Tree Down in a Storm? Here's What to Do First

The Vale of Evesham gets its share of westerlies. Every winter I'll get three or four emergency calls where a tree has come down on a drive, a fence or — worst case — a roof. If it happens to you, here's the order of play.

1. People first — before anything else

Step outside and look. Nobody under the tree, nobody trapped, nobody under fallen branches. If anyone is hurt or you can't rule it out: 999. If wires are down — power, phone, anything — stay well back (at least 10 metres) and call the emergency line (105 for power in the UK). Do not touch or try to move anything near a downed cable.

2. Is it on public land or blocking a road?

If the tree is down across a public road, footpath, or on verge land in Worcestershire, it's a job for Worcestershire County Council Highways, not you. Call them (or 999 if it's genuinely dangerous to traffic). Don't start cutting on the highway yourself — even if it's your tree — without proper signage and insurance.

3. Photograph everything before you move anything

This is the bit people forget and then regret. Before any clearing starts:

• Wide shots showing the whole tree and what it's hit
• Close-ups of any damage to the property
• Shots of the tree base — roots, trunk, any visible rot or splits
• If there's weather evidence (hail, water damage), get that too

Your home insurer will want these if you're claiming for damage. No photos = arguments later.

4. Then call your insurer — or a tree surgeon

If the tree has caused property damage, ring your home insurance before booking the clear-up. Most insurers will want to approve the contractor or may have their own. If it's just a tree down on your lawn with no damage, you can skip this and go straight to step 5.

5. Book the clear-up

A fallen tree is not a DIY job. Even a "small" one on a fence will weigh more than you think, and the moment you cut into a branch that's under load, it can move in ways you can't predict. A proper tree surgeon will:

• Assess the load and tension before any cut is made
• Section-fell the tree safely — working from the top down
• Clear, chip and remove everything in one visit
• Be insured for storm damage work (check £5M+ public liability)

What I offer for emergency callouts

I cover emergency callouts across Evesham and the surrounding villages — storm damage, fallen trees, anything blocking access. Fully insured, fully equipped, same-day response whenever possible. Ring 07435 261066 and I'll come and have a look.

After the clear-up: check the rest of your trees

One tree coming down often means others in the garden were under similar stress. If you have big trees near the house, it's worth getting a walk-round survey after any serious storm — cracks at the base, fresh lean, lifting root plates — these are things you want spotted before the next blow.