Do this now
- Assume any wire that is down or tangled in the tree is live. Stay far away and call the electric utility or 911.
- If the tree has hit the house, get everyone out of the affected rooms and stay out until the structure has been checked.
- If you smell gas, leave and call the gas utility or 911 from outside.
- Do not try to cut or move a tree that is resting on a structure or is bent under load.
- Photograph everything for your insurer, then call a tree service equipped for storm work and, for roof damage, a roofer to tarp the opening.
What usually causes it
- High wind, heavy wet snow or ice
- Saturated ground letting roots pull out
- Decay, dead limbs or a split trunk that went unnoticed
- Trees weakened by pests such as the emerald ash borer
What a professional will do
A storm-work crew assesses how the tree is loaded, then removes it in sections with rigging or a crane so nothing shifts onto the house. They should carry liability and workers’ compensation insurance — ask for the certificate. Structural repair and roofing follow once the weight is off.
How to prevent it
- Have large trees near the house inspected by an ISA Certified Arborist
- Remove dead trees and dead limbs promptly, especially ash
- Prune properly — never “top” a tree
- Keep the utility informed about limbs near service lines
Rules and paperwork in Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania’s Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act requires most contractors who perform home improvements to register with the Attorney General’s office and to give you a written contract for any job over $500. The registration number belongs on the estimate and the contract — ask for it.
- Pennsylvania does not issue a statewide license for this trade. Some municipalities register or license it locally, which is one reason to confirm requirements with your own municipality.
Sources: Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General — Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act; Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry. Rules change — confirm current requirements with the agency and with your municipality.
Frequently asked questions
My neighbor’s tree fell on my property. Who pays?
In general your own insurance covers damage to your property, whatever the tree’s origin, unless the owner had been warned the tree was hazardous. Call your insurer.
Does insurance pay to remove the tree?
Policies commonly cover removal when a fallen tree damages a covered structure or blocks a driveway, usually up to a limit. A tree that falls in the yard without hitting anything often is not covered.
Can I cut it up myself?
Small limbs on open ground, yes. Anything on a structure, near wires, hung up in another tree or bent under tension should be left to professionals.
Go deeper
Our full tree service guide covers how the work is done, what affects the price, and what to ask before you hire, and there is more on tree removal.
This guide is general information, not a substitute for a professional assessing your home. If you are unsure whether something is safe, treat it as if it is not.