What Do You Do When a Tree Falls on a House?
Storms in Tulsa can be unpredictable, but there is always a clear path forward when a tree falls on your home. Acting quickly and in the right order helps protect your family, limits further damage, and keeps your insurance claim on track.
If you are facing this situation right now, knowing what to do next can make a stressful moment feel more manageable, and local help is available when you need it.
Key Summary:
If a tree falls on your house, focus on safety first. Make sure everyone is okay, stay away from the damaged area, document the damage for insurance, and contact a certified local tree service like TREES BY JAKE to safely assess and remove the tree.
What to Do When a Tree Falls on Your House: Step by Step
Severe storms, high winds, and lightning make fallen trees a common issue for Tulsa homeowners. Following these steps in order helps reduce risk, protects your property, and can assist with an insurance claim.
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Make sure everyone is safe and evacuate if needed:
Check for injuries and move everyone away from the damaged area.
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Call 911 if there are downed power lines or injuries:
If the tree is touching power lines or someone is hurt, call emergency services right away. Assume that the lines are still active and do not go near them.
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Take photos for insurance:
If able, take clear photos and videos of the tree, the roof, and any interior damage. This documentation matters later.
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Contact your homeowner’s insurance company:
Report the incident as soon as possible. They will guide you on the next steps.
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Call a certified tree service for emergency removal:
A fallen tree on a home requires trained crews and proper equipment. Emergency tree removal in Tulsa should only be handled by certified professionals.
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Avoid DIY removal. It’s dangerous:
Cutting or moving a fallen tree can cause sudden shifts, roof collapse, or serious injury. This is not a safe do-it-yourself situation.
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Secure damaged areas of the home if safe to do so:
Contact a contractor to help secure the home if needed to help prevent further damage.
Does Insurance Cover When a Tree Falls onto Your Home in Tulsa?
In most cases, yes. When a tree falls on your house due to a storm, wind, or lightning, homeowners insurance typically covers the damage to the structure and often the cost of removal.
In Tulsa, storm-related tree damage is one of the most common covered claims. Insurance usually pays first for damage to the home, such as the roof, walls, or interior, as well as removal of the tree from the structure.
Strong documentation helps a fallen tree insurance claim go more smoothly. Clear photos, quick reporting, and an assessment from a professional tree service give your insurer the information they need to process the claim without delays.
Why You Should Never Remove a Fallen Tree Yourself
When a tree falls on a house, it may look stable from the outside, but it rarely is. We see this often after Tulsa storms. Large limbs and trunks can be under extreme tension, and cutting or moving the wrong section can cause sudden shifts, roof collapse, or serious injury.
There are also hidden dangers that homeowners cannot easily spot, such as cracked roof supports, pressure on ceilings, or nearby power lines that may still be live. Even small mistakes can make the damage worse or put someone at risk.
Common risks we see include:
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Sudden movement or rolling of heavy limbs:
Fallen trees often hold stored tension, especially where limbs are bent or pinned against the roof. Cutting the wrong section can cause the trunk or branches to shift or roll without warning.
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Contact with live electrical lines:
Trees frequently bring down or rest against power lines during storms. Even if the lines appear inactive, they may still be energized and extremely dangerous.
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Collapse of already weakened roof sections:
A roof that looks intact may already be compromised. Removing weight too quickly can cause rafters or decking to give way, leading to partial or full collapse.
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Serious injury to homeowners or anyone trying to help:
Chainsaws, ladders, and unstable footing create a high risk of falls and cuts. We often see injuries happen when well-meaning helpers underestimate the weight and pressure involved.
This is why emergency tree removal should always be handled by trained professionals with the right experience and equipment.
Why Call TREES BY JAKEÂ for Emergency Tree Removal
When a tree falls on your home, you need fast help from people who know how to handle the situation safely. At TREES BY JAKE, we have worked with Tulsa homeowners for years during storms, high winds, and tornado-related damage.
We understand how stressful this moment is, and our goal is to protect your safety, your home, and your peace of mind.
Here is what you can expect when you call us:
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Local Tulsa experience handling storm-damaged trees and homes
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Work led by ISA Certified Arborists who follow industry safety standards
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Specialized equipment designed for roof and structure removals
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Full insurance coverage, including liability and workers’ compensation
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Ability to work with your insurance carrier regarding your claim
When a tree needs full or partial removal, our tree removal service focuses on careful planning, controlled removal, and protecting the rest of your property during the process.
What We Look for When Assessing Storm-Damaged Trees in Tulsa
When we arrive at a storm-damaged property, our first priority is safety. We look at how the tree is resting on the home, where the weight is being carried, and whether the structure below has already shifted. In Tulsa, we often see damage made worse by saturated soil and high winds, which can leave trees partially uprooted and unstable even if they appear settled.
Next, we assess hidden risks that are easy to miss from the ground. This includes checking for stored tension in limbs, cracks in the trunk, pressure points on the roof, and any nearby power or service lines.
We also look at how the tree failed, whether from wind, lightning, or root movement, because that tells us how it may react during removal.
Finally, we plan the safest removal approach for the home and the surrounding property. Sometimes that means stabilizing the tree before removal, and other times it requires sectional cutting or crane assistance.
Our goal is always the same. Remove the tree without causing additional damage and leave the property in a safer condition than when we arrived.
FAQs
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Who do I call when a tree falls on my house in Tulsa?
If there are injuries or power lines involved, call emergency services first. Then,, contact a certified local tree service that specializes in emergency removal.
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Will homeowners insurance pay for tree removal?
In most cases, yes. If a tree has fallen onto your home, insurance usually covers damages and the cost of removal.
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How much does emergency tree removal cost in Tulsa?
The cost depends on the crew and equipment required to safely remove the tree and mitigate further damage.
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Can I remove a tree from my roof myself?
No. Removing a tree from a roof is extremely dangerous and often leads to serious injury or additional damage to the home. Doing so may also impact your insurance coverage.
Trusted Emergency Tree Help When Your Home Is at Risk
When a tree falls on your house, the most important things are safety and clear next steps. Focus on protecting the people in your home, document the damage, contact your insurance company, and leave the removal to trained professionals.
If you are dealing with a fallen tree in Tulsa, we are here to help. Call TREES BY JAKE for emergency tree removal or a free expert assessment, and get steady, experienced guidance when you need it most.
Contact Your
Tulsa Tree Service
TREES BY JAKE has been providing tree removal services in Tulsa for over a decade. Jake is a Tulsa Certified Arborist and we have a variety of equipment to safely and efficiently remove trees. Call or text us today for your free estimate at 918-500-9955 and don’t forget to check us out on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!