Immediate safety steps, DIY removal for small trees, what to look for when hiring a tree service, insurance coverage, and how to avoid post-storm tree removal scams.
A tree in contact with or near a downed power line must be treated as energized until the utility company physically disconnects it — not just turns off the breaker. Call 911 immediately. Do not attempt to move the tree, cut branches, or go near the area. Electricity can travel through the ground up to 30 feet from a downed line. This is the leading cause of post-hurricane electrocution fatalities.
Look up and around the entire tree. Check if any lines are sagging, broken, or in contact with the tree or any branches. If yes — stop, back away, and call 911. Do not proceed until the utility company clears the scene.
If the tree fell near your home and you smell gas — leave immediately and call your gas company and 911 from a safe distance. Roots can rupture underground gas lines when a large tree falls.
If the tree hit your home, garage, or any structure — do not enter until a structural assessment confirms it is safe. A tree on a roof can compromise load-bearing walls and cause sudden collapse. Call your insurance company before entering the structure.
Walk the full perimeter and record video of the downed tree, any structural damage, and the surrounding area. This documentation is your insurance claim. Do it before any cleanup, cutting, or debris removal begins.
A tree under tension — bent, leaning, pinned under another tree, or with roots partially lifted — can spring violently and fatally when cut. Look for bowing in the trunk, compressed bark on one side, or roots lifting from the ground. Any of these signs mean hire a professional; do not attempt DIY removal.
You can safely handle DIY removal if ALL of the following are true: the tree is completely down (not leaning or hung up in another tree), under 8 inches in diameter, away from all structures and utilities, shows no signs of spring tension, and you have proper safety gear and chainsaw experience.
If any one of those conditions isn't met — hire a professional. Chainsaw injuries and falling tree accidents are among the leading causes of post-hurricane fatalities every year in Florida and the Gulf Coast.
A tree that fell into another tree and is suspended ("hung up") is one of the most dangerous situations in tree removal. The suspended tree can fall suddenly in any direction when the supporting tree is disturbed. Never attempt to free a hung-up tree yourself — this requires professional rigging equipment and training.
Chaps, helmet with face shield, cut-resistant gloves, steel-toe boots, and ear protection — all on before the chainsaw starts. No exceptions. One kickback without chaps can be a life-changing injury. Post-storm fatigue and distraction are when accidents happen most.
Every log on the ground has a "compression side" (where it bends toward the ground) and a "tension side" (where it bends away). Always start your cut on the compression side to avoid the bar getting pinched. Insert a felling wedge as soon as the cut is started to prevent pinching.
Start at the top (outermost end) of the fallen tree and work toward the root ball in manageable 18–24 inch sections. Never stand directly in line with the log — stand slightly to the side. Move cut sections completely clear before making the next cut to keep your workspace clean.
"Limbing" is removing branches; "bucking" is cutting the trunk into sections. Remove all branches first so you can see the trunk clearly and work without tripping on brush. Cut branches from the underside up for branches under compression, from the top down for branches under tension.
Always have someone nearby who knows where you are and can call for help. Chainsaw accidents can incapacitate instantly. Keep your phone in a pocket — not on the ground. Let someone know your plan and expected finish time before starting any chainsaw work post-storm.
Hire a professional tree service for any tree that: is over 8 inches in diameter, is hung up in another tree, is on or touching your home, is near any utility line, shows signs of spring tension, requires climbing, or involves the root ball lifting from the ground. The cost of professional removal is far less than a hospital bill or a crushed roof.
Search pre-screened, insured tree removal companies. After a hurricane, call early — licensed tree services book out weeks while storm chasers work immediately.
Find on Angi → Search Thumbtack →
The International Society of Arboriculture maintains a public database of all certified arborists. Takes 30 seconds — worth doing before signing any tree removal contract.
Find ISA Arborist → TCIA Member Directory →
Even when a tree falls on a covered structure, most homeowner policies cap tree removal at $500–$1,000 per tree — far less than the actual removal cost of $1,500–$5,000+. Check your declarations page for the specific sublimit. You'll likely pay the difference out of pocket. This is why getting multiple estimates and negotiating matters.
Call your insurer within 24 hours. Document everything with photos and video before any work begins. Get written estimates from at least two companies. Keep all receipts. Ask your adjuster specifically about the tree removal sublimit and whether the cost to access damaged areas is covered separately from the removal sublimit.
Hurricane shutters protect your windows and doors — your first line of defense. Get a free estimate and see your insurance savings.
Free Shutter Estimate → Roof Tarping Guide →Everything you need to safely handle small downed trees yourself.
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