A tree fell on property during last night’s monsoon storm. You walk outside to find a massive tree lying across your roof or yard. When a tree falls on your property in Phoenix, every decision you make in the next few hours determines your safety, insurance claim success, and property protection.
American Tree & Landscape has responded to hundreds of fallen tree emergencies across Phoenix and the East Valley since 2009. Owner Moe Meghoufi, an experienced arborist, understands Arizona’s unique storm damage patterns. This guide provides the steps to take when dealing with a fallen tree emergency.
If you’re facing a tree emergency right now, call our 24/7 emergency response line at (480) 495-3518. You can also find us on Google for reviews from Phoenix homeowners we’ve helped.
Prioritize Safety First
Before anything else, assess immediate dangers. A fallen tree creates hazards that aren’t always obvious.
Check for power lines first. If the tree is touching electrical wires or you see downed lines, stay at least 30 feet away and call 911 immediately. Contact Arizona Public Service or Salt River Project before taking other action.
Look for gas line damage. If you smell gas or hear hissing, evacuate immediately and call Southwest Gas at (877) 860-6020 from a safe distance.
Evaluate structural damage to your house. If the tree penetrated your roof or damaged walls, the building may not be safe to enter. Look for sagging ceilings or cracked walls.
Keep family and pets away from the fallen tree and damaged areas. Trees under tension can shift without warning, and branches may still be falling. If your home has significant damage, evacuate as soon as possible.
Document All Damage for Your Insurance Claim
Once it’s safe to approach, thorough documentation protects your insurance claim.
Take comprehensive photos and videos from multiple angles. Capture wide shots showing the entire scene and close-ups of specific damage. Document what the tree damaged, including your roof, vehicles, fence, or yard features.
Record the tree itself, including whether it uprooted or broke at the trunk. Phoenix’s shallow-rooted trees often uproot completely during monsoons and wind storms.
Create a written inventory listing every damaged item with descriptions. Note the date and time you discovered the damage. During Arizona’s monsoon season, document storm conditions that caused the tree to fall.
Contact Your Insurance Company Immediately
Most insurance policies require prompt notification of property damage. Call within 24 to 48 hours to protect your claim.
Have this information ready: your insurance policy number, when the tree fell, what was damaged, and your documentation.
Understanding coverage is critical. Homeowners insurance typically covers damage a fallen tree causes to your home or vehicles. If the tree damaged your house, your insurance policy will likely cover repairs minus your deductible.
Fallen tree removal coverage is more complicated. Most insurance companies cover removal costs only if the tree caused damage to a covered structure. If a tree falls in your yard without hitting anything, you may be responsible for removal costs.
Ask your insurance agent these questions: Does my policy cover tree removal in this situation? What’s my deductible? Will filing this claim affect my premiums? Can I hire emergency tree services now or must I wait?
Most insurance companies allow emergency services to prevent further damage. If rain is forecast and your roof is exposed, you don’t need to wait for adjuster approval. Keep all receipts for emergency services.
Common exclusions: Insurance won’t cover the cost of removing a tree if it was dead, diseased, or showing obvious signs of decay before it fell. Insurance usually won’t pay if negligence or lack of tree care contributed to the tree falling.
Secure Your Property to Prevent Further Damage
Your insurance policy requires you to take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage.
If the tree damaged your roof, cover exposed areas with tarps as soon as it’s safe. Phoenix’s intense sun and monsoon storms can cause additional damage.
Board up broken windows or damaged walls to prevent weather damage. Mark hazardous areas with caution tape if the fallen tree creates dangers for neighbors or pedestrians.
Don’t remove the tree or begin major repairs before your insurance adjuster inspects the damage. You can tarp damaged areas and board up openings, but leave the scene intact for documentation.
Keep detailed records of all emergency protective measures, including receipts. These costs are often part of your claim reimbursement.
When to Call Professional Tree Removal Services
Some situations require immediate professional response. Call emergency tree services if:
The tree is on your house causing active damage or safety risks. Trees on structures can shift and cause progressive damage.
The tree is touching or near power lines. Never attempt to remove a tree near electrical wires.
The tree is blocking critical access or is unstable and could fall further onto your neighbor’s property or adjacent structures.
Additional storms are forecast and the tree threatens more damage.
Why DIY fallen tree removal is dangerous: Trees are under enormous tension. Cutting the wrong branch or trunk section can cause violent movement. Professional tree removal services understand tree physics and use specialized equipment to safely remove the tree.
What professional emergency tree removal includes: safety assessment, strategic cutting to release tension safely, specialized equipment like cranes, complete removal, debris cleanup, and insurance coordination.
Questions to ask: Are you licensed and insured? Do you have experience with insurance claims? What’s your response time? American Tree & Landscape carries $2 million in liability insurance and offers 24/7 emergency response.
Understanding Who Pays for Fallen Tree Removal
Determining who is responsible for fallen tree removal depends on several factors:
If a tree is on your property and falls on your house, you’re typically responsible, and your insurance will cover the damage caused.
If your neighbor’s tree falls on your neighbor’s property, they’re responsible for the tree.
If your neighbor’s tree falls on your property and causes damage, liability may depend on negligence. If the neighbor’s tree was visibly dead or diseased and they failed to remove it, they may be responsible for the tree and damage to your house.
If a tree from public property falls on your property, the municipality may be liable if negligence can be proven.
Ownership determines responsibility in most cases. The property owner where the tree’s trunk is rooted owns the tree. However, if a tree or branch was clearly hazardous and the property owner failed to address it, they may be responsible for damage caused by the tree falling.
Phoenix-Specific Storm and Tree Damage Considerations
Arizona’s monsoon season brings sudden, intense storms with high winds and heavy rain. These conditions create perfect circumstances for tree failure.
Wind gusts during monsoons regularly exceed 50 mph. Trees that appear healthy can fail when subjected to these forces, especially when combined with saturated soil from a storm or other natural weather event.
Common tree species vulnerable to storm damage in Arizona include palo verde (shallow roots prone to uprooting), mesquite (weak branch unions), and eucalyptus (brittle wood). Palm trees with heavy fronds and seed pods can topple during wind storms.
Phoenix’s clay soil expands when wet and contracts when dry, stressing root systems. During monsoons, saturated clay provides little anchor for tree roots, causing trees to fall.
The best time to assess tree risk is before monsoon season. Late spring is ideal for professional tree care inspections. An arborist can identify weak branches, root problems, and structural issues that make trees vulnerable.
Proper tree trimming reduces wind resistance and removes dead branches that could fail during storms. Regular watering encourages deeper root development, creating more stable trees.
Get Expert Help for Fallen Tree Emergencies
A fallen tree creates immediate safety concerns and property damage requiring quick, correct action. Remember: prioritize safety, document everything, contact your insurance company promptly, secure your property, and call professional tree services for safe removal.
American Tree & Landscape has helped hundreds of Phoenix and East Valley homeowners through tree emergencies since 2009. As a family-owned company led by arborist Moe Meghoufi, we understand emergency tree removal challenges and homeowner stress during property emergencies. We carry $2 million in liability insurance and work directly with insurance companies to help you file a claim.
For immediate tree emergencies, call our 24/7 line at (480) 495-3518. We typically respond within hours to assess your situation and begin safe tree removal.
For non-emergency tree care or to assess at-risk trees before the next storm, call (480) 233-7813 Monday through Saturday, 8 AM to 5 PM. We offer free property evaluations to identify vulnerable trees. Proactive tree care is always safer and more affordable than emergency response.
Don’t wait until the next monsoon to address trees that may wonder if they’ll survive the next storm. Contact a licensed, insured contractor to remove dangerous trees and protect your property.