Emergency Tree Service in Palo Alto, CA

What counts as a tree emergency?

A tree emergency is any situation where a tree or limb is threatening people, a structure, a vehicle or a road right now. Examples:

• A tree or large limb resting on a roof, car or fence.
• A trunk that has split, or a tree that suddenly started leaning with cracked soil at the base.
• A hanging broken limb (a "hanger") over a doorway, driveway or play area.
• A fallen tree blocking your driveway or access for emergency vehicles.
• Any tree in contact with electrical wires. That's PG&E's and 911's job first.

A tree that fell in the open with no damage and no wires involved is urgent but usually not an emergency. Scheduling it for the next day is fine.

What should I do right now if a tree falls?

Stay away from the tree and anything it touches, and call 911 if anyone is hurt or any wire is down. Then:

1. Assume every downed wire is live. Keep people and pets far back and call PG&E. Don't touch the tree, a fence, or a puddle that the wire contacts.
2. Leave a damaged house if the roof or walls are compromised, or if you smell gas.
3. Don't climb or cut a tree under tension. Bent trunks and limbs can spring back violently.
4. Take photos from a safe distance for insurance.
5. Call your insurer to open a claim, then request emergency tree service.

Does homeowners insurance cover a fallen tree?

Often yes, when a covered event like a windstorm causes a tree to damage your home or another insured structure, but every policy is different. General patterns (check your own policy and talk with your agent):

• Damage to the house, garage or fence from a covered peril is commonly covered, and removal of the tree from the structure is often included up to a limit.
• A tree that falls in the yard without hitting anything may not be covered for removal.
• Damage caused by a tree that was visibly dead or neglected may be disputed.
• Damage to your car is usually a matter for auto insurance.

Do I need a city permit for emergency tree work?

Safety comes first, but protected-tree rules still apply in Palo Alto, so contact Urban Forestry as soon as you can. The city's own list of allowed removal reasons includes a tree that is dead or hazardous. We couldn't verify a specific emergency-removal exemption or after-the-fact permit process in the ordinance text we reviewed. Document the hazard with photos, keep the arborist's assessment, and check with the city (pwps@paloalto.gov) about what's required. See the permit guide and the city's Tree Ordinance Information page.

What other tree services might I need?