What to Do When a Tree Falls on Your House
Tree on your roof after an Oklahoma storm? Here's the step-by-step plan to stay safe and get your insurance claim handled.
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It's 2am. The wind is howling. You hear a crack, then a crash that shakes the house. A 60-foot oak just dropped across your roof. Here's exactly what to do, step by step.
- Step 1: Get everyone out
- Step 2: Check for downed power lines
- Step 3: Document everything
- Step 4: Call your insurance company
- Step 5: Call a tree service with crane capability
- Step 6: Tarp the roof
- Step 7: Stay on top of the claim
- What insurance typically covers
- Need emergency service right now?
Step 1: Get everyone out
This is non-negotiable. Even if the tree looks like it stopped at the roof, your home's structural integrity is now uncertain. Wake everyone up, grab phones and IDs, and get outside. If it's still storming, shelter in a neighbor's home or your garage.
Step 2: Check for downed power lines
Falling trees almost always take power lines with them. Stay 35+ feet away from any wire on the ground, even if it doesn't look live. Call OG&E at 1-800-522-6870 immediately.
Step 3: Document everything
Once you're safe, photograph and video everything:
This documentation is critical for your insurance claim. More photos is always better.
- The tree on your home from multiple angles
- Visible damage to the roof, siding, gutters
- Interior damage, water coming in, ceiling cracks, broken windows
- Any vehicles, fences, or outbuildings hit
Step 4: Call your insurance company
File a claim immediately, most carriers have 24/7 claim lines. Get your claim number and adjuster contact info. Tell them you need emergency mitigation to prevent further damage.
Step 5: Call a tree service with crane capability
This is where equipment matters. A tree on a house can't be safely cut from the ground, sections need to be lifted straight up to avoid further roof damage. Our crane removes tree sections vertically instead of dragging them across your home.
What to look for in an emergency tree service:
- 24/7 availability with same-hour dispatch
- Crane or heavy-lift equipment (not just chainsaws)
- Proof of insurance (ask before they start)
- Willingness to work with your insurance adjuster
Step 6: Tarp the roof
Once the tree is removed, your roof is exposed. Most policies require you to take "reasonable steps" to prevent further damage. If it's safe, tarp any visible openings. Most tree services (including us) will tarp as part of the emergency removal.
Step 7: Stay on top of the claim
- Save every receipt, tree removal, hotel, food, tarps
- Get 3 repair estimates from licensed roofers
- Follow up with your adjuster every 2 to 3 days
- Don't sign anything from door-to-door storm chasers
What insurance typically covers
Most homeowners policies cover tree removal from insured structures, roof/siding repairs, interior damage, contents damage, and temporary housing. What's usually not covered: tree removal if it didn't hit a structure, yard cleanup, and sometimes stump grinding.
Need emergency service right now?
Call (405) 938-6735, we dispatch our crane truck within an hour, 24/7. We work with all major insurance carriers.
What we do
Every Tree Service, One Local Crew
How it works
How a Job Goes
- 1
Call or send the form
Tell us about your trees. Bradin gets back to you and sets up a time to look.
- 2
Get a clear quote
We look at the trees with you and give you a free estimate with a clear price. No pressure to book.
- 3
We do it and clean up
The crew shows up when we said, takes the trees down safely and hauls every limb away.
Got a Tree That Has Been Bugging You?
Call (405) 938-6735 or send the form and we will get back to you.