If a tree has come down in a storm: keep everyone and pets well clear, treat any contact with power lines as live and call 000 immediately, call the Victoria SES on 132 500 if it's blocking access or threatening a structure, then book an arborist for full removal and clean-up. Never attempt to move a fallen tree or hanging branch yourself.
Immediate Safety Checklist
- Clear the area. Keep people, children, and pets away from the tree, hanging branches ("widowmakers"), and any exposed root plate — a partially uprooted tree can shift further without warning.
- Check for power lines. If any part of the tree is touching or near power lines, treat the entire tree, fence line, and ground beneath it as live.
- Check for structural contact. Note whether the tree is resting on a roof, fence, car, or other structure — don't attempt to remove branches from under load yourself.
- Photograph everything from multiple angles before anything is moved, for insurance and council records.
- Don't cut anything under tension. Storm-bent or partially snapped branches can spring back violently when cut — this is exactly the kind of job that needs a professional rigging setup.
The Victoria State Emergency Service (VicSES) number for storm and tree emergencies — call them first if a tree is blocking access, resting on a structure, or posing immediate danger. Victoria State Emergency Service
If the Tree Is Touching Power Lines
Do not approach. Call 000 and your electricity distributor immediately, and keep everyone at least 8 metres back. Downed or entangled power lines can energise the tree, nearby fences, and even wet ground. This is the one scenario where the checklist stops and you simply wait for emergency services to make the area safe.
"In a storm, the tree isn't the emergency — the tension, the power lines, and the load on the structure underneath it are. Get those three things safe first."
Who to Call First: SES or Arborist?
Call the SES on 132 500 first if the tree is blocking a road or driveway, resting on a house or car, or otherwise creating an immediate hazard — they handle emergency make-safe work. Once the immediate danger is handled, or if the damage isn't urgent but still needs clearing, call TLSC for full removal, stump grinding, and site clean-up. We offer same-day response for storm damage across Melbourne Metro.
Documenting for Insurance
Storm-damaged tree removal is often covered by home and contents insurance if the tree damaged an insured structure or vehicle — check your specific policy wording. Photograph the damage from several angles before clean-up starts, keep our invoice and any before/after photos, and note the date and approximate time of the storm. If you also need a formal written assessment for your insurer, our arborist reports service can provide one.
Storm Damage Right Now?
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Request Emergency Service →Common Storm Damage Questions
What should I do first if a tree falls on my property?
Keep everyone and pets well clear of the tree and any hanging or broken branches. If it's touching power lines, treat the area as live and call 000 immediately — do not approach.
Should I call the SES or an arborist first?
Call VicSES on 132 500 first if the tree is blocking access, threatening a structure, or poses immediate danger. Call an arborist for full removal and clean-up afterwards.
Is storm-damaged tree removal covered by insurance?
Often yes, if the tree damaged an insured structure or vehicle — check your policy. Photograph the damage before clean-up and keep our invoice for your claim.
How quickly can TLSC respond to storm damage?
We offer same-day response for storm damage and fallen trees across Melbourne Metro. Mark your quote request as urgent for priority handling.
What if the fallen tree isn't blocking anything urgent?
It can usually wait for a scheduled visit, but a partially uprooted or leaning tree should still be assessed soon, since it may not be stable.
