Emergency Tree Removal in Houston: What Homeowners Should Know

When a tree comes down, it rarely does so on a convenient schedule.

It happens after days of soaking rains. It happens when the wind picks up on a cloudy

afternoon. It happens when the ground is saturated and a tree that seemed fine last week

suddenly succumbs to gravity.

Now you're left outside looking at a tree across the driveway, on the roof, leaning perilously

over the fence, or threatening to topple into the house.

The most pressing question is simple.

Is this an emergency?

The short answer is that emergency tree removal is required when a damaged or fallen tree

creates an immediate hazard to people, structures, access, or other objects.

Not every tree that falls or leans is an emergency, but branches on the roof, trees on the

driveway, limbs threatening to crush a structure, trees that are split down the center, or

trees that have been damaged in a storm and are now leaning need to be taken care of as

soon as possible.

In Houston, that means calling for emergency tree removal.

What Counts as Emergency Tree Removal

Emergency tree removal is different from standard tree removal in a few key ways.

Standard tree removal is often pre-planned, while emergency removal is usually

unexpected. A tree that needs to be removed for standard reasons may be dead, diseased,

or overgrown, or it may simply be too close to the house for comfort, but it's not an

immediate threat. Emergency tree removal usually involves a tree that has already fallen or

is at immediate risk of falling, such as a tree on the roof, a tree on the driveway, a tree with

large branches hanging over a structure, a tree split down the center by a storm, or a tree

that has begun to lean dangerously after wet weather.

The defining factor in emergency tree removal is often risk.

If the tree poses a risk to people, structures, vehicles, or other objects, it needs to be

removed by a professional as soon as possible.

Why Houston Has So Many Tree Emergencies

Houston weather is often the culprit when it comes to tree emergencies.

Heavy rains saturate the ground, hurricane-force winds shear through the area, a

combination of heat and wind weaken trees, or a sudden change in weather reveals rot or

damage that wasn't apparent before.

A tree may look perfectly healthy from the road, but its roots could be struggling to hold it

in place, and one rainstorm is all it takes for the tree to begin leaning.

This is why so many Houstonians find themselves dealing with tree emergencies after a

long period of inclement weather.

The sky clears, the wind dies down, and suddenly the tree seems to lean more than before.

Trees in Houston are subject to a variety of weather conditions, and large shade trees, live

oaks, water oaks, pine trees, pecan trees, and other popular species can all be hazardous in

the right circumstances.

What to Do First

The first order of business when dealing with a fallen or damaged tree is simple: don't do

anything stupid.

It's tempting to get right out there and assess the damage, but storm damaged trees can be

unpredictable, and it's far safer to take pictures from a distance and leave the tree alone

until professional help arrives.

In the meantime, make sure children and pets are kept away from the tree.

Taking pictures of the tree, the damage it has caused, and the damage it may be at risk of

causing is always a good idea.

These can be useful for filing an insurance claim.

Then contact a professional tree service that offers emergency tree removal.

Related article: What to Do After Storm Tree Damage in Houston

When to Call for Emergency Tree Removal

There are a few situations in which tree removal should always be considered an

emergency.

Call for emergency tree removal if the tree has fallen on the roof, is leaning against the

house, has large branches crossing over the roof, is split down the center, or has begun to

lean after a rainstorm.

You should also call for emergency removal if the ground around the tree's roots has begun

to bulge or crack after a rainstorm.

Trees that are already leaning are usually at risk of falling completely, especially if the

ground becomes slippery after heavy rains.

Related article: Signs Tree is Dangerous After Heavy Rain in Houston

What Not to Do

This is where many homeowners find themselves in trouble.

Do not attempt to remove a fallen tree from your roof.

Do not use a ladder to get a better look at the damage.

Do not try to cut large branches off a leaning tree.

And do not assume that a tree that hasn't fallen yet is completely safe.

A fallen tree can be unpredictable, and one poorly placed cut can cause the trunk to roll or

the branches to snap and fall with increased force.

Even professional arborists take great care when removing a tree that has already fallen,

because the risk of injury is far greater.

Emergency tree removal isn't about speed, it's about removing weight in a careful, strategic

way.

What a Professional Emergency Tree Removal Service Does

When a professional tree service arrives on the scene for an emergency call, the first thing

they will do is assess the situation.

They will examine the tree and the damage it has caused in order to determine the best

course of action.

If the tree has fallen on a roof, they may need to begin by removing individual branches in

order to reduce the weight.

If the tree is leaning, they may need to use special equipment to lower it to the ground in

sections.

The goal is to remove the tree in a way that causes the least amount of damage to structures

and the surrounding landscape.

This is why emergency tree removal can be so time consuming.

The tree may already be a hazard, and great care must be taken in order to remove it safely.

How Much Does Emergency Tree Removal Cost in Houston?

Emergency tree removal is almost always more expensive than standard tree removal.

This is due to a combination of factors, including risk, timing, and weather.

The size of the tree, the placement, the risk it poses to structures, and the difficulty of the

job all factor into the final price.

In Houston, emergency tree removal costs vary depending on the job, but small jobs will

almost always be less expensive than large jobs, and trees on roofs or between structures

usually cost more than trees in open areas.

The best way to determine the cost of emergency tree removal is to have the tree assessed

in person.

Related article: Tree Removal Cost Houston

Will My Insurance Cover Emergency Tree Removal?

If the fallen tree damaged a covered structure, such as the home or a garage, it may be

possible to file an insurance claim for emergency tree removal.

Trees that fall in the yard but do not damage a structure may not be covered, so it's always

a good idea to contact an insurance representative and ask.

It's also a good idea to take pictures from a safe distance and save any receipts or invoices

from the tree removal service, since these can help when filing a claim.

For information on filing an insurance claim, Houstonians can contact the Texas

Department of Insurance.

Related article: Will Homeowners Insurance Cover Tree Removal in Texas

Emergency Tree Removal After Hurricane Season Storms

Hurricane season is when many Houstonians start thinking about trees, but by the time the

season starts it's often too late to do much besides deal with the consequences.

During hurricane season, emergency tree removals are common, especially as soon as the

storms start rolling in from the Gulf.

It can be more difficult to get a crew out to your house in a timely manner, and emergency

tree removal costs tend to be higher during hurricane season due to increased demand and

dangerous conditions.

This is why it's so important to have trees inspected before hurricane season begins.

Large trees that lean close to the house, driveway, power lines, or other structures can be

especially hazardous during a storm.

In some cases, a simple trim before the storm arrives can be enough to prevent an

emergency situation.

Related article: How to Prepare Trees for Hurricane Season in Houston

Can the Tree Be Saved?

In some cases, yes.

While a damaged tree can sometimes be trimmed or stabilized, trees with split trunks, root

issues, and other serious problems often need to be removed entirely.

It's always best to leave tree removal to the professionals, especially when the tree has been

damaged in a storm.

The safest option in most cases is to have the tree assessed and removed, especially if the

tree is leaning toward a structure.

Related article: Tree Assessment Houston: When to Have a Tree Checked

How to Prevent Emergency Tree Removals in the Future

The best emergency tree removal is the kind that never has to happen.

Preventative maintenance can do a world of good when it comes to tree care.

Houstonians should always inspect trees before the storm season, trim branches that are

dead or dying, remove trees that pose a hazard to the house or power lines, and be aware of

trees that begin to lean after heavy rains.

Mature trees should always be inspected every few years, and more often if the tree is close

to a structure.

This is especially important for large live oaks, water oaks, and pine trees.

Trees are often easier to remove before they become a hazard, and it's always less

expensive to trim or remove a tree before it becomes an emergency.

Helpful Resources for Houstonians

For tree care, advice, and general information, the Texas A and M Forest Service is a great

resource.

For city-related information, the City of Houston website is also a good place to start.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered emergency tree removal?

Emergency tree removal is considered necessary when a fallen, damaged, or unstable tree

creates an immediate hazard to people, structures, access, or other objects.

Should I call a tree service if a tree is leaning after rain?

Yes. If the tree has begun to lean after rain, it's a good idea to have it assessed by a

professional. Trees that are leaning tend to be unstable, and if the tree is leaning toward a

structure, the risk is evne higher.

Can I remove a fallen tree myself?

It's possible to remove small branches, but large trees, trees on structures, and trees that

are under tension should always be removed by professionals.

Will insurance pay for emergency tree removal?

If the tree has damaged a covered structure, such as the home, an insurance claim may be

possible. Trees that have fallen in the yard but have not damaged a structure may not be

covered, so it's best to contact an insurance representative and ask.

Is emergency removal more expensive than standard tree removal?

Yes. Emergency tree removal is usually more expesive due to risk, timing, and weather.

Can a storm damaged tree be saved?

It depends on the tree, but in some cases yes. If the roots, trunk, or canopy have been

damaged, the tree may need to be removed. A professional assessment is always

recommended.

Final Thoughts from a Houston Perspective

Tree emergencies are stressful because they're usually unexpected.

One day the tree is healthy, the next it's down and blocking the driveway or on the roof. The

most important thing is to stay calm and not attempt to do anything stupid.

Taking pictures from a safe distance and calling for professional help are the best things to

do when dealing with a fallen or damaged tree. In Houston, emergency tree removal is a

part of life, but the earlier trees are inspected the better.

If you're dealing with a fallen or damaged tree, we can come out and assess the situation,

explain our findings, and remove the tree if necessary.

Give us a call today and let's get your tree taken care of.