Tree just down in a storm? The first 60 minutes, in order.

The 60-minute checklist

1. Check for powerline contact

   Look for any wires touching the tree, branches in contact with the line, or wires sagging onto the canopy. If yes, stop here — call the network operator (numbers in the table below). Don't approach the tree, don't let kids near it, don't move pets that are stuck. Powerlines can re-energise.

2. Get everyone 10m clear

   Even partially fallen trees settle, shift, or release tension. The branches you can see are not the whole story. Move pets, kids, vehicles, and yourself a clear 10 metres back. If the tree is on a structure, get out of the structure if it's safe to do so.

3. Photograph from three angles

   Wide shot showing the whole scene with something for scale (a car, a person at safe distance). Medium shot of the damage area. Close-up of the contact point — where the tree meets the structure. Phone timestamps automatically; double-check it's on. These three photos are what your insurer's assessor will work from.

4. SMS an arborist with the address and the wide shot

   SMS Lorax on 0402 522 434 with the address and a photo. We can usually quote remotely from a clear photo and dispatch the right crew (climber + groundies, or crane if needed). Inside metro hours we move within 60 minutes.

5. Notify your insurer once everyone's safe

   Most home and contents policies require notification within 24 hours. You don't need to lodge the full claim immediately — just open a file. Your insurer will give you a claim number that everything else attaches to. Full insurance walkthrough.

6. Don't sign anything in the driveway

   After every major storm, contractors door-knock with "we noticed your tree". They charge double, the work is often substandard, and the contracts can be hard to get out of. Get three written quotes (you'll have them within an hour even on a Sunday) before signing anything.

Network operator emergency numbers (laminate this somewhere)

Don't do these in the first hour

• Don't climb the tree to assess damage. Half the storm-injury statistics are people climbing damaged trees in the immediate aftermath. Photograph from the ground. Wait for the arborist.
• Don't move debris that's pinning structures. The tree is sometimes the only thing holding a damaged section of roof up. Removing it before assessment can make things worse.
• Don't run a generator into a flooded area or near downed lines. Wait for the network operator confirmation that lines are dead.
• Don't sign a "rescue contract" with a door-knocker. They're charging 3x. They're not better than your local arborist. Politely take their card and tell them you'll follow up after you've called your insurer.
• Don't drive over downed branches "to see what's underneath". Hidden services (water mains, telco) get damaged. Stay back.

What good arborist response looks like

• Crew on site within 60 minutes inside metro service hours; 2–4 hours after-hours
• AQF qualified arborist on the job — not a guy with a chainsaw
• Certificate of currency for public liability and workers comp on request before work starts
• Written method statement for the removal
• Tarp-down of any roof damage if conditions are safe
• Timestamped before/after photos in the incident report
• Incident report emailed to your insurer direct (with your permission) within 24 hours

Our Sunday Tesla story

2am Sunday. A 12m liquidambar came down across a driveway in Sydney's inner west, pinning a Tesla. Owner called us at 6am. Crew on site by 7:15am, tree off the car by 9am. Written incident report with timestamps and photos emailed to her insurer by lunchtime. Car was a write-off but the insurer paid out within two weeks because the report was complete. No back-and-forth.

Emergencies are about two things: getting the tree off the thing it's on, and giving the homeowner everything the insurer needs. The report is half the job.

The next storm — pre-storm prep

The day after the storm is too late to plan for the next one. Pre-storm pruning of overhanging branches over the house costs $400–$800. Post-storm tree-on-roof costs $5,000–$15,000 plus the roof.

If you've got mature trees overhanging the house, book a pre-storm assessment in spring. Free site visit, written quote, work usually done within a fortnight. More on lopping.

Frequently asked