When a storm drops a tree or splits a trunk, you need clear steps, not guesswork. This page explains what to do in the first few minutes, which situations count as urgent, and what a provider usually does when they arrive. It also covers why older homes need extra care when heavy wood sits near the roof.
Athletesshoes Tree Service is a referral service. It does not cut, lift or haul anything. It connects homeowners in Hickory and the Hickory area with independent providers in our network who offer emergency tree removal and storm tree clearance. Call hours and response times vary by provider, so ask about availability when you reach out. Get the scope and price in writing before work begins.
Tree Down? Look Up First
A tree has come down, or part of one has. Slow down. The first few minutes are about keeping people safe, not saving the lawn.
Look up first. Check for broken limbs hanging over the fallen tree. Then look for wires. If a line touches the tree or the ground, treat it as live.
Do and Do Not in the First Few Minutes
Do:
- Move everyone away from the tree, the roof edge and any wires.
- Call 911 if someone is hurt or a wire is down.
- Take photos from a safe distance.
- Keep pets indoors and kids away from the yard.
Do not:
- Walk under a leaning or hung-up tree.
- Cut wood that is bent or pinned. It can spring back with force.
- Climb onto a damaged roof to look around.
- Touch a fence, gutter or antenna that the tree is touching.
What Counts as an Urgent Tree Problem
Some tree trouble cannot wait for the weekend. A tree resting on the house is one. So is a trunk blocking the only way out of your driveway. A tree leaning over a bedroom after a storm belongs on the list too, as does a trunk with a cracked base or lifted roots.
Trees tangled in power lines are a special case. The utility must deal with the lines first. A provider can only start once the area is cleared.
Problems That Can Wait a Little
A tree that fell in a back corner with nothing under it is rarely an emergency. The same goes for a dead limb over an empty lawn. Mark the area off, keep people away and ask a provider to schedule it.
Planned work is calmer. It also gives you time to compare written quotes.
How Storm Tree Clearance Works
Most providers start with a walk-around. They look at the tree's weight, where it is leaning and what it is touching. They also check for stress in the trunk and nearby limbs.
Then they make a plan. That may include cutting the tree in sections, using ropes to lower heavy pieces and protecting the roof or yard. A crane may be needed when the tree is too heavy or too close to the house to lift by hand.
This is the tree falling service most homeowners picture. The cut is the last step, not the first.
Who Does What
Athletesshoes Tree Service only makes the connection. The provider you speak with does the work, sets the price and carries their own equipment. Ask each provider to explain their process before you agree to anything.
Old House, Extra Care
Older homes do not forgive surprises. Roof decking may be thin. Flashing may have been patched more than once. Chimneys and porch posts can be loose from years of weather.
A tree that landed on a roof like this may have done more harm than you can see. Point out any past repairs to the provider before lifting starts. They can plan around weak spots.
Crawl Spaces, Slabs and Buried Lines
Check before cutting. Older yards often hide clay drain lines, old water pipes and shallow wiring. Heavy equipment and root pulling can break them.
If your house sits on a crawl space, tell the provider where the vents and access doors are. For slab homes, mention any known pipe runs. Ask the provider to avoid parking heavy gear over those areas.
Working With Your Insurance
Some policies may cover sudden damage from a fallen tree, but terms differ. Read your policy or ask your agent what applies to you. Do not assume anything is covered.
Providers can often help document damage for a claim. Ask for a written scope, dated photos and an itemized invoice. Keep all of it together.
Storm Season Timing
Hot, humid summers bring fast thunderstorms. Wet soil loosens roots, and gusts do the rest. Many providers get busy after a storm, so some calls may wait in line.
Request a callback to check provider availability. If the tree is not blocking anything, you may get a firmer date by asking for a scheduled visit.
Ice, Wind and Tropical Remnants
Ice storms add weight to limbs that were already weak. Remnants of tropical systems soak the ground and push trees over at the root. After either one, expect more than one tree to need a look.
Do not shake ice off a limb from underneath. Let a provider handle it.
After the Tree Is Off
Once the tree is cleared, walk the yard with the provider. Check the roof line, gutters, fence and lawn. Ask about leftover stump work and whether it can be scheduled later.
If you spot new damage, photograph it before anyone leaves.
Preventing the Next Storm Problem
Ask a provider to look at the trees left standing. Signs of trouble include dead branches, mushrooms at the base, deep cracks and heavy leaning. Trees close to an older roof deserve a closer look.
Plan checkups before storm season, not during it.
Questions to Ask the Provider
- Will you give me a written quote before starting?
- Do you carry insurance for property damage and injury?
- Will the price include hauling away the wood?
- How will you protect the roof and lawn?
- Is a crane likely, and what does it add?
If an answer feels vague, keep looking. Clear answers are a good sign.
What's Included
Fallen Tree Cutting
Providers cut and lower downed trees in safe sections, so heavy wood stays off your roof.
Storm Tree Clearance
Remove broken limbs and trunks from driveways, yards and fences after wind, ice or heavy rain.
Roof and Home Protection
Providers plan lifts around weak roofing, chimneys and porches, which matters most on older houses.
Debris Hauling
Many providers can clear cut logs and brush when you ask for it in the quote.
Typical Emergency Tree Removal Costs
Prices vary by tree size, access, damage and equipment. These are typical U.S. ranges only. Ask any provider for a written quote that lists exactly what is included.
| Item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small fallen tree in yard | $300 – $900 | Easy access, no damage |
| Large fallen tree cleanup | $1,000 – $3,000 | Size and wood weight matter |
| Tree on roof or house | $2,000 – $10,000 | Depends on lift and damage |
| Broken limb removal | $200 – $800 | Hanging limbs add risk |
| Crane add-on | $500 – $2,000 | Used for heavy or tight sites |
| Debris haul-away | $100 – $500 | Sometimes already in the quote |
How It Works
Stay Back and Look
Keep everyone clear of the tree, roof edge and wires, and look up for hanging limbs.
Document the Damage
Take photos from a safe distance for your own records and any claim.
Contact a Provider
Request a callback to check provider availability, or send an estimate request.
Review the Written Quote
Confirm scope, equipment, cleanup and price before the provider starts work.
Why Call Athletesshoes Tree Service
Safety Comes Before Speed
Clear do and do-not steps help you avoid mistakes before any provider arrives.
Older Home Focus
Tips cover aging roofs, past repairs and buried lines near the tree.
Local Providers
You reach independent providers who know area storms, soils and housing.
Clear Quotes
Ask for written scope and price so there are no surprises later.
Other Services
Need emergency tree removal in Hickory?
Tell us about your tree and what stands near it. Request a callback to check provider availability, or send a request and a provider in our network will follow up.
Emergency Tree Removal FAQ
- What should I do first when a tree falls on my house?
- Get everyone out and away from the tree and any wires. Call 911 if someone is hurt or a line is down. Then take photos from a safe spot and contact a provider.
- Is it safe to cut up a fallen tree myself?
- Usually not. Fallen wood can be bent under tension and spring back with force. It may also rest on a roof or near wires. A trained provider has the gear and plan to cut it safely.
- Will my homeowners insurance pay for tree removal?
- Some policies may cover sudden damage from a fallen tree, but terms vary. Read your policy or ask your agent. Providers can often help document damage for a claim with dated photos, a written scope and an itemized invoice.
Reach a local provider
Tell us about your tree and what stands near it. Request a callback to check provider availability, or send a request and a provider in our network will follow up.
No obligation