- Typical price
- Often 1.5 to 2 times regular rates
- Response
- Same day when crews are free, longer after big storms
- First call
- 911 for injury or fire, the utility for wires
What Counts as an Emergency
An emergency means danger now: a tree on a house or car, blocking the road or driveway so you cannot leave, a large limb hanging over a door, or a tree touching wires. A tree that fell into an empty corner of the yard can usually wait for a normal visit.
Do This First
- Get everyone away from the tree and out of any room under it.
- Call 911 if someone is hurt, there is a fire or you smell gas.
- If wires are down or touching the tree, call your electric utility (Duke Energy serves most of Durham) and keep everyone back.
- Take photos and video of the damage from a safe spot, and keep every receipt.
- Then call a tree service.
Why You Should Not Touch It
A tree resting on a roof or wires is often under tension. Cutting it can make it spring or roll. This is crane or experienced crew work, never a job for a homeowner with a chainsaw.
What the Crew Will Do
Emergency work is often about making the site safe, not tidy. The crew may cut the tree off the roof, tarp the damage if they offer it, and clear the road or driveway. Full cleanup and the stump can come later at regular rates. Ask which parts of the bill are urgent work and which can wait.
Why Prices Run Higher
After-hours calls and storm weeks carry a premium because crews are scarce and the work is riskier. Expect to pay more than a normal visit, and ask for the price before work starts.
Watch Out for Storm Chasers
After big storms, out of town crews knock on doors. Some are fine, many are not insured. Do not pay in advance, do not be rushed into paying cash, and do not sign a blank form. Read tree service red flags, and see fallen tree removal and cleanup for the next step.
If the tree hit your house, call your insurer if it is safe to wait before major cleanup. Never sign an insurance check over to a contractor. More in does homeowners insurance cover tree removal.
