Storm response & safety
The first moves after a tree falls.
Practical, safety-first steps for Central Texas homeowners from initial scene safety to stabilization, documentation for insurance, and working with trained crews for removal. Includes Austin Energy guidance and FEMA debris information.
Central Texas / homeowner reference
A property guide for central texas / homeowner reference frames the questions that shape access, protection, timing, and the intended finish before a written scope.
01
Immediate safety: what to do first
The first priority after a tree falls is human safety. Keep people and pets away from the area until you’ve confirmed there are no immediate hazards. That means staying clear of hanging limbs, leaning trunks, crushed fences, broken glass, and unstable structures. If the tree has blocked a driveway or porch, don’t try to move it yourself until you’ve assessed the hazards and, if needed, called emergency services.
Facts matter here. The federal ready.gov guidance on thunderstorms and lightning highlights that storms can create secondary hazards like downed wires, flooding, and weakened trees; see https://www.ready.gov/thunderstorms-lightning. Practical steps include moving family members to a safe room, shutting off gas if you smell it, and keeping children away from the scene. If anyone is injured, call 9-1-1 immediately and follow dispatcher instructions.
02
Power lines and utilities: expect them to be energized
Assume any downed wire is energized until the utility confirms otherwise. In Austin Energy service territory, stay at least 35 feet from a downed line and any object it is touching. For emergencies or to report downed lines, call Austin Energy at 512-322-9100, and call 9-1-1 if there is imminent danger to people, fire, or property. Work near energized lines belongs with the utility; do not let private crews attempt line work.
Practical advice: mark or block the area to keep people back, but do so only from a safe distance. If a tree has fallen onto a house or car and is contacting a line, evacuate the immediate vicinity and wait for first responders and the utility. When the utility gives the all-clear, trained crews can begin stabilization and removal.
Property note
The property in context
Guidance is most useful when it helps a property owner ask a better question, recognize a reason to pause, and return to primary sources when conditions require confirmation.
03
Documenting damage and contacting your insurer
Before moving debris for non-emergency reasons, document visible damage from a safe location. Take wide shots that show the tree in context (house, driveway, fence), then close-ups of affected structures and any areas where the tree contacted utilities or vehicles. Time-stamped photos and brief written notes of actions you took—who you called, what time, and what you were told—are useful when you file a claim.
Call your insurance company to report the loss and ask about the next steps, but don’t predict coverage. Insurers will guide you on documentation and approved vendors. Keep records of any estimates, written communications, and receipts. FEMA provides guidance on debris removal and potential assistance at https://www.fema.gov/node/i-have-trees-down-all-over-my-yard-there-any-help-debris-removal, but local rules and eligibility may vary—confirm current requirements for your address.
04
Protecting property and temporary stabilization
If the scene is safe and utilities are cleared, temporary stabilization can reduce further damage. That often involves putting supports under a leaning trunk, moving unsecured items out of harm’s way, or covering small roof punctures with a tarp. These are stopgap measures meant to limit water intrusion and further collapse; they are not permanent repairs.
Practical tradeoffs: DIY tarping and shoring can prevent immediate water damage but can be risky on steep roofs or next to large hung-up limbs. Trained crews bring equipment and experience to install temporary supports, cut hanging branches safely, and create a plan for complete removal. If you want the crew to start work, call (512) 387-2671 to request a written quote so you have a clear scope and cost estimate before contractors begin work.
05
The removal and cleanup sequence: what trained crews do
Trained crews begin with a safety briefing and a site plan that prioritizes people, structures, and utilities. The initial work usually includes stabilizing the tree, removing hanging limbs (creating safe drop zones), and cutting the main trunk into manageable sections. Crews will dispose of debris per local rules—either hauling to a yard waste facility, chipping on site where allowed, or staging for municipal pickup. Expect crews to explain the sequence before starting and to keep an eye on secondary hazards like root plates that can roll or stored water that causes soil slippage.
Cost drivers are straightforward and local to Central Texas: the tree’s size and species, how much of it is on or near structures, access to the work area, the amount of labor and machinery required (crane vs. bucket truck vs. hand crews), and disposal requirements. Urban lots along the I-35 corridor from Georgetown through Manor to Manchaca and Buda often have tight access or nearby fences and pools that increase labor time. We will describe options and tradeoffs in the written quote so you can decide which services you want performed.
06
Decision boundaries: when to call pros and what they won’t do
Call professionals for any large tree, a tree on a structure, or a tree that’s entangled with utility lines. Also call trained crews when the trunk or root ball shows signs of instability or when the scope requires heavy equipment. Do not attempt major removals, stabilizations, or any work near energized lines yourself. If a project requires permits or street closures, confirm current local requirements for your address before work begins—municipal rules vary and may affect timing and cost.
What crews don’t provide here: we won’t perform electrical repairs, utility reconnection, or diagnose tree diseases from photos. Oak-wilt prevention, treatment, or specialized chemical disease work is outside the scope of emergency removal; if oak-wilt is a concern we can refer you to a specialist. For urgent hazards call 9-1-1 and Austin Energy at 512-322-9100; for non-emergency removals call (512) 387-2671 to request a written quote.
Primary references
Check the source.
Municipal requirements and oak-wilt guidance can change. These are the official sources used for this page.
Considered answers
Straight answers about After the Storm: What to Do When a Tree Falls
How close can I safely be to a downed power line?
Treat any downed line as energized. In Austin Energy territory, stay at least 35 feet away from a downed line and anything touching it until the utility says otherwise. Call Austin Energy at 512-322-9100 and call 9-1-1 for immediate danger. Do not touch or attempt to move lines or anything that is in contact with them.
Should I move my car or belongings under a fallen tree?
Only move vehicles or belongings if the scene is confirmed safe and there are no energized lines or structural risks. If moving items is not urgent, document their condition with photos first from a safe distance to preserve insurance evidence. For complex removals, wait for trained crews to stabilize the tree before shifting heavy items.
What photos and records will help my insurance claim?
Take wide photos showing the tree in context (house, driveway, fence), then close-ups of damage to structures, vehicles, and utilities. Record the date and time, who you called (utility, 9-1-1, contractor), and any responses. Keep written estimates, receipts, and the written quote from the removal crew. These items speed claim inventory and help establish the sequence of events.
Can a private crew remove a tree that’s touching a power line?
No. Work touching or near energized lines belongs with the utility. Private crews should not attempt to cut or move trees contacting power lines until the utility declares the area safe. If a tree contacts lines, call Austin Energy at 512-322-9100 and 9-1-1 if there’s an immediate hazard.
Who should I call for debris removal assistance in a widespread event?
For widespread storm debris, check municipal instructions and FEMA guidance; FEMA provides information about debris removal assistance at https://www.fema.gov/node/i-have-trees-down-all-over-my-yard-there-any-help-debris-removal. Local governments manage large-scale cleanup and may coordinate with state or federal agencies. For individual property removals, contact a trained tree crew and request a written quote; for our service area along the I-35 corridor call (512) 387-2671.
Private assessment
Begin with the property.
Tell us where the tree stands, what changed, and what it could reach. We will clarify the next step before work begins.
For urgent work, call (512) 387-2671