What to Do When a Tree Falls on Your House in Utah (Emergency Guide)
What to Do When a Tree Falls on Your House in Utah — Emergency Guide
If a tree falls on your house in Utah, step outside immediately with your family, check for injuries and gas leaks, call 911 if there are downed power lines or structural damage, document everything with photos, contact your insurance company, and call a licensed emergency tree service for safe removal. Do not attempt to remove the tree yourself.
When a tree crashes into your home during a Utah windstorm, the sound alone is terrifying. Your heart is pounding, adrenaline is surging, and your first instinct might be to start moving branches yourself. Stop. Take a breath. The next 60 minutes will determine how smoothly the rest of this process goes — from insurance claims to repairs to cleanup.
Here is exactly what to do, step by step, based on what TruCo Services has seen on hundreds of emergency calls across the Salt Lake Valley.
Need immediate help? Call our 24/7 emergency tree service at 801-466-8044 — we answer the phone, every time.
Step 1: Get Everyone Safe (Immediate)
The first priority is never the tree — it’s the people.
Evacuate the affected room. If the tree has breached your roof, assume the structure is compromised. Get everyone—including pets—out of that room and at least 30 feet from the house.
Check for injuries. Tree debris can cause cuts, bruises, or worse. Administer first aid if needed and call 911 for serious injuries.
Watch for downed power lines. If the tree took down a power line, assume every wire is live. Stay at least 30 feet away and call Rocky Mountain Power at 1-888-221-7070.
Smell for gas. If you smell natural gas (that “rotten egg” odor), evacuate immediately and call Questar Gas at 1-800-767-1689 from outside.
Do not: Go back inside for valuables, attempt to move the tree, or use any electrical switches near the damaged area.
Step 2: Document Everything for Insurance
Once everyone is safe and the site is secure, start documenting. This is critical for your homeowners insurance claim. In Utah, most policies cover tree removal only when a tree damages a covered structure.
What to photograph: The tree on your house from multiple angles, interior damage, the base of the tree, damaged belongings, and weather conditions.
Pro tip: Insurance adjusters will be swamped after a major Utah storm. Your photos will speed up the process significantly. See our tree removal cost guide in Murray Utah to understand typical payouts.
Step 3: Call Your Insurance Company
Contact your homeowners insurance provider as soon as possible. Utah policies typically cover tree removal from a covered structure, damage repair, and temporary repairs like tarping.
Most Utah policies cap tree removal reimbursement at $500 to $1,000 per tree. Structural repairs are covered under dwelling coverage minus your deductible.
What to say: “A tree fell on my house. I need to file a claim for emergency tree removal and structural damage assessment.”
What NOT to say: Don’t say “I think the tree was dead” or “I noticed a crack in the trunk.”
Step 4: Call an Emergency Tree Service
Once the immediate dangers are addressed and your insurance claim is opened, it’s time to call in the professionals. Look for an emergency tree service that is available 24/7, fully insured, experienced with structural removals, and familiar with local utility protocols.
TruCo Services has been handling emergency tree removals in Murray and the Salt Lake Valley for over 15 years.
Emergency tree removal costs in Utah: Small trees (under 30 ft): $800–$1,500. Medium (30–60 ft): $1,500–$3,500. Large (60–80 ft): $3,500–$5,000+. Add $500–$2,000 if a crane is needed.
Step 5: Secure Your Property
After the tree is removed: tarp the roof if there’s an opening, board up broken windows, fence off damaged areas, and save all receipts for insurance reimbursement.
Most emergency tree services handle temporary securing as part of the removal process. Ask your tree care company about this before they leave.
Step 6: Long-Term Repairs and Prevention
After the emergency: work with your insurance adjuster, hire a licensed contractor for repairs, have remaining trees inspected, and schedule regular tree maintenance.
Preventing Future Tree Falls
Utah’s clay-heavy soil can contribute to tree instability. Watch for soil heaving after freeze-thaw cycles, over-watering that softens soil around roots, and dead or dying branches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove a fallen tree myself? No. Removing a tree from a house is extremely dangerous. Always hire a professional.
Will my insurance cover the full cost? Most policies cover tree removal up to $500-$1,000 from a covered structure. Structural repairs are covered separately.
How long does emergency tree removal take? Usually 4-8 hours depending on size and complexity.
What if the tree fell on my neighbor’s house? Their insurance typically covers the damage. You may be liable if the tree was obviously dead or diseased.
Do I need a permit for emergency removal? Murray City and most Salt Lake County municipalities allow emergency removal without a permit.
What trees are most likely to fall in Utah storms? Cottonwoods are the highest risk, followed by silver maples, willows, and Siberian elms.
How do I know if a tree is at risk? Look for more than 50% dead canopy, trunk cavities, significant lean, or exposed roots. TruCo Services offers free evaluations.
What should I do with the wood? Most tree services include complete cleanup. If you want firewood, tell the crew before they start.