What to Do When a Tree Falls on Your Property

If a Tree Has Fallen, Keep People Away

Do not approach, cut or move a fallen tree. Branches and trunks can shift without warning, and damaged electrical infrastructure may be hidden underneath.

If anyone is trapped, injured or facing an immediate life-threatening danger, call Triple Zero (000).

For emergency help during a storm, NSW SES says to call 132 500 when a fallen tree blocks access, a tree threatens to fall on property or there is property damage you cannot address safely.

Fallen or Damaged Power Lines

Stay at least 8 metres, or two car lengths, away from fallen wires and anything touching them. Ausgrid says electrical faults and emergencies should be reported on 13 13 88, available 24 hours.

Do not touch a tree, fence, vehicle or person that may be in contact with electrical infrastructure.

What to Tell the Tree Team

When it is safe to make the call, describe:

• Whether anyone is in danger
• What the tree or branch has hit
• Whether access is blocked
• Whether wires, poles or electrical equipment are involved
• Whether the tree is still moving, splitting or leaning
• The property address and safest access point

Photographs can help only when they can be taken from a safe position. Never move closer for a better image.

What Emergency Tree Work May Involve

The first job is to deal with the immediate danger. That can mean removing a hanging branch, controlling part of a fallen tree, opening essential access or stabilising the area until more work can be completed safely.

A complete removal, stump grinding or non-urgent cleanup may need to be quoted and scheduled separately.

Affordable Tree Services provides 24/7 calls and crew dispatch across the Northern Beaches, including weekends and public holidays. We aim to respond within two hours, although severe weather, access and demand can affect timing.

Insurance and Documentation

If it is safe, keep photographs of the damage and note what happened. Contact your insurer early and ask what information it needs.

Where relevant, Affordable Tree Services can provide photographs, a description of the tree work and an itemised invoice. Your insurer decides what evidence and costs it accepts.

Do not delay urgent safety work when emergency services have directed that action is needed. Ask your insurer how it wants temporary and permanent work documented.

While You Wait

• Keep people and pets away
• Follow emergency-service and utility instructions
• Do not use a chainsaw on a loaded or fallen tree
• Avoid damaged buildings and roofs
• Keep your phone available
• Do not park or stand under damaged branches

Who to Call

• Life-threatening danger: Triple Zero (000)
• Storm emergency assistance: NSW SES on 132 500
• Ausgrid electrical fault or emergency: 13 13 88
• Urgent tree work on private property: Affordable Tree Services on 0425 350 004

For non-urgent work, use the tree removal service and request a written quote.