Emergency Guide: What to Do When a Tree Hits Your Roof or Power Lines

Critical Safety Briefing

• Evacuate Immediately: If a tree has impacted the roof or walls, the structural integrity of the home is compromised. Exit the building at once.

• Electrical Danger: If a tree is touching a power line, assume the tree, the surrounding ground, and your home’s gutters/siding are energized. Stay back at least 35 feet.

• Structural Load: Do not attempt DIY removal. A tree resting on a roof is under extreme tension; improper cuts can cause the trunk to “springboard” or collapse further into the living space.

When a storm hits, a fallen tree on your roof or power lines is a serious emergency that needs fast action. At Highland Tree Services, we know how scary it is to see a massive oak or maple leaning over your home in Washtenaw or Livingston County.

When a tree is resting on your house, it is heavy and unstable. If it’s touching power lines, it is life-threatening. This guide will show you exactly what to do in the first hour to keep your family safe and make sure your insurance claim goes smoothly.

1. Get Everyone Out Right Away

A tree weighs several tons. Even if the roof looks okay from the outside, the weight can cause the walls to buckle or the ceiling to collapse later.

• Evacuate: Grab your family and pets and leave the house immediately.

• Don’t Go Back In: Do not go back inside for clothes, wallets, or jewelry.

• Stay Clear: Stand far away from the “lean” of the tree. A fallen tree can shift or slide deeper into the house at any second.

2. Stay Away from Power Lines

This is the most dangerous part of a storm. If a tree is touching a power line, it can turn the ground around it into an “electric zone.”

• The 35-Foot Rule: Stay at least 35 feet away from any downed wire or a tree touching a wire.

• Don’t Touch the Siding: If your home has metal siding or gutters and a wire is touching it, the whole outside of your house could be “live” with electricity.

• Call the Utility Company First: Call DTE (1-800-477-4747) before you call anyone else. A tree crew cannot touch the tree until the power is officially turned off.

3. Call Your Insurance and Take Photos

Most homeowners’ insurance will pay for the tree removal if it hit your house, garage, or fence.

• Take Pictures: From a safe distance, take photos and videos of the damage. You will need these for your claim.

• Cover the Holes: Insurance usually requires you to “prevent further damage.” This means you need a professional to put a tarp over any holes in the roof as soon as the tree is gone.

• Don’t Use a Chainsaw: Never try to cut a tree that is leaning on a house. The wood is under massive pressure and can “snap back” and hit you or crash further into your home.

4. Hire a Professional with a Crane

Removing a tree from a roof is a “surgical” job. You can’t just drag it off, or you will ruin your shingles and rafters.

• The “Lift” Method: A professional crew will use a crane to lift the tree straight up and off your house. This prevents more damage to your roof.

• Emergency Tarping: Once the tree is off, the crew should immediately put a heavy tarp over the holes to keep rain and snow out.

Emergency Tree Help in Ann Arbor & Surrounding Areas

If a tree hits your home, you need help now. Highland Tree Services is available 24/7 for emergency removals in Ann Arbor, Dexter, Chelsea, and all of Washtenaw and Livingston Counties. We have over 30 years of experience and the right equipment (including cranes) to get the job done safely.

Call us 24/7 at (734) 999-3880 for emergency help.

What to Know About Insurance When a Tree Hits Your Roof

If a tree falls on your house, garage, or shed, homeowners insurance will usually cover both the removal of the tree and the repairs to the structure. However, there are a few important details homeowners should understand before starting the claim process.

• Tree Must Hit a Structure
  In most policies, insurance only covers removal when the tree damages a structure such as your roof, garage, fence, or deck. If a tree falls in your yard without hitting anything, cleanup may not be covered.
• Prevent Further Damage
  Insurance companies expect homeowners to take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage. Once the tree is safely removed, the roof should be tarped immediately to keep rain or snow from entering the home. Leaving exposed damage unattended can affect what the insurance company will reimburse.
• Document Everything
  Take photos and videos of the damage from a safe distance before any work begins. These images help the insurance adjuster understand exactly how the tree impacted the structure.
• Tree Condition May Matter
  If a tree was already dead, severely diseased, or obviously hazardous before the storm, the insurance company may question whether it should have been removed earlier. When a healthy tree falls during a storm, it is typically treated as storm damage and covered under the policy.
• Save All Invoices
  Keep copies of invoices from the tree service, crane work, tarping, and any emergency stabilization. These documents are often required for reimbursement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who pays if my neighbor’s tree falls on my house? 

Generally, your own insurance policy handles the claim. In the insurance world, this is considered an “Act of God,” unless you can prove the neighbor was negligent in maintaining a dead tree.

Will the city remove a tree if it falls in the street? 

The city is usually responsible for clearing the roadway, but it will often move the debris to the curb. Disposal of the wood is typically the homeowner’s responsibility.

What if the tree falls but doesn’t hit anything?

Most insurance policies do not cover tree removal if the tree falls in the yard without damaging a structure. However, it is still a hazard that should be cleared professionally.

How do I know if my roof is going to collapse? 

Warning signs include new cracks in the drywall, doors that no longer close properly, or loud creaking/popping sounds. Evacuate immediately if these occur.

Should I call 911? 

Only call 911 if there is an active fire, a medical emergency, or if the fallen tree is blocking a major roadway. For power lines, call the utility company directly.

How long does emergency removal take? 

Depending on the complexity and equipment needed (like a crane), the process can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day.

Conclusion

A tree falling on your home is a traumatic event, but following a clear plan can prevent a bad situation from getting worse. Remember: Safety > Property. Never trade your physical well-being for a quicker cleanup. By staying clear of power lines, evacuating the structure, and calling in the experts at Highland Tree Services, you can navigate the storm aftermath safely and effectively.

Reviewed by a Certified Arborist

This safety analysis has been reviewed by an ISA Certified Arborist to ensure all information regarding soil mechanics and tree failure meets the standards of the International Society of Arboriculture.

Sources & Credible References: 

• DTE Energy – Downed Power Line Safety
• Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services – Storm Damage FAQ
• International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) – Managing Storm-Damaged Trees
• TCIA – Emergency Tree Care Standards
• American Red Cross – Power Outage and Storm Safety
• Washtenaw County Emergency Management – Severe Weather Guidelines