Tree Fell on Your Property? Here’s What to Do

Michigan weather can be unpredictable. Strong winds, thunderstorms, heavy snowfall, and ice storms can turn a healthy-looking tree into a hazard in minutes. If a tree falls on your property—whether it lands on your home, driveway, fence, or lawn—it’s important to know what steps to take immediately.

Tree falls can cause damage, create safety hazards, and lead to costly repairs. Acting quickly and responsibly can protect your family, reduce risk, and make the cleanup process easier. Here's what to do if a tree falls on your property in Michigan.

The first and most important priority is safety. If a tree has fallen:

Stay clear of the area until you can assess the situation from a safe distance
Do not enter any structure that may be damaged or unstable
Avoid walking under or near hanging limbs or trees leaning against structures
Watch for downed power lines—stay at least 30 feet away and call the utility company immediately if any lines are involved

If anyone is injured or if the fallen tree poses an immediate risk to life or property, call 911. Once safety is secured, you can begin handling the situation step by step.

If the tree caused damage to your home or other structures, call your homeowner’s insurance provider as soon as possible. Most standard policies cover:

Tree removal if the tree damaged a covered structure (such as your home or fence)
Repairs to the damaged structure
Emergency services if needed to prevent further damage

However, most policies do not cover tree removal simply because the tree fell, unless it caused direct damage. Removal of trees that fall on lawns without structural impact may be considered the homeowner’s responsibility.

Ask your insurer:

What’s covered under your policy
Whether they require an adjuster to inspect the damage before removal
Whether they need contractor estimates for removal and repairs
If they can recommend approved emergency service providers

Spears Tree Expert Inc. can provide detailed documentation and estimates for insurance purposes if needed.

Once safety is confirmed and your insurance has been notified, call a licensed tree service to inspect and remove the tree. Avoid trying to cut or move large limbs yourself, especially if the tree is leaning, partially suspended, or tangled in structures or power lines.

Spears Tree Expert Inc. offers emergency tree removal throughout Plymouth, Canton, Northville, and nearby areas. Our team is trained to:

Safely remove trees from structures and tight spaces
Coordinate with utility companies if needed
Prevent further damage during removal
Haul away debris and clean up the site

We understand that emergencies are stressful, and we respond quickly with professional equipment and experienced crews.

One of the most common questions after a tree falls is who pays for the damage. The answer depends on where the tree was located and how it fell.

If your healthy tree falls on your property: You’re typically responsible for your own cleanup and repairs.
If your neighbor’s healthy tree falls on your property: You’re usually still responsible, as it’s considered an “act of God.” Your insurance may cover the damage.
If the tree was dead or neglected: The property owner who failed to maintain it may be liable. Document any known issues or complaints to support this.
If the tree falls on public property or utilities: The city or utility company may need to be involved.

When in doubt, talk to your insurance company and a tree service professional. Spears Tree Expert Inc. can help identify the condition of the tree and provide a report if needed.

While not every tree fall can be predicted, routine maintenance significantly reduces the risk. Many trees that fall during storms were already weak, diseased, or overgrown. Regular inspections and trimming can prevent those issues from becoming dangerous.

Here’s what we recommend:

Prune trees every 2–3 years to remove weak limbs and improve structure
Inspect trees near your home for signs of decay, fungus, or hollowing
Watch for cracks in the trunk or major limbs
Check for leaning or lifting roots after heavy rains or high winds
Remove dead or declining trees before they become a liability

Spears Tree Expert Inc. offers routine tree health assessments to catch problems early and protect your property year-round.

Can I cut up the tree myself if it’s already on the ground?

Only if it’s safe to do so. Large trees can shift unexpectedly. If the tree is near structures, has large limbs under tension, or is resting on anything, it’s best to call a professional.

Will the city remove a tree that fell from the street?

If the tree is located on public property or city easement, contact your local public works department. They’ll determine whether removal is their responsibility.

What if a tree falls during the night or weekend?

Spears Tree Expert Inc. provides emergency services and can respond outside of normal business hours when safety is at risk.

Can you work with my insurance provider directly?

Yes. We’re happy to coordinate with your insurance company, provide documentation, and offer assistance through the claims process.

Is stump removal included in emergency service?

Stump grinding is available as an add-on. It’s not always included by default in emergency removals but can be added if you want the area fully cleared.