A fallen tree can damage roofs, power lines, and expose homes to rain within minutes. Best Option Restoration provides a step-by-step guide for Lakewood homeowners on handling tree damage in the first 24 hours.
- Move everyone to safety, stay 35 feet from downed wires, and call 911 if lines are down or anyone is hurt. Leave the house if the tree hit a load-bearing wall or you smell gas.
- Photograph and video all damage before cleanup, then tarp the roof and board windows to prevent water intrusion. Save damaged items and receipts for your insurance claim.
- Contact your insurance company the same day and call a restoration crew to check for hidden water damage. Mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours of water exposure.
After a tree falls on your property, prioritize safety by staying away from downed power lines and damaged structures. Document the damage with photos for insurance purposes, then contact your homeowner's insurance company to file a claim. Arrange for professional tree removal and temporary repairs to prevent further damage from weather exposure.
A Tree Just Fell on Your Property. Here’s What Comes Next.
A fallen tree can crush a roof, snap power lines, and open your home to rain in minutes. The first decisions you make shape how much the repair costs and how long it takes. This article walks you step by step through tree damage cleanup and the actions that matter most in the first 24 hours.
Best Option Restoration responds to storm-damaged homes across Lakewood and the surrounding area. The checklist below reflects what our crews see on real calls.
Immediate Safety Checklist (First 15 Minutes)
Your safety comes before any cleanup. A fallen tree creates hazards that are not obvious at first glance.
- Get everyone out of the affected area. Move family and pets away from the impact zone.
- Check for downed power lines. Assume every wire is live. Stay at least 35 feet back.
- Smell for gas. If you detect rotten-egg odors, leave the house and call your utility.
- Look for structural sag. Bowed ceilings or cracked walls mean you should not go inside.
- Call 911 if lines are down or anyone is hurt.
Do not try to move a tree that landed on power lines. Electricity can travel into the trunk and the ground around it.
When to Leave the House
Leave immediately if the tree pierced a load-bearing wall or roof structure. The same applies if you hear creaking, see widening cracks, or smell gas. A house that looks stable can shift as the tree settles.
Document the Damage Before You Touch Anything
Insurance adjusters want proof of the damage in its original state. Clear documentation speeds up your claim and raises your payout.
- Photograph wide shots of the whole scene from several angles.
- Take close-ups of the roof, walls, windows, and any interior damage.
- Record a short video walking around the property while describing what you see.
- Note the date and time and the storm conditions.
- Save damaged items instead of throwing them out until your adjuster reviews them.
One Lakewood homeowner we helped saved thousands because she photographed water-stained drywall before the ceiling collapsed fully. The timeline in her photos confirmed the tree caused the interior damage.
Stop Further Damage With Temporary Protection
Once the scene is safe, your next task is keeping water and weather out. Rain through a broken roof causes more loss than the tree itself.
Tarp the Roof
A heavy-duty tarp over the opening stops water from reaching insulation, drywall, and framing. Secure edges with boards, not just nails, to keep wind from ripping it loose. If climbing the roof is unsafe, wait for a crew with fall protection.
Board Broken Windows and Openings
Cover shattered windows with plywood to block rain and deter theft. A broken window after a storm invites both water damage and intruders.
Shut Off Utilities if Needed
Turn off electricity to flooded or exposed areas at the breaker. Cut water if a falling branch ruptured a pipe. Leave gas to the utility company.
Call Your Insurance Company
Report the claim the same day the tree falls. Most homeowner policies cover tree damage cleanup when the tree hits a covered structure like your house, garage, or fence.
Keep these points in mind when you call:
- Ask what your policy covers for debris removal and temporary repairs.
- Request your claim number and the adjuster’s contact details.
- Save all receipts for tarps, plywood, and emergency work.
- Ask about additional living expenses if your home is unlivable.
A tree that falls in your yard without hitting a structure may not be covered. Policies vary, so confirm the specifics with your agent.
Who Owns the Fallen Tree Matters
Liability depends on where the tree stood and why it fell. A healthy tree knocked over by a storm is usually the responsibility of whoever owns the property it lands on.
A diseased or dead tree is different. If your neighbor ignored a rotting tree that fell on your house, their insurance may share the cost. Photos of the tree’s condition help settle these disputes.
Posted on GoogleWhy Tree Damage Cleanup Needs a Restoration Crew
Removing the tree is only the first part. The hidden damage underneath causes the costly problems most homeowners miss.
When a tree breaches your roof, water soaks into these areas fast:
- Attic insulation that loses its R-value when wet.
- Drywall and ceilings that stain, sag, and grow mold.
- Framing and subfloor that warp and weaken.
- Electrical systems that short out when soaked.
Mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours of water exposure. A restoration crew dries the structure, tests moisture levels, and rebuilds damaged areas. Tree removal alone leaves these problems hidden behind the walls.
What a Full Property Restoration Includes
Property restoration after tree damage covers more than patching the roof. The work spans water extraction, structural drying, mold prevention, and rebuilding affected rooms to their prior state.
Our crews coordinate the whole job, from the first tarp to the final coat of paint. Working with one team keeps your insurance paperwork consistent and your timeline shorter.
Your 24-Hour Action Checklist
Here is the full sequence to follow after a tree falls on your property:
- Move everyone to safety and check for downed lines or gas.
- Call 911 if anyone is hurt or wires are down.
- Photograph and video all damage before cleanup.
- Tarp the roof and board broken windows.
- Shut off affected utilities at the source.
- Call your insurance company and open a claim.
- Save every receipt for emergency repairs.
- Call a restoration crew to assess hidden water damage.
Following this order keeps you safe, protects your claim, and limits the damage that spreads after the tree is gone.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Homeowners make the same errors under stress. Knowing them ahead of time saves money.
- Touching downed power lines or standing water near them.
- Throwing away damaged items before the adjuster sees them.
- Climbing a storm-damaged roof without fall protection.
- Waiting days to tarp and letting water keep soaking in.
- Hiring the first door-knocker who shows up after a storm.
Storm-chasing contractors flood neighborhoods after big weather events. Verify licensing and local references before signing anything.
Conclusion
Act fast and in order: secure safety, document everything, stop water intrusion, then call your insurer and a restoration crew. Quick tree damage cleanup and proper drying prevent mold and structural loss that cost far more than the tree removal itself.
Best Option Restoration handles tree damage cleanup and full property restoration for Lakewood homeowners around the clock. Call or text 303-500-3187, email info@borlakewood.com, or visit https://borlakewood.com to start your recovery.
Sources
- Ready.gov – Thunderstorms & Lightning Safety
- U.S. EPA – Mold Cleanup in Your Home
- Insurance Information Institute – Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Fallen Trees?