What to Do When a Tree Falls on Your House
If a tree has fallen on your house, safety comes first, then documentation, then removal. Here is the order to work through.
1. Get everyone to safety
If the tree has come through the roof or a wall, or you smell gas or see sparks, get everyone out of the house. If anyone is hurt or trapped, call 911.
2. Stay away from power lines
Treat every downed wire as live. Do not touch the tree if it is in contact with a line, and keep children and pets well back. Call your electric utility to report it; JCP&L and PSE&G serve different parts of the county, and the number is on your bill.
3. Do not try to cut it yourself
A tree resting on a roof is often under tension. Cutting the wrong piece can make it shift or spring. Leave it to a professional crew, ideally one with a crane. See when a crane is used.
4. Document everything
- Take wide photos showing the whole tree and the house, then close-ups of the damage.
- Photograph inside the house too: ceilings, water stains, broken windows.
- Note the date, time and weather.
5. Call your insurance company
Homeowners policies often cover damage to the house and removal of a tree that has fallen on an insured structure, but coverage and limits vary. Ask your insurer what is covered, whether they want an adjuster to see it first, and how they want removal costs documented. Keep every receipt.
6. Prevent more damage
If it is safe, cover openings with tarps to keep rain out. Many policies expect you to take reasonable steps to limit further damage.
7. Get the tree removed safely
Call for emergency and storm damage tree removal. Lifting the tree off the structure in controlled sections, often with a crane, helps avoid making the damage worse. Ask for a written scope you can send to your insurer.
Tree down right now? Call (973) 828 0798. If wires are involved or anyone is in danger, call 911 and your utility first.
Could it have been prevented?
Many trees that fail in storms show warning signs first: dead branches, cracks, fungus at the base, a new lean, or heaving soil. If you have a tree like that near your house, an assessment for hazardous tree removal is cheaper than a roof repair. We help homeowners across Parsippany, Morris Plains, Morristown and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do first if a tree falls on my house?
Get everyone to safety, stay away from any downed power lines, and call 911 if anyone is hurt or in danger. Then photograph the damage and call your insurance company before the tree is removed.
Does homeowners insurance pay to remove a tree that fell on my house?
Many homeowners policies cover damage and tree removal when a tree falls on an insured structure, but limits vary. Check with your insurer and keep all receipts.
Can I remove a fallen tree from my roof myself?
It is not recommended. Trees resting on structures are often under tension and can shift when cut. Use a professional crew, often with a crane.
