What To Do If a Tree Falls During a Storm: 5 Important Steps for Michigan Homeowners
- Timber Bros
- Mar 12
- 4 min read
Michigan storms often bring strong winds, lightning, heavy rain, and saturated soil, which can cause trees to fall without warning. When this happens, it can damage homes, block driveways, or create dangerous hazards around your property.
Knowing what to do if a tree falls during a storm can help you protect your family, reduce further damage, and handle the situation safely.
For homeowners across Mid-Michigan communities like Lansing, East Lansing, Mason, Holt, and Okemos, taking the right steps after storm damage is critical.
Below are the most important actions to take if a tree falls on your property during severe weather.
Step 1: Stay Clear of the Fallen Tree
The first priority is safety.
Fallen trees may still be unstable and can shift, roll, or collapse further, especially if branches are tangled in nearby trees or structures.
Avoid:
Walking on the tree
Climbing over branches
Attempting to cut or move the tree yourself
Large trees are extremely heavy and can move unexpectedly, causing serious injury.
If the tree has fallen near your home or vehicle, keep a safe distance until professionals can assess the situation.
Step 2: Watch for Power Lines
One of the most serious dangers after a tree falls during a storm is contact with electrical lines.
If the tree is touching or near power lines:
Stay at least 30 feet away
Do not attempt to move the tree
Call your local utility company immediately
Organizations like the National Weather Service warn that downed power lines should always be treated as live and extremely dangerous.
Even if the line appears inactive, electricity may still be flowing through the tree or nearby ground.
Step 3: Inspect Your Property for Damage
Once the area is safe, carefully inspect your property to identify any visible damage.
Look for issues such as:
Roof damage
Broken windows
Structural damage
Damaged siding or gutters
Blocked driveways or walkways
Take clear photos of the damage from multiple angles.
These images will be helpful when filing insurance claims or working with contractors to repair the damage.
Avoid climbing on the roof or entering areas that appear unstable.
Step 4: Contact a Professional Tree Service
Professional tree removal crews use tools such as:
Chainsaws designed for large wood
Rigging systems
Bucket trucks
Cranes for heavy tree sections
Attempting to remove a large fallen tree yourself can be extremely dangerous, especially if the tree is resting on structures or tangled in other trees.
A professional crew can safely:
Cut and remove the tree
Clear debris
Prevent further property damage
Restore access to your driveway or yard
Companies like Timber Bros provide storm damage tree removal across Mid-Michigan, helping homeowners quickly clear hazardous trees and debris.
Step 5: Document Damage for Insurance
If the fallen tree caused damage to your home or property, documenting the situation is important before cleanup begins.
Be sure to:
Take multiple photos of the damage
Photograph the fallen tree and surrounding area
Save any repair estimates or invoices
Contact your homeowners insurance provider
Insurance companies may require documentation to determine coverage eligibility and claim value.
In many cases, insurance will cover tree removal if the tree caused structural damage to your home or garage.
Common Causes of Trees Falling During Michigan Storms
Several weather and environmental factors increase the likelihood of tree failures during storms.
These include:
Strong wind gusts
Water-saturated soil
Lightning strikes
Dead or diseased trees
Root damage
Heavy snow or ice accumulation
Regular tree inspections can help identify trees that may become hazardous during severe weather.
FAQs About Storm-Damaged Trees
Who removes trees after storms?
Licensed tree service companies handle the removal of storm-damaged trees and debris safely using specialized equipment.
Can I remove a fallen tree myself?
Small branches may be manageable, but removing large trees without professional training can be dangerous and may lead to injury or property damage.
How quickly should storm-damaged trees be removed?
Hazardous trees should be removed as soon as possible, especially if they are leaning on structures, blocking access, or creating safety risks.
Do tree services offer emergency response?
Yes. Many professional tree services provide 24-hour emergency storm response to handle urgent tree removal situations.
What if a tree falls on my house?
If a tree damages your home:
Leave the affected area immediately if it appears unsafe
Contact your insurance company
Call a professional tree removal service
Avoid attempting repairs until the tree is removed safely
Does homeowners insurance cover fallen trees?
Insurance often covers removal if the tree damages a structure, but policies vary. It’s best to check directly with your insurance provider.
Conclusion
Michigan storms can bring powerful winds capable of knocking down even healthy trees.
Knowing what to do if a tree falls during a storm helps homeowners respond safely and prevent further damage.
Stay clear of hazards, checking for power lines, documenting damage, and contacting professionals, you can handle storm damage quickly and safely. If a storm has damaged trees on your property, the Timber Bros crew can help assess the situation and remove hazardous trees safely.
Give us a call at (517) 604-9795 or shoot us a message.
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