When a tree comes down, the hardest part is often knowing who to call first. The right answer depends entirely on the situation in front of you — whether anyone is hurt, whether the tree landed on a power line, your home, your car, or simply fell harmlessly in your yard. This guide walks through each common scenario so you can act calmly and in the right order. The single most important rule is this: people come before property, so any time someone is injured or in danger, you call 911 before anything else.
The Quick Answer: Match Your Scenario
Below is a fast reference you can scan in the moment. Find the situation that matches yours, then read the section further down for the full explanation.
| Scenario | Who to call first |
|---|---|
| Someone is injured, or you smell gas or see fire | 911 |
| Tree on a power line or downed wires | 911, then your electric utility (do not approach) |
| Tree on your house or car | Emergency tree service, then your insurer |
| Tree blocking a public road | City/county public works or non-emergency police |
| Tree fully in your yard, no damage | Schedule a tree removal service |
| A neighbor's tree fell onto your property | Talk to your neighbor, then both insurers |
Injuries, Gas, or Fire: Call 911
If a falling tree has injured anyone, trapped a person, or you smell natural gas or see flames, treat it as a true emergency and call 911 immediately. Dispatchers can send paramedics, the fire department, and police as needed. Do not try to move a heavy limb off an injured person yourself unless leaving them is more dangerous — you can make injuries worse. Keep bystanders well back, and if you suspect a gas leak, leave the area and call from a safe distance.
Never assume a wire is dead. Downed lines can look harmless and still be energized. Stay back at least 35 feet and keep children and pets away.
Tree on a Power Line: 911 and Your Utility
A tree on a power line is one of the most dangerous situations you can face. Energized lines can charge the tree, the ground around it, and any metal it touches. Call 911 first, then report it to your electric utility so crews can de-energize the line. Do not approach the tree, do not attempt to remove it, and never let a tree company cut it before the utility has confirmed the line is safe. Only after power is cut should removal begin.
Tree on Your House or Car: Tree Service and Insurer
If a tree has landed on your home, garage, or vehicle but there is no fire, gas, or injury, your first call is to an emergency tree service that can safely stabilize and remove it. A qualified crew protects your structure during removal rather than causing more damage. Call us anytime at (404) 426-8613 — we offer 24/7 emergency response across metro Atlanta. Next, contact your insurance company to start a claim and document everything with photos before cleanup. For more on coverage, see our guide to insurance and tree removal.
Document first. Take clear photos and video of the damage from several angles before any debris is moved. This makes your insurance claim far smoother.
Tree Blocking a Public Road
A tree across a public street is a hazard to drivers, but it is usually not yours to remove. If wires are involved or the road is dangerous, call 911 first. Otherwise, report it to your city or county public works department, or call the non-emergency police line so they can dispatch the right crew. Government crews handle trees on public rights-of-way. If you are unsure whether the tree is on public or private property, the non-emergency line can help you sort it out.
No Damage — and Neighbor's Trees
If a tree fell entirely within your yard and damaged nothing, there is no emergency. You can simply schedule a tree removal service at your convenience to clear it safely, especially if large sections are still under tension. When a neighbor's tree falls onto your property, start with a calm conversation with your neighbor, then let each of your insurers determine responsibility — in most cases your own policy handles damage to your property regardless of where the tree grew.
- Tree in your yard, no damage: schedule a tree service, no rush.
- Neighbor's tree on your property: talk to the neighbor, then both insurers.
- Still unsure? Call us and describe the scene — we'll help you figure out the right next step.
Escamilla Tree Service is family-owned with more than 15 years of experience, staffed by ISA Certified Arborists, fully insured, and available 24/7 for emergencies. We offer free estimates and serve homeowners throughout metro Atlanta from our home base in Austell, GA.