Tree fell on your house: what to do right now
Get everyone out of the rooms under the tree, stay far from any power lines it brought down, and do not try to cut or move it yourself. Call 911 if anyone is hurt or trapped, or the utility for lines. Then photograph the damage, get the opening covered, and arrange tree removal before roof repair. Call 833-877-1717 to request an independent provider.
RepairNowUSA editorial review · Last substantively reviewed October 14, 2026 · Review standards
First: people and power lines
- Get everyone out of rooms under or near the tree. A tree resting on a roof can shift and bring a ceiling down.
- Call 911 if anyone is hurt or trapped.
- If the tree brought down power lines or the service wire to the house, treat them as live. Keep everyone far away and call the utility.
- If you smell gas, leave the house and call the gas utility or 911 from outside.
- If the structure is making cracking sounds or walls are leaning, leave the building.
Do not cut it yourself
A tree lying on a house is under tension in ways that are hard to see. Cutting the wrong limb can make the trunk roll, drop more weight on the roof, or spring back with deadly force. Removal from a structure is work for a tree service with the right equipment, often a crane. The same goes for climbing onto the roof to look.
Stop water getting in
- Move belongings out of the affected rooms and catch drips.
- Turn off power to circuits in rooms where water is coming in, from a dry spot at the panel.
- Once the tree is off, or if it can be done safely around it, a roofer or tarping provider can cover the opening. See emergency roof tarping.
- Broken windows can be boarded. See emergency board-up.
Document for insurance
- Photograph the tree on the house from several angles before anything is moved, plus interior damage.
- Call your insurer early. Many homeowners policies cover tree removal when the tree damaged a covered structure, often up to a set limit. Trees that fall without hitting anything may not be covered.
- Keep receipts for tree removal, tarping and any hotel stay.
- If the tree came from a neighbor's property, your own policy usually handles your damage; the insurers sort out the rest.
The repair order
- Tree removal by a tree service.
- Temporary cover of the opening.
- Structural check: rafters, trusses and walls can be cracked under the impact point.
- Drying of wet insulation, drywall and flooring.
- Permanent repair of the roof, framing and interior.
When you call 833-877-1717, say where the tree hit, whether lines are down and whether anyone can safely enter. RepairNowUSA looks for participating independent providers for tarping, board-up, water removal and repair. Availability varies, especially after major storms.
How RepairNowUSA can help
Call 833-877-1717 and describe what is happening and the property ZIP code. RepairNowUSA looks for a participating independent provider for that kind of work in your area and connects you if one is available. The provider confirms timing, scope and price with you and does the work. Availability and response times vary and are not guaranteed.
Call 833-877-1717Common questions
Who removes a tree that fell on my house?
A tree service with the right equipment removes it, sometimes with a crane. A roofer or contractor then covers and repairs the opening.
Does insurance pay to remove a tree that hit my house?
Many homeowners policies cover removal when the tree damaged a covered structure, often up to a limit. Call your insurer and photograph the damage first.
Is it safe to stay in the house?
Stay out of the rooms under the tree. If the structure is cracking, walls are leaning, lines are down on the house or you smell gas, leave the building.
Can I cut the tree off the roof myself?
No. Trees on structures are under unpredictable tension and can roll or spring when cut. Leave it to a tree service.
Can I call any time?
Yes. You can call 833-877-1717 at any time, including nights, weekends and holidays. Whether an independent provider can come out right away depends on your ZIP code, the time and provider capacity, so availability is not guaranteed.
Authoritative references
These public sources give general safety context. They do not replace an on-site evaluation, and RepairNowUSA does not perform the work.