What to Do When a Tree Falls on Your Property

When a tree falls, it can be confusing and stressful. Who pays for the damage? Should you call your insurance or a tree service first? And how can you stop it from happening again? This guide gives you straight answers so you know what to do, who’s responsible and how to protect your home in the future.

Why Do Trees Fall?

Trees are strong, but they are also living organisms that respond to their environment. Some of the most common causes include:

• Severe weather: Heavy rain, strong winds, and snowstorms often overload tree branches and roots.
• Soil saturation: When the ground becomes waterlogged, roots lose stability and trees can topple more easily.
• Diseased or decayed wood: Internal rot, fungi, or pests weaken structural integrity.
• Poor root systems: Shallow or compacted roots may fail under pressure.
• Age and size: Older, taller trees face higher risks during storms.
• Construction damage: Excavation and soil compaction around roots reduce strength.

By recognizing these risk factors, homeowners can prepare in advance and lower the chances of a dangerous fall.

What to Do if a Tree Falls on Your Property

If a tree falls, safety comes first. Here’s what to do immediately:

1. Check for injuries. Make sure everyone in the home is safe. Call emergency services if someone is hurt.
2. Stay away from hazards. Do not approach the tree if it’s near power lines, gas lines or electrical equipment. Contact your utility company right away if you notice sparks, leaks or wires on the ground.
3. Don’t enter damaged areas. If the tree has hit your home, avoid going inside until a professional confirms it’s safe. Walls, roofs or ceilings may collapse.
4. Block off the area. Keep children, pets and neighbors away until help arrives.
5. Call the right professionals. Depending on the damage, this may include the fire department, utility companies, a certified arborist and your insurance provider.

Who Is Responsible for a Fallen Tree?

Understanding tree falls liability is key to avoiding disputes with neighbors or insurers.

Local laws and insurance policies vary, so documenting the situation with photos and contacting your insurer is always recommended.

Insurance and Documentation

Insurance companies require clear records make a fallen tree insurance claim faster and less stressful:

• Take photographs of the tree, damage, and surrounding area.
• Note the time and circumstances of the fall.
• Contact your insurance provider before removing debris.
• Save receipts for emergency repairs or professional removal.

Having complete records speeds up claims and helps you avoid disputes.

Professional Tree Removal and Cleanup

Removing a fallen tree is not a do-it-yourself project in most cases. Heavy wood, unstable structures, and hidden root systems create dangerous conditions. Certified arborists and professional tree services have the equipment, training, and insurance to handle these jobs safely.

Services usually include:

• Emergency removal of the fallen tree
• Cutting and hauling debris
• Stump grinding or root extraction
• Assessing nearby trees for risk
• Coordinating with insurance companies for documentation

Hiring professionals protects you from injury and ensures that cleanup is completed without additional property damage.

Preventing Future Tree Falls

Prevention is always easier and cheaper than dealing with the aftermath. Here are strategies to lower risks:

• Regular inspections: Have an arborist check large or old trees at least once a year.
• Pruning and maintenance: Proper trimming reduces weight and wind resistance.
• Remove hazardous trees: Dead or diseased trees should be removed promptly.
• Soil care: Avoid compacting soil around roots and improve drainage when possible.
• Protect roots during construction: Keep heavy equipment away from tree bases.

A simple annual check-up often prevents major emergencies.

Local Considerations for Homeowners in Whatcom County and Bellingham

Whatcom County, especially areas like Bellingham, faces unique tree-related risks because of frequent windstorms, saturated soils and dense tree coverage. During fall and winter, wind gusts often reach 50 mph or more, and atmospheric river storms bring heavy rainfall that loosens root systems and weakens stressed trees.

The combination of wet clay-rich soil, older evergreens, tall cedars, firs and leaning alders makes tree falls more likely in many neighborhoods.

Homeowners should also be aware of local rules. Whatcom County may not require permits for emergency removals, but regulations can apply if the tree is near wetlands, shorelines or is considered a significant tree. Within Bellingham city limits, a permit may be needed before removing certain trees, even after a storm.

Common Myths About Fallen Trees

• “If a tree is on the property line, I can remove it without permission.” Not true. Shared property line trees usually need neighbor agreement or city permits.
• “Insurance covers tree removal no matter what.” Insurance typically only pays if the tree caused damage. If it falls harmlessly in your yard, removal costs are usually yours.
• “Newly planted trees never fall.” Incorrect. Young trees can topple if poorly staked or not rooted deeply.

Clarifying these misunderstandings helps homeowners avoid costly mistakes.

Best Practices for Dealing with Fallen Trees

• Keep important emergency contacts accessible, including local utility companies and reputable tree service providers.
• Communicate proactively with neighbors to address potential tree concerns before they become problems.
• Schedule seasonal tree inspections and maintenance to prevent hazards, especially before storm or heavy snowfall seasons.
• Hire certified tree professionals like Earthworks Tree Service instead of attempting risky removals or cleanups on your own.

Following these practices helps protect your property, reduces liability, and gives you peace of mind year-round.

Future Outlook: Safer Communities Through Tree Care

As climate patterns shift, storms are expected to become stronger and more frequent. Communities that invest in preventive care, resilient tree planting, and education about maintenance will experience fewer emergencies. Homeowners who treat tree care as part of routine property management are better positioned to protect their investments and families.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fallen Trees

What is the first thing I should do if a tree falls on my house?

Ensure everyone is safe, call emergency services if needed, and contact your insurance provider before entering the damaged structure.

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

Usually, your own homeowner’s insurance covers it, unless there is evidence that your neighbor neglected a hazardous tree.

Will insurance pay to remove a tree that did not cause damage?

In most cases, no. Insurance generally covers removal only if the tree damages a covered structure.

How can I tell if my tree is at risk of falling?

Look for signs such as cracks in the trunk, leaning, exposed roots, dead branches, or fungal growth. A certified arborist can give a full risk assessment.

Should I try to cut up a fallen tree myself?

No. Fallen trees are heavy, unstable, and dangerous to handle without professional equipment. Always call an insured tree service.

How much does it cost to remove a fallen tree?

Removal costs vary by size, location, and complexity, but emergency removals often range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

What should I do first if a tree falls on my property?

Your first step is to ensure everyone’s safety check for injuries and call emergency services if needed. Stay clear of downed power lines or damaged structures, then document the scene with photos before contacting your insurance provider and a certified tree service.

Protecting Your Property From Tree Emergencies

A fallen tree is more than an inconvenience; it can pose real dangers to people, property, and finances. By acting quickly, prioritizing safety, and involving professionals, you can manage emergencies effectively. Insurance and proper documentation also support faster recovery, while preventive maintenance helps ensure long-term security.

The most important takeaway is that homeowners are not powerless. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can protect your property, minimize risks, and handle emergencies with confidence.

If you suspect your trees may be vulnerable, contact Earthworks Tree Service today for a certified arborist inspection. For 24/7 emergency tree service in Bellingham and Whatcom County, our team is ready to respond quickly and safely. Proactive care now could save you thousands of dollars and significant stress later.