Emergency Tree Removal: What to Do First When a Tree Falls on Your Property

When a tree falls on your property, the first thing to do is ensure everyone is safe and evacuate the affected area immediately. Do not attempt to remove the tree yourself, do not go under it to retrieve belongings, and if it has brought down power lines, stay at least 8 metres away and call Ausgrid on 13 13 88. Once everyone is safe, the process of insurance, council notification, and professional removal can begin.

I'm Daymian McGovern, and over 13 years as a certified arborist on the Central Coast, I have attended hundreds of emergency tree situations -- from storm-felled gums across roofs in Terrigal to massive branch failures in Gosford during summer storms. Here is exactly what to do, step by step.

Step 1: Ensure Immediate Safety

Your safety is the absolute priority. A fallen tree can shift without warning, especially if it is resting on a structure or tangled in other trees.

- Evacuate the area around the fallen tree. Keep children and pets well away.
- Do not go under the tree for any reason. Partially supported trees are extremely unpredictable.
- Check for power lines. If the tree has contacted or brought down power lines, do not approach. Call Ausgrid immediately on 13 13 88. The area around downed power lines can be energised even if the lines appear dead.
- Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or the tree has struck a gas meter, evacuate further and call Jemena on 13 19 09.
- If the tree is on a road, call Central Coast Council on 1300 463 954 or police on 131 444 to arrange traffic management.

Step 2: Document Everything

Before anything is moved or cleaned up, thorough documentation protects your insurance claim.

- Photograph the damage from multiple angles. Capture the tree, the point of impact, the roof or structure damage, and the surrounding area.
- Video is even better. Walk around the scene and narrate what you see.
- Note the date and time the tree fell, and the weather conditions at the time.
- Photograph any personal property damage -- vehicles, fences, sheds, outdoor furniture.

If it is safe to do so, take close-up photos of the tree's root plate (the base where it has torn out of the ground) and any visible decay or hollowing. This information can support your insurance claim and help establish whether the failure was foreseeable.

Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Company

Call your home and contents insurer as soon as practical. Most storm-related tree damage is covered under standard home insurance policies, but there are nuances you should know:

- Tree on your roof or structure: Generally covered for both the tree removal and structural repairs.
- Tree on your fence: Often covered, but check your policy for fencing sub-limits.
- Tree on your car: Covered under comprehensive car insurance, not home insurance.
- Tree fell but missed everything: Many policies do not cover removal of a fallen tree that has not damaged an insured structure. This surprises people.
- Neighbour's tree fell on your property: Your insurance covers your damage. You may have a claim against the neighbour only if the tree was obviously dead or dangerous and they failed to act.

Important tip: Ask your insurer whether you can proceed with emergency make-safe works before the assessor visits. In most storm events, insurers authorise emergency tarping and removal to prevent further damage. Get this authorisation in writing (even via email or SMS) before work begins.

Step 4: Arrange Emergency Make-Safe Works

If the tree is on your home or a structure, you need an emergency arborist to perform make-safe works. This typically involves:

- Removing the tree or major branches from the roof
- Tarping any exposed areas to prevent water ingress
- Clearing access paths and driveways
- Making the remaining tree (if partially standing) safe from further failure

This is where choosing the right arborist matters. In the chaos of a major storm event, unlicensed operators appear offering cheap, fast removal. The risks are significant -- improper removal of a tree resting on a structure can cause the roof to collapse, walls to shift, or the tree to roll unpredictably.

We provide 24/7 emergency tree removal across the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie, and Newcastle. Our team carries $20 million public liability insurance, and we work directly with insurance companies to streamline the claims process.

Step 5: Notify Central Coast Council (If Required)

You generally do not need a permit to remove a tree that has already fallen or that poses an immediate risk to life and property. Central Coast Council provides exemptions for genuinely hazardous trees. However:

- Take photos before removal as evidence the tree was hazardous
- If the tree is on council land (nature strip, reserve, easement), contact council on 1300 463 954 -- they are responsible for its removal
- Heritage-listed trees still require notification even in an emergency, though removal will not be refused if there is genuine danger

Step 6: Manage the Aftermath

Once the emergency is handled, there are several follow-up tasks:

- Get a written report from your arborist. A professional arborist report documenting the tree species, condition, and cause of failure supports your insurance claim and can expedite processing.
- Arrange stump grinding if the stump remains. This can be done once the insurance claim is settled or immediately if you prefer.
- Assess neighbouring trees. If one tree failed due to root damage, saturated soil, or a disease like Phytophthora, adjacent trees may also be at risk. A tree health assessment from a qualified arborist is worthwhile.
- Consider your replanting options. Once the dust settles, there is an opportunity to plant a more suitable species. Read our guide on landscaping options after tree removal for ideas.

How to Choose an Emergency Arborist

Not all arborists offer genuine emergency response. When you are calling around during or after a storm, ask these questions:

1. Are you available now? True emergency arborists have on-call crews.
2. What insurance do you carry? Minimum $10 million public liability. We carry $20 million.
3. Are you qualified? Look for a minimum AQF Level 3 in Arboriculture.
4. Can you provide a written scope and quote? Even in emergencies, you deserve transparency.
5. Do you work with insurance companies? Experienced emergency arborists can communicate directly with your insurer, providing reports and documentation that speed up the claim.

We Are Here When You Need Us

Storms do not wait for business hours, and neither do we. If a tree has fallen on your property, or you are concerned about a tree that looks like it might fail, call me directly on 0432 687 647 any time. We serve the entire Central Coast, from Gosford to Terrigal, Wyong, Woy Woy, and surrounding areas.

You can also contact us online, though for genuine emergencies, a phone call is always fastest.