A tree falling on a home can cause extensive structural damage, and it happens more often than you might think. In 2022, one investment property insurer reported that more than 8 percent of its claims were for tree-related damage.
Trees are especially vulnerable during hurricane season. Fortunately, the 2025 season was kind to the U.S.—not a single hurricane made landfall—and 2026 activity is predicted to be below average.
But it doesn’t take an actual hurricane to bring down a tree. Even winds upwards of 50 mph threaten trees, especially if the ground is saturated or the tree is unhealthy.
The first step when a tree falls on your house is always to make sure everyone in the household is safe, including pets. Then it’s time to take stock of the situation.
Check for downed power lines and gas leaks. Downed power lines carry an increased risk of fire or deadly electric shock.
If you smell smoke, get your family out of the house and contact nearby neighbors who might be affected. The utility company will dispatch technicians, local law enforcement may need to block traffic on your street, and the fire department may send a unit to stand by until safety is restored.
If you smell gas, hear a hissing sound, or see that the tree has fallen on the gas meter or a gas line, evacuate immediately. Do not turn on any electrical switches, and move away from the house about 350 feet before calling 911.
It may be wise to shut off the gas until you’re sure the lines weren’t damaged, even if you don’t smell gas. You’ll find a shutoff valve near the meter. Use a wrench to turn the valve a quarter of a turn to the right.
Plan to stay somewhere else until your home has been inspected. The fallen tree may have hit a major structural support, affected the integrity of your roof, or may even have further to fall.
To protect your home’s interior and prevent further damage to the exterior, call a reputable contractor to tarp or board up any broken windows and holes in the siding or roof.
Related: Robert De Niro’s New York Real Estate Portfolio
A tree falling on a house can cause extensive, and expensive, damage, and dealing with insurance coverage and payouts can be tricky. Note that insurance generally won’t pay for removal of a fallen tree that hasn’t damaged any structures covered by the policy.
Take photos and videos of the damage, indoors and out, as soon as it’s safe to do so.
Call your agent as soon as possible. Notify your agent to get the claims process moving. Share your photos with the insurance company to help them assess the extent of the damage.
Read the fine print on your homeowners insurance policy. You will probably be required to pay a deductible, after which the insurance company will kick in for the balance of the repair costs up to a certain amount, based on your policy’s terms.
If an “act of nature” caused the tree to fall on the house, in most cases, your policy will cover the repair expenses minus your deductible.
Don’t begin repairs until you and your insurer agree on an amount.
If the total amount offered by your insurer does not cover the cost of the estimated repairs, you have the right to appeal their decision and have them reevaluate your claim.
Expenses incurred for emergency damage control are almost always covered, so save your receipts. If your home is not habitable, your insurance company may also reimburse you for some of the expenses related to temporary housing, such as renting a quiet and comfortable place to stay.
Withhold final payment until you’re satisfied with the contractor’s work. Legitimate contractors often request payment for materials before they start work, but they should not ask for prepayment for their labor to make the repairs.