Tree Fell on House in Memphis: What to Do Right Now

This page covers the first hours: who to call, when to leave, what to photograph, and how the insurance side usually works. It is general information, not legal or insurance advice.

Once everyone is safe, the tree still has to come off. That is a job for climbers and, on bigger trees, a crane. You can reach our crew at (901) 389-2360.

Get everyone out of the damaged part of the house first, then work down this list. A tree service in Memphis can come after the area is safe.

1. Get everyone outMove people and pets away from the damaged rooms. Leave the house if it feels unstable.
2. Check for gas or smokeIf you smell gas or hear hissing, go outside and call MLGW from somewhere else. Leave if you smell smoke.
3. Stay away from wiresTreat any line on or near the tree as live. Do not touch the tree.
4. Call 911 if anyone is hurtCall for injury or fire too.
5. Call the power companyFor downed lines or a gas smell in Memphis, call MLGW at (901) 528-4465.
6. Call the tree crewCall (901) 389-2360 when the area is safe. We can plan the job from your description and photos.

Gas matters because a tree can hit a meter or a line. MLGW tells customers to call its emergency line from another location, stay out of the home until MLGW says it is safe, and not to flip switches or light flames.

Sources: MLGW natural gas leak, Bob Vila, what to do if a tree falls on your house.

Treat the tree and everything touching it as live, and call MLGW at (901) 528-4465, its 24-hour emergency line. MLGW warns to never go near a downed power line or anything in contact with it, and that a line can become energized at any time.

That means no pulling limbs and no walking under sagging wires. Keep children and pets well back.

A crew cannot start until the line is made safe by the utility. If you only lost power and see no damaged wire, MLGW takes outage reports at (901) 544-6500. Its Customer Care number, (901) 544-6549, is for billing and service requests, not emergencies.

Sources: MLGW downed power lines, MLGW outage reporting.

Photograph and film the damage before anything moves, as soon as it is safe to do so.

• The tree where it lies, from several angles, with the roof or wall it landed on.
• The base of the tree and the stump or root area.
• Broken windows, siding, gutters, and any damage inside.

Bob Vila adds that a roofing professional should photograph the roof. Then ask your insurer what it wants to see, as covered in tree damage and insurance claims.

Sources: Progressive, tree falls on house, Bob Vila, what to do if a tree falls on your house.

The cost depends on the job, so a price comes from looking at it, not from a guess over the phone. The main things that change it are how big the tree is, how it rests on the roof, whether a crane is needed, and how many hours the crew spends.

Our estimates are free, and you can call (901) 389-2360 to set one up. Ask about emergency tree removal cost before work starts.

Your policy may pay part of removal. Bob Vila notes it can limit tree removal costs and you might owe the difference, so check before you agree to anything.

Sources: Bob Vila, what to do if a tree falls on your house.

Have a professional cover it. Do not climb up yourself, because parts of a damaged roof may not hold your weight.

Bob Vila suggests hiring a reputable contractor to tarp or board up holes in the roof or siding. You can board a broken window from the ground if you are careful with the glass.

Keep the receipt. Bob Vila says emergency damage control is usually covered, so confirm with your agent.

Sources: Bob Vila, what to do if a tree falls on your house, Progressive, tree falls on house.

Start with a call to your agent as soon as possible and share your photos. The insurer may ask for estimates from two or three local contractors or send an adjuster.

1. Call your agent and open a claim.
2. Send photos and video of the damage.
3. Get written estimates if the insurer asks for them.
4. Keep receipts for emergency work.
5. Do not start repairs until you and the insurer agree on an amount.

Wait for that agreement. Bob Vila says your policy may limit certain costs and you could owe the gap. He also says final payment should wait until the work is done and you are happy with it.

Sources: Bob Vila, what to do if a tree falls on your house.

The answer depends on whose tree it was and why it fell. Progressive says that when your own tree damages your property from a covered cause like wind, your policy may cover removal. A rotting or decaying tree is treated as maintenance and may not be covered. If your tree falls and damages nothing, you generally handle removal yourself.

Ask your insurer how your policy treats it. This is general information only.

Sources: Progressive, tree falls on house.

It depends on what caused the fall and what each policy says. Ask your insurer first, and a lawyer if the two sides disagree.

Progressive explains it this way: if a neighbor’s tree falls on your property from a covered cause, their homeowners insurance may pay. If the neighbor was negligent, such as leaving a tree that was clearly dying, their insurer may be the one. If the tree damaged nothing, removal may fall on you, though you can ask the neighbor to share the cost. A tree that blocks only your driveway is usually handled by your own policy.

Sources: Progressive, tree falls on house.