Living in Central Florida means enjoying beautiful weather most of the year, but it also means being prepared for severe storms, especially during hurricane season. When high winds, lightning, and heavy rain strike, trees can become hazardous in a matter of minutes. At We Do It All Trees & Landscape, we understand the stress and danger that fallen or damaged trees can cause. Our 24/7 emergency tree service team is always ready to help, but knowing what to do in those crucial first moments can make all the difference in protecting your family and property.
What Constitutes a Tree Emergency?
Not all tree issues require immediate attention, but certain situations demand prompt action. Here’s how to identify a true tree emergency:
- Trees fallen on structures: Any tree that has fallen on your home, garage, vehicle, or other structure requires immediate professional attention.
- Trees leaning dangerously: Trees suddenly leaning at a severe angle after a storm pose an imminent risk of falling.
- Trees touching power lines: This extremely dangerous situation requires both emergency tree services and your utility company’s involvement.
- Trees blocking access: Trees fallen across driveways, entrances, or roads that prevent safe passage or emergency vehicle access.
- Split or cracked trunks: Major structural damage to a tree’s trunk often indicates it could fail completely at any moment.
- Large hanging limbs: These “widow makers” can fall without warning, posing a serious threat to anyone below.
If you’re experiencing any of these situations, it’s time to call for professional emergency tree service in Central Florida.
Immediate Steps to Take When a Tree Falls
When disaster strikes and a tree falls on your property, follow these critical steps:
1. Ensure Everyone’s Safety
Your first priority is the safety of your family and anyone on the property. Move everyone to a secure location away from the fallen tree and any other trees that might be compromised.
2. Check for Injuries
If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Do not attempt to move seriously injured persons unless they’re in immediate danger.
3. Assess for Additional Hazards
Look for:
- Downed power lines
- Gas leaks (you might smell gas or hear a hissing sound)
- Structural damage that might make buildings unsafe
- Other trees or large branches that appear unstable
4. Contact Emergency Services If Needed
If you identify any of these hazards, contact the appropriate emergency services:
- Power lines: Call your electric utility company
- Gas leaks: Call your gas provider and evacuate the area
- Structural damage: Contact emergency services if severe
5. Call Your Insurance Company
Report the damage as soon as possible. Most insurance companies have 24-hour claims services for emergencies.
6. Document Everything
Before cleanup begins, thoroughly document the damage:
- Take photos and videos from multiple angles
- Make written notes about the damage
- Document any property that was damaged by the tree
7. Contact a Professional Emergency Tree Service
Call a reputable emergency tree service like We Do It All Trees & Landscape at (813) 588-0121 for immediate assistance.
Safety First: What NOT to Do
When dealing with fallen or damaged trees, avoid these dangerous mistakes:
- Never approach downed power lines – Always assume they’re live and stay at least 35 feet away.
- Don’t attempt DIY tree removal – Emergency tree situations require professional equipment and expertise.
- Avoid climbing on damaged structures – Buildings with structural damage can collapse further.
- Don’t use a chainsaw if you’re untrained – Improper chainsaw use during cleanup is a major cause of post-storm injuries.
- Never work alone – Always have someone with you when assessing damage.
- Don’t delay addressing leaning or damaged trees – What seems stable now might fail later, especially if the ground is saturated.
Documenting Damage for Insurance
Proper documentation is crucial for insurance claims. Follow these guidelines:
What to Document
- The tree itself: Take photos of the entire tree, including where it broke or uprooted
- All damaged property: Capture images of anything damaged by the tree
- The surrounding area: Document the context, including weather conditions if possible
- Temporary measures taken: Record any emergency measures you implement
Documentation Tips
- Take photos and videos before any cleanup begins
- Include wide shots and close-ups of damage
- Use a ruler or measuring tape in photos to show scale
- Note the date and time of the incident
- Keep all receipts for emergency services or temporary repairs
- Document conversations with insurance adjusters and tree services
Working with Insurance Companies
Navigating insurance claims for tree damage can be challenging. Here’s what you need to know:
Coverage Basics
Most homeowners’ insurance policies cover tree removal and damage repair if the tree fell due to wind, lightning, or other covered perils. However, policies typically don’t cover tree removal if the tree fell due to age, disease, or neglect.
The Claims Process
- Contact your insurer immediately – Report the claim as soon as possible
- Meet with the adjuster – An insurance adjuster will assess the damage
- Get estimates – Obtain written estimates from licensed tree services
- Review your coverage – Understand what your policy covers and what your deductible is
- Keep detailed records – Document all communications with your insurance company
Common Insurance Questions
- If my neighbor’s tree falls on my property, who’s responsible? Generally, the property where the tree lands is responsible for removal and damage, regardless of tree ownership. Your insurance should cover it, though they may attempt to recover costs from your neighbor if negligence can be proven.
- Does insurance cover preventative tree removal? Typically no. Insurance usually only covers removal after damage has occurred.
- Will my rates increase after filing a claim? Possibly, but storm damage claims are often treated differently than other types of claims since they’re considered “acts of God.”
When to Call for Emergency Tree Service
Not sure if your situation warrants emergency service? Here are guidelines on when to call immediately versus when you can wait:
Call Immediately (24/7) If:
- A tree has fallen on a structure or vehicle
- A tree is leaning precariously after a storm
- Large limbs are hanging dangerously
- Trees or branches are entangled with power lines
- Trees are blocking essential access ways
- You notice a sudden lean or hear cracking sounds from a tree
Can Wait Until Regular Business Hours:
- Minor branch damage that doesn’t threaten structures
- Already-fallen trees that aren’t on structures or blocking access
- Trees that have been leaning for a long time with no recent change
- General tree health concerns unrelated to immediate safety
At We Do It All Trees & Landscape, we provide 24/7 emergency tree services for Central Florida residents. Our team responds quickly to urgent situations while providing fair pricing even during emergencies.
Why Choose We Do It All Trees & Landscape for Emergency Tree Service
When disaster strikes, you need a tree service company you can trust. Here’s why Central Florida homeowners choose us:
1. 24/7 Availability
Our emergency response team is available around the clock, every day of the year. As one customer noted:
“This wasn’t your typical tree job. It was climbing high up, but for a drone. Robert and his crew was so quick to respond and very professional and I’m extremely grateful for his crew member Joe for getting it out of the tree. He had to climb up so high and he knew exactly what he was doing. I highly recommend for any tree jobs! Extremely fair priced and nice people :)” – Kerri Gilberto, December 2023
2. Rapid Response Time
We understand that during emergencies, every minute counts. Our strategically located teams can reach most locations in our service area quickly.
3. Experienced, Licensed & Insured Professionals
Our team includes certified arborists and experienced tree care professionals who follow strict safety protocols. We’re fully licensed and insured for your protection and peace of mind.
4. Comprehensive Emergency Services
We provide complete emergency tree services including:
- Emergency tree removal
- Hazardous limb removal
- Storm damage cleanup
- Crane services for large trees
- Temporary protection of damaged structures
5. Insurance Assistance
We can work directly with your insurance company to facilitate the claims process, providing all necessary documentation and estimates.
6. Local Knowledge
As a family-owned business serving Central Florida since 2013, we understand the unique challenges our local trees face during severe weather events. Our team is familiar with local regulations and permit requirements.
7. Fair Emergency Pricing
We maintain transparent, fair pricing even during emergencies. We don’t believe in price gouging when our community is in need.
Preparing for Future Storms
While we can’t prevent severe weather, we can help you prepare your trees to better withstand future storms. Consider these preventative measures:
1. Regular Tree Inspections
Have your trees professionally inspected annually to identify potential hazards before they become emergencies. Look for:
- Dead or dying branches
- Signs of disease or pest infestation
- Cracks or splits in trunks
- Leaning trees or exposed roots
- V-shaped branch unions (which are weaker than U-shaped unions)
2. Proper Pruning and Maintenance
Regular professional tree trimming removes weak or dead branches before they can become projectiles in high winds. Proper pruning also improves tree structure to better withstand strong winds.
3. Tree Selection and Placement
When planting new trees, choose species known for wind resistance and place them appropriately:
- Native species are often better adapted to local weather conditions
- Plant trees away from structures and power lines
- Consider soil conditions and drainage
- Group trees together where possible, as they can provide mutual protection
4. Create a Storm Response Plan
Develop a family emergency plan that includes:
- Contact information for emergency services
- Insurance policy information
- A designated safe area in your home
- Evacuation routes if needed
- Emergency supply kit
5. Document Your Property
Before storm season, take photos of your property, including trees and structures, to have a “before” record if damage occurs.
When Disaster Strikes, We’re Here to Help
Storm damage and fallen trees can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face these challenges alone. At We Do It All Trees & Landscape, we’re committed to providing fast, professional emergency tree services to Central Florida residents when they need it most.
Our experienced team is available 24/7 to respond to your emergency tree situations. We combine expertise with compassion, understanding that these situations are stressful for homeowners.
Don’t wait until it’s too late—save our emergency number (813) 588-0121 in your phone today, and remember our motto: “We Do It All, so you don’t have to.”
