The first call after a tree falls isn't always to a tree service. Depending on what hit and what's still hanging, the right first call could be 911, your insurance company, CenterPoint, or a neighbor. Here's the order of operations.
Step 1: Make sure everyone is safe
Before you do anything else, account for people and pets. If anyone is injured or trapped, call 911. If the fallen tree took down power lines, stay at least 30 feet away from the wires and the tree — assume any line is live. Call CenterPoint Energy at 713-207-2222 to report downed lines.
Step 2: Don't approach unstable trees
The tree on the ground might not be the only problem. The tree it fell from may be partially intact and unstable. Other trees in the area may have damaged limbs ready to drop. Don't walk under suspect trees to assess damage. Use binoculars or a long-range photo if you need a closer look.
Step 3: Document everything (before cleanup)
If insurance might be involved, photographs taken before any cleanup are critical. Walk a wide perimeter (don't get under hanging branches) and photograph:
- The whole tree where it fell
- Any structural damage to your house, fence, vehicle, or outbuildings
- The root ball if it lifted
- The point where the tree was originally rooted
- Wide-shot context showing scale
Timestamp matters. Most phone cameras include this automatically — don't disable it.
Step 4: Call your insurance
If the tree damaged a covered structure, file a claim before any cleanup happens beyond emergency hazard removal. Most homeowners' policies cover:
- Damage to your house, fence, or other insured structures
- Removal of the tree from the structure
- Sometimes: removal of the tree from your yard if it's blocking emergency access
What's typically NOT covered: removal of a healthy tree that simply fell on your lawn (no structure damage). Tree-on-lawn-only claims usually get denied. Our insurance claim guide goes deeper.
Step 5: Call a tree service for the actual removal
Once you've documented and filed, call a tree service. For storm work, ask three things upfront:
- What's your ETA? (Should be a real time, not "we'll get to it")
- Are you fully insured? (Ask for a Certificate of Insurance)
- Can you provide insurance-friendly documentation? (Photos, written estimate)
Our 24/7 storm response covers all three by default.
Step 6: Don't sign with the first crew that knocks
After major storms, "storm chaser" tree services flood the area. Many are uninsured, and many disappear after taking deposits. Stick with companies you can verify — ask for a local address, search for reviews, ask about specific local jobs they've done.
Step 7: Decide about other trees
If one tree fell, the others on your property are worth checking. We do free post-storm assessments — sometimes the lesson from a fall is that two or three other trees need preventive work before the next event.
Bottom line
Storms are stressful, but the order matters. Safety first, document second, insurance third, removal fourth. We answer our 24/7 dispatch at (281) 626-9111 — call any time, day or night.