When a tree falls on your property in Montgomery, the first few hours matter more than you think. Your job right now is not to panic or start calling random contractors. It's to make sure nobody gets hurt, document what happened, and then call the right person to handle the cleanup and damage assessment. A fallen tree can damage your roof, your fence, your driveway, or your neighbor's property. It might also be blocking your driveway or leaning dangerously against your house. This article walks you through what to do first.
Safety comes before anything else
Do not touch the tree or try to move it yourself. If it's on power lines, stay completely away and call Oncor Electric Delivery right away. That's the utility company that handles power in this area. Do not assume the lines are dead just because nothing looks obviously wrong. If the tree is blocking your driveway or entrance and you need to leave, find another way out. If someone is injured, call 911. If the tree is leaning against your house or has broken through the roof, make sure everyone is out of the danger zone and wait for professional help. A tree that's partially down can shift or fall the rest of the way without warning.
Take photos and video before anyone touches it
While the tree is still down and before any cleanup starts, photograph everything from multiple angles. Get wide shots showing the whole tree and the damage it caused. Get close-ups of any damage to your house, roof, gutters, fence, or vehicles. Take video walking around the perimeter. This documentation is critical for your insurance claim. If the tree fell into your neighbor's yard or damaged their property, get photos of that too. Do this in daylight if you can. Insurance adjusters will want to see the scene as it was immediately after the fall.
Call your homeowner's insurance
Most homeowner's policies cover tree removal if the tree damaged your house, garage, fence, or driveway. The coverage is usually there even if the tree came from your property. What's typically not covered is removal of a tree that fell but caused no damage, though some policies are different. Call your insurance company the same day if possible and report the claim. They will tell you whether you need their adjuster to come out before you remove the tree, or whether you can proceed with cleanup. Some insurers want to see the damage before removal. Others will reimburse you after the fact if you have photos and a receipt from the contractor. Follow their instructions exactly.
Call a licensed tree service, not just anyone with a chainsaw
This is where Davis Tree Service comes in. A fallen tree removal is not a DIY job and not a job for your neighbor's cousin who owns a chainsaw. You need someone who has liability insurance, workers' compensation insurance, and experience removing trees in tight spaces without creating new damage. A professional tree service will assess whether the tree is stable, what equipment is needed, whether any power lines or underground utilities are involved, and how to remove it safely. They will also handle debris removal and cleanup. Davis Tree Service serves the Montgomery area and knows the local soil, the trees that grow here, and the constraints of residential properties in the area. We have the right equipment to handle a fallen tree without damaging what's left of your property.
Get multiple quotes if there's no emergency
If the tree is not blocking your driveway, not touching power lines, and not actively threatening your house, you have time to get a few quotes. Call Davis Tree Service and at least one other licensed contractor. Explain what fell, where it fell, and what damage it caused. A good quote will break down the cost of removal, debris hauling, and any additional services like stump grinding. The quote should be in writing. Be wary of anyone who gives you a price over the phone without seeing the job. The size of the tree, the location, what it hit, and what equipment is needed all affect the price. Removing a 40-foot oak that landed across your roof is very different from removing a 20-foot pine in an open yard.
Plan for debris and follow local rules
Montgomery has specific rules about yard waste and debris. Chipped wood can often be left for bulk pickup, but large logs and branches may need to be hauled away. A professional tree service will handle this as part of the job, but ask about it upfront. If you're getting quotes, ask whether debris removal is included in the price or billed separately. Some contractors will chip the debris on-site, which is cleaner and faster. Others will haul everything away. Both approaches work. Just know what you're paying for.
When a tree falls on your property in Montgomery, call Davis Tree Service. We can come out quickly, assess the damage, work with your insurance company, and remove the tree safely. The sooner you get professionals involved, the sooner you can move forward with repairs and get your property back to normal.
