When a storm drops a tree on your driveway, roof, or fence, the next few decisions matter. Trying to clear it yourself, waiting too long, or calling the wrong crew can make an already difficult situation worse. For homeowners searching for a reliable tree cutting service in Covington, knowing the right steps ahead of time can save you time, money, and added stress.
This post walks through exactly what to do from the moment the storm passes to the moment the debris is cleared from your property.
Step 1: Stay Clear Until It Is Safe
Before anything else, stay away from the fallen tree. A tree that has come down may still have tension in branches, partially attached limbs overhead, or contact with power lines. None of these situations are visible until you get close, and all of them are dangerous.
If the tree is touching or near a power line, do not approach it at all. Contact Georgia Power or your local utility provider before anyone goes near the tree. This includes us. Our crew will not work a downed tree that is in contact with an active line until the utility company has cleared it.
Step 2: Document the Damage Before Anything Is Moved
If it is safe to do so, photograph the scene before any debris is cleared. Photograph the fallen tree, every point of contact with structures, the surrounding yard, and any secondary damage visible from a safe distance.
This documentation is what your insurance company will ask for. A claim filed without photos of the original damage is harder to process and easier to dispute. Take the photos first; the tree is not going anywhere in the next ten minutes.
Step 3: Call for Emergency Tree Removal
Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergency tree removal across Covington, Oxford, Loganville, and the surrounding Newton and Walton County area. Call (404) 274-5790 as soon as you have documented the damage.
When you call, tell us where the tree fell, whether it is touching a structure, whether there are power lines involved, and whether the situation is actively preventing access to the home. This helps us prioritize and bring the right equipment.
Our coverage expands during declared disaster relief events, so if a major storm has hit the area and multiple properties are affected, we extend our reach to serve as much of the community as possible.
Step 4: Secure the Area While You Wait
If the tree has breached a roof or broken a window, cover the opening with a tarp or plastic sheeting if it is safe to access. This prevents additional water damage while the crew is in transit. Do not attempt to cut or move the tree yourself, as shifting an unsupported tree or large limb can cause additional collapse.
Keep children and pets away from the work area. If the fallen tree is blocking the only exit from the property, let us know when you call and we will account for access in our response plan.
Step 5: Understand What Emergency Storm Damage Mitigation Covers
Emergency storm damage mitigation goes beyond removing the fallen tree. It includes clearing debris from structures and access points, addressing partially fallen trees and hanging limbs that still pose a hazard, and making the property safe so the immediate risk is eliminated.
The goal after a storm is not just to remove what fell. It is to leave the property in a condition where nothing else is about to fall.
Step 6: Handle the Insurance Piece Correctly
Whether your homeowners insurance covers tree removal depends on your policy and the circumstances. If the tree fell on a structure such as your home, garage, fence, or vehicle, many policies cover the removal cost. If it fell without striking anything, coverage is less common.
We can help you document the damage and situation for your claim. We carry $2 million in general liability insurance and Workers’ Compensation coverage, which means our crew is covered while on your property. Proof is available on request before any work begins.
Step 7: Follow Up With a Full Property Assessment
After the immediate hazard is cleared, have the rest of your trees assessed, especially if the storm was severe. A tree that appears intact after a major wind event may have sustained root damage, split branches under the canopy, or new structural stress that is not yet visible.
Our team handles full tree removal and follow-up assessments for any trees flagged during storm cleanup. We cover the same properties during both emergency and routine visits, so we already know your yard and access conditions.
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