What to Do When a Tree Falls on Your House

Few things are more shocking than hearing the crack of wood and the crash of a tree hitting your home. It can happen during a thunderstorm, from ice buildup, or even without warning on a calm day if the tree was weakened.

For homeowners in Ellijay, Blue Ridge, and Jasper, where mountain storms and steep terrain often combine to bring down trees, this is a very real concern. Knowing what to do in the minutes and hours after a tree falls can make the difference between a stressful event and a full-blown crisis.

Here’s a clear step-by-step guide to keep your family safe and get your property back in order.

Step 1: Make Sure Everyone Is Safe

The very first priority is human safety.

If a tree has fallen on your home, evacuate immediately — especially if you hear creaking or shifting in the structure.
Do a head count to make sure all family members and pets are safe and out of harm’s way.
Avoid standing near damaged walls, ceilings, or power lines that may be under tension.

Even if the damage looks minor, unseen structural stress could cause further collapse.

Step 2: Call Emergency Services If Needed

If the tree has damaged power lines, started a fire, or left someone trapped, call 911 right away. Fire and utility crews should handle electrical hazards before anyone else enters the property.

Never try to move a tree or touch downed lines yourself. Electricity can arc through wet ground and wood, turning the entire scene dangerous.

Step 3: Contact a Professional Tree Service

Once everyone is safe and the scene is stabilized, your next call should be to a professional, insured tree service.

Why?

A large tree pressing on a roof or wall needs to be removed strategically to prevent more collapse.
Specialized equipment like cranes, rigging, and saws are required.
Professionals know how to secure the area while protecting the rest of your property.

At Mario Alonzo Tree Service, we provide 24/7 emergency response because storms don’t wait for business hours.

Step 4: Secure the Property if It’s Safe

If it’s safe to re-enter once the tree is stabilized, take these steps to reduce further damage:

Cover exposed areas with tarps to prevent rain from entering.
Shut off electricity and water in damaged areas if circuits or pipes are exposed.
Stay out of unstable rooms until repairs are made.

Leave heavy lifting to the professionals — your role is to minimize additional water or weather damage if possible.

Step 5: Document Everything for Insurance

Insurance companies will need proof of what happened.

Take clear photos and video of the damage from multiple angles.
Note the time and conditions (e.g., storm, heavy winds, lightning).
Save receipts from any immediate repairs or tarps you purchased.

Your tree service can often provide an incident report, which helps with insurance claims.

Step 6: Contact Your Insurance Company

Most homeowner policies cover tree damage caused by storms, though details vary. Call your insurer as soon as possible to:

Open a claim.
Learn what documentation they require.
Confirm coverage for tree removal, structural repairs, and temporary housing if needed.

Having professional assessments and photos ready will speed this process.

Step 7: Plan for Repairs and Prevention

Once the tree is removed and the damage assessed, you can begin repairs. This is also the time to think about prevention:

Schedule a tree inspection to identify other high-risk trees.
Consider vista pruning or crown thinning to reduce wind resistance.
Remove dead or leaning trees before they become the next hazard.

Prevention is always cheaper and less stressful than emergency response.

Why Professional Help Is Critical

It’s tempting to call a handyman or try to cut up the tree yourself, but this is one of the most dangerous situations a homeowner can face.

Trees under pressure can shift suddenly, crushing anything below.
Damaged structures may collapse while someone is working inside.
Without insurance, you may be liable for injuries if untrained workers are hurt.

With 23 years of experience, Mario Alonzo Tree Service has safely handled countless storm damage cases across Ellijay, Blue Ridge, and Jasper. Our priority is always safety first — for your family, your home, and our crew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will insurance cover the cost of removal?
In most cases, yes, if the tree fell due to storm damage. Policies may not cover neglect (like a dead tree that was left standing).

Q: What if the tree fell from my neighbor’s property?
Insurance typically covers your home regardless of tree ownership. However, insurers may pursue your neighbor’s policy if neglect is proven.

Q: How fast can a crew arrive?
Mario Alonzo Tree Service provides 24/7 emergency response, usually arriving the same day. Severe storms may increase wait times, but safety calls always take priority.

Q: Can the tree be removed without damaging more of my house?
Yes — with proper rigging, cranes, and sectioning techniques, professionals can remove the tree safely without worsening structural damage.

👉 If a tree has fallen on your home in Ellijay, Blue Ridge, or Jasper, don’t wait. Call Mario Alonzo Tree Service for immediate, safe emergency tree removal. With 23 years of experience and a 24/7 response team, we’ll protect your home and your family when it matters most.