it is how serious injuries happen. A downed tree can be under enormous tension, and cutting into it without the right training and equipment can cause the trunk or limbs to spring or roll unpredictably. It is genuinely dangerous work, especially in the wet, chaotic aftermath of a storm. The safe course is to call a professional emergency team who can assess the tree, relieve the tension safely, and remove it without causing further damage to your property. If a tree has fallen on your Melbourne property, our 24/7 emergency tree removal in Melbourne can respond, make the situation safe and clear the tree properly. In the meantime, keep everyone clear, do not attempt to cut or move the tree yourself, and let the professionals do what they are equipped for.
Preventing the next one
Once the immediate crisis has passed, it is worth thinking about prevention, because many storm failures start with a tree that was already weak. Trees with dead or diseased limbs, heavy or unbalanced canopies, or signs of decay are far more likely to fail in high wind. Regular tree health checks can spot these warning signs early, and sensible tree pruning to reduce weight, clear deadwood and balance the canopy makes a tree far more storm-resistant. Where a tree is genuinely hazardous or in decline, planned tree removal before storm season is far safer and cheaper than dealing with a failure. Looking after your trees before the next big storm is the surest way to avoid going through this again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do first if a tree falls on my house?
Get everyone out of the affected area and to a safe distance, and stay out of any part of the house the tree has struck. If anyone is injured, or if powerlines are involved, call 000 immediately. Do not approach or try to move the tree. Once it is safe, document the damage and call for professional emergency tree removal.
What if the tree brought down powerlines?
Treat the whole area as extremely dangerous and potentially live. Do not approach or touch the tree, and keep everyone well back, since electricity can travel through the tree and the ground. Call 000 and your electricity distributor straight away and wait for them to make the area safe. Never assume a downed powerline is dead.
Does home insurance cover a fallen tree?
Many home insurance policies cover storm damage from fallen trees, but cover varies between policies and situations. Contact your insurer as soon as you can to report the damage, document everything with photos, and keep records of any emergency work. Rather than assume it is covered, check your own policy and confirm the details with your insurer.
Can I remove a fallen tree myself?
It is strongly advised not to. A fallen tree can be under significant tension, and cutting into it without training and the right equipment can cause it to spring or roll dangerously. Storm conditions make it riskier still. A professional emergency team has the skills and gear to remove it safely, so leave a large fallen tree to the experts.
Stay safe and let The Yard clear it
When a tree falls on your property in a storm, safety comes first: keep everyone clear, stay well away from any powerlines and call 000 and your electricity distributor if lines are involved, then document the damage and call for professional help. Never try to move a large fallen tree yourself. The Yard’s 24/7 emergency tree removal in Melbourne can respond and clear it safely, so you can focus on your family.
| Tree down on your property? Call The Yard’s 24/7 emergency line on 0450 410 800, or request emergency tree removal online. |