Essential Steps to Take During a Tree Emergency and What to Expect

Tree emergencies can happen suddenly, often creating dangerous situations. Whether it’s a tree brought down by a storm or one leaning precariously towards your home, knowing how to respond is vital. This guide covers the essential steps to take during a tree emergency and what you can expect from the process.

Assess the Situation

The first step is to carefully assess the situation. Determine whether the tree poses an immediate risk to people, property, or traffic. For example, a fallen tree blocking a road or damaging a fence requires urgent attention.

Always observe from a safe distance. Look out for hazards such as downed power lines. If a tree has brought down or is touching electrical wires, do not approach the area. Instead, contact your local electricity provider straight away.

Prioritise Safety

Your safety must come first. If a tree has fallen on your home, vehicle, or near where people are gathered, evacuate the area immediately. Falling trees and branches can cause serious injury.

If anyone has been injured, call 999 without delay. Even seemingly minor injuries should be checked by a medical professional.

Never attempt to remove a fallen or unstable tree yourself. Tree work is hazardous and requires specialist training and equipment. Even small branches can shift unexpectedly and cause harm.

Contact Professionals

Once you are certain everyone is safe, contact a qualified tree surgeon. In the UK, professional tree surgeons are trained and equipped to deal with emergencies safely and efficiently.

When you call, give as much detail as possible: the tree’s location, the type of damage caused, and any nearby hazards such as overhead cables. This information helps them prepare and ensures a faster response.

Document the Damage

While waiting for help, take clear photographs of the tree and any damage to your property. Capture the scene from several angles, including close-ups and wider shots. This evidence can be extremely useful when making insurance claims.

For example, if a tree has damaged your fence, photograph both the tree and the affected fence panels. The more detail you provide, the smoother the claims process will be.

Fallen tree next to a outhouse.

What to Expect from Professionals

When the tree surgeon arrives, they will assess the site and determine the safest course of action. Depending on the situation, they may use specialist machinery such as cranes, winches, or wood chippers to deal with the tree safely.

The process can take time, particularly if the tree is large or located near hazards such as power lines or buildings. Follow the guidance of the professionals at all times, and keep clear of the work area until they confirm it is safe.

Follow-Up Actions

After the emergency is resolved, you may need to arrange for debris clearance, property repairs, or further tree inspections. It’s a good idea to ask a tree surgeon or arborist to check the health of any remaining trees, as preventative care can help avoid future emergencies.

You may also wish to replant a tree in a safe location, as trees provide shade, shelter, and environmental benefits.

Final Thoughts

Tree emergencies can be stressful and sometimes dangerous, but by acting calmly and following the correct steps, you can keep people safe and protect your property.

• Always prioritise safety.

• Contact emergency services if anyone is injured or power lines are affected.

• Call a qualified tree surgeon to handle the removal safely.

• Document the damage for insurance purposes.

When in doubt, never attempt to deal with a tree emergency on your own—leave it to trained professionals.