A tree has just fallen on your house. Your heart is racing. Here's exactly what to do, step by step. As an ISA Certified Arborist (MI-4776A) who handles emergency calls across the Grand Rapids area, I've walked dozens of homeowners through this situation. The first few decisions you make matter — and they're simpler than you think.
Step 1: Get Everyone Out Safely
If the tree has penetrated the roof or walls, evacuate the house immediately. Don't go back inside to grab belongings. If you hear creaking, popping, or see the ceiling sagging, the structure may be compromised. Call 911 if anyone is trapped or if there's a gas leak (you'll smell it).
Step 2: Call Your Insurance Company
Call your homeowner's insurance provider as soon as everyone is safe. Most standard homeowner's policies cover tree damage to structures — including removal of the tree from the house. Document everything with photos from multiple angles before anything gets moved. Your adjuster will need this documentation.
Step 3: Call a Certified Arborist with Crane Capability
Not every tree service can handle a tree on a house. You need a company with:
- Crane capability — lifting sections off the structure without causing further damage
- ISA Certified Arborists — trained to assess structural tree failure and plan safe removal
- Full insurance — $3M+ liability coverage to protect you during the work
- Emergency response — available same-day or next-day, not "we'll get to it next week"
At B's Trees, we handle emergency tree-on-structure calls with our Peterbilt-mounted crane. We can lift sections weighing thousands of pounds straight up and off the roof without dragging debris across the damage.
Step 4: Don't Try to Remove It Yourself
This cannot be overstated. A tree on a house is under unpredictable tension and compression. Cutting the wrong branch can cause the trunk to shift, the roof to collapse further, or a limb to spring free violently. This is not a chainsaw-and-a-ladder situation. Even experienced loggers call arborists for structural removal.
Step 5: Secure the Property
Once the tree is removed, the opening in the roof or wall needs to be covered with a tarp to prevent water damage. Your tree service crew can often help with temporary tarping. Then call a contractor or your insurance company's preferred vendor for permanent repair.
What Does Emergency Tree Removal Cost?
Emergency tree removal from a structure typically ranges from $1,500 to $8,000+, depending on tree size, position, and crane requirements. The good news: if the tree hit your house, your homeowner's insurance almost always covers it — including the removal. Your deductible applies, but the tree service bill itself is typically covered in full.
How Fast Can You Get Here?
We respond to emergency calls in the Grand Rapids metro area as quickly as possible — often same-day. Storm events with widespread damage may cause delays, but we triage by severity: trees on occupied structures come first. Call 616-947-4050 any time.
