A Tree Came Down? Storm Cleanup & Insurance in MA & NH
When a tree falls on your house, car, or across the driveway, the first hour matters. Here's exactly what to do — safety first, then documentation, then who to call — plus how homeowners insurance handles storm-damage tree removal in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
Storms are hard on New England trees — nor'easters, ice, wet snow, and saturated soil bring them down every year. If one has already fallen, work through the steps below in order: get everyone safe, document the damage before you touch anything, then bring in a professional crew. A large oak can weigh up to 50,000 pounds, so a downed tree is never a DIY job.
First Steps When a Tree Comes Down
- Get everyone safe. If the tree hit the house and the structure is compromised, evacuate and stay out until it's cleared.
- Call 911 for any injury, fire, gas leak, or a tree tangled in power lines.
- Stay 50+ feet from downed wires. Never touch a tree that's touching a line — assume it's live and call your electric utility.
- Shut off utilities (gas, electricity) only if you can do it safely without entering a damaged area.
- Document everything — photos and video from a safe distance, before any cleanup.
- Call a professional removal crew and your insurer to open a claim.
Is It Actually an Emergency?
Not every downed tree needs a middle-of-the-night response. It's an emergency when:
- A tree or large limb is on your roof, garage, or vehicle.
- It's blocking your only driveway, walkway, or an accessibility ramp.
- A tree is leaning dangerously or has big limbs ready to snap.
- It's touching or tangled in utility or power lines.
If a tree simply fell in an open part of the yard without hitting a structure or a line, it's a non-emergency cleanup you can schedule.
Downed Power Lines
Never approach a tree touching a wire. Assume every downed line is live, keep everyone at least 50 feet back, call 911 and your electric utility, and wait for the utility to de-energize the line before any removal begins.
Document the Damage for Your Claim
Before you move a branch, build your record — insurers require it, and it protects your payout:
- Photos and video from a safe distance, showing the tree, the damage, and the surrounding area.
- Open the claim promptly and ask about your removal limit and coverage for temporary housing.
- Make temporary fixes only — tarp the roof, board a window — because policies require you to prevent further loss.
- Save every receipt for tarps, temporary repairs, or a hotel stay.
One caution when you talk to the adjuster: stick to the facts and don't speculate about the tree's prior condition — saying you "knew it was dead" can jeopardize the claim.
What Insurance Covers — and What It Doesn't
| Typically covered | Typically NOT covered |
|---|---|
| Tree hits your house, garage, or fence in a storm | Tree falls in the yard, misses all structures |
| Debris removal from the struck structure (capped, often $500–$1,000) | Preventive removal of a leaning or dead tree (routine maintenance) |
| A healthy neighbor's tree that falls on your home | A tree you knew was dead/rotting and ignored (negligence) |
| A tree blocking a vital driveway or accessibility ramp | Damage to a car (that's comprehensive auto, not home) |
For the full breakdown, see our guide on whether homeowners insurance covers tree removal.
What Storm Tree Removal Costs
These are average industry costs found online and are not actual prices from AA Tree Service. For an exact quote, request a free estimate.
Who to Call, and When
- Life safety, fire, gas, power lines: 911 + your electric utility.
- Blocked public street or city tree: your town's public works / non-emergency line.
- On your house or car: an emergency tree removal crew, then your insurer.
- In your yard, no damage: schedule a private tree service for cleanup.
AA Tree Service runs 24/7 emergency tree removal across MA & NH with cranes, bucket trucks, and rigging to lift a tree off a structure without compounding the damage. When the storm passes, a tree risk assessment catches the next one before it falls, and full tree removal handles what's left.
Tree Down? We Respond 24/7 Across MA & NH
Fast, insured emergency crews with the equipment to get a tree off your home safely. Call now, or request an estimate for scheduled cleanup.
Why Choose AA Tree Service?
Choose AA Tree Service for expert care, professionalism, and dependable service. When a storm brings a tree down, we respond fast and clear it safely — protecting your property and everyone on it.
With experienced technicians, advanced equipment, and a commitment to safety, we deliver high-quality results on every project.
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