Emergency Tree Removal in Leander & Cedar Park: What to Do After a Storm

Central Texas weather is hard on trees. Spring thunderstorms bring straight-line winds, summer drought weakens limbs, and the rare ice storm, like February 2023, can bring down more trees in a night than a normal year. Here's how to handle tree damage when it happens.

Is it really an emergency?

Call right away if:

• a tree or limb is on your house, garage or car,
• a tree is leaning badly toward the house and the soil around the roots is heaved or cracked,
• a downed tree is blocking your driveway or the only way in and out,
• a broken limb is hanging in the canopy over a walkway or play area (often called a "hanger").

It can usually wait a few days if:

• the tree or limb is down in an open part of the yard,
• it's across a fence with nothing else at risk,
• it's a split or cracked limb that isn't over anything important. Keep people and pets away from it until then.

If power lines are involved, it's the utility's job first. Stay away and call your electric provider. See trees near power lines.

What to do while you wait

1. Keep everyone away from the damaged tree and anything under it.
2. Photograph everything for insurance before it's moved. See tree fell on my house: who pays?
3. If water is getting in, put buckets and towels down and move belongings. Don't climb onto the roof.
4. Don't run a chainsaw on a tree that's under tension or resting on something. Storm-damaged wood can spring or roll without warning.

What emergency tree removal costs

Emergency work typically runs about 1.5 to 2 times normal rates, because it's done fast, often in tough conditions, and usually means cutting a tree off a structure in controlled pieces. After a big storm, demand is high across the whole area, so the most urgent jobs (trees on houses) get done first.

For normal removal pricing, see tree removal cost in Leander.

Watch out for storm chasers

After big storms, out-of-area crews go door to door. Some are fine. Some aren't. Protect yourself:

• Get a written quote before work starts, listing what's included (removal, haul-off, stump).
• Don't pay the full amount upfront.
• Get a local phone number and address.
• Be wary of anyone who pressures you to sign today or to let them handle your insurance claim.

After the emergency: check your other trees

A storm that brings down one tree often cracks limbs on others. Look for:

• hanging or broken branches in the canopy,
• new cracks in the trunk or where big limbs join,
• a tree that has started leaning since the storm,
• lifted soil on one side of the trunk.

A quick check and some cleanup now is much cheaper than the next emergency.

Prevent the next one

The trees that fail in storms are usually the ones with warning signs beforehand: dead limbs, weak forks with included bark, heavy lopsided canopies, and decay at the base. See signs a tree is dying. Clearance pruning over the roof is one of the best investments you can make. See live oak trimming.

Frequently asked questions

How much does emergency tree removal cost? Typically 1.5 to 2 times normal removal rates, depending on how dangerous and complicated the job is. A tree on a roof is the most expensive scenario.

Will insurance pay for emergency tree removal? If the tree damaged a covered structure, many policies help with removal from the structure. Trees that fell in open yard usually aren't covered.

Can I cut up a fallen tree myself? A tree lying flat in open yard, maybe, if you have experience. Never cut a tree that's resting on a structure, hung up in another tree, or touching lines.

How quickly can you come out after a storm? It depends on the storm. Trees on houses and blocked driveways are prioritized. Use the form and mark it urgent, or call.

Storm damage? Request help now

If everyone is safe and lines aren't involved, use the form below with photos and mark it urgent. For anything on your house, call 512-663-8867. More on our tree service.