A Tree Fell on My House During a Storm in North Texas. What Do I Do?

A tree fell on my house during a storm, and now you're standing in the yard trying to figure out what happens next. It's one of the most common ways North Texas storms damage a home. High winds don't need to reach hurricane strength to bring a tree down. Even a 55 to 70 mph downburst, the kind that hit Watauga and North Richland Hills recently, is enough to snap or uproot a tree that looked healthy the day before.

The damage can range from a few scraped shingles to a hole straight through the roof and ceiling. What you do in the first hour matters more than most homeowners realize. For a full walkthrough of that first hour, see what to do the first hour after any storm damage.

Get everyone away from the tree first

Do not go near the tree or the damaged part of the house until you know it is safe. A tree resting on a roof can still shift, and a section of ceiling weakened by the impact can give way without warning. Move everyone, including pets, to a part of the house that was not affected, or outside if the structure feels unstable.

Check for downed power lines and gas before you do anything else

If any part of the tree is touching a power line, treat it as live and stay away from it entirely. Call 911 and Oncor immediately rather than trying to assess it yourself. If you smell gas, leave the house and call from outside before doing anything else, including flipping a light switch.

What to do before a restoration crew arrives

Once everyone is safe, document the damage with photos and video from multiple angles, both outside and, if it is safe to enter, inside. This record matters for your insurance claim later. Do not attempt to move the tree or climb onto the roof yourself. A tree that looks stable can still be under tension from broken limbs or a partially uprooted root system, and removing it safely requires the right equipment.

If rain is entering through the damaged area, a tarp can slow the water intrusion, but only place one if you can do it safely from the ground or a stable ladder. We cover what to expect if your roof ends up tarped while you wait on insurance approval in a separate post.

Storm damage also tends to draw uninvited attention. Be cautious of anyone showing up unannounced offering repairs, and know how to spot a storm chaser before signing anything.

When to call a professional restoration company

Call a restoration company as soon as the immediate danger has passed, even before your insurance adjuster arrives. A professional crew can safely remove the tree, tarp or board up the opening, and start drying out any areas where rain got in. It's also worth having your roof checked for hail damage at the same time, since the same storm that brought the tree down often brought hail too. Water sitting behind drywall and insulation for more than a day or two significantly raises the risk of mold.

Key Takeaways

• Move everyone away from the damaged area until it has been checked for stability, downed lines, or gas leaks.
• Treat any power line touching the tree as live and call Oncor and 911 immediately.
• Photograph the damage before cleanup begins, but never climb onto the roof or attempt tree removal yourself.
• Call a restoration company right away to tarp the opening and begin drying, rather than waiting on the insurance adjuster first.
• Water sitting behind drywall or insulation for more than a day or two significantly raises the risk of mold.

FAQs

Will my homeowners insurance cover a tree falling on my house?
Most homeowners policies in Texas cover storm-related tree damage to the structure itself, though a deductible applies. Coverage details vary by policy, so confirm with your insurance provider directly rather than assuming.

Should I remove the tree myself to save money?
No. A tree resting on a damaged roof can still be under tension and shift unexpectedly, and cutting into it yourself risks serious injury. Professional crews have the equipment and training to remove it safely.

How fast does water damage turn into a mold problem after a tree damages my roof?
Mold can begin developing in wet, porous materials like drywall and insulation within 24 to 48 hours. That is why tarping the opening and starting drying work quickly matters, even before your insurance claim is finalized.

Sources

IBHS -- Storm and Wind Damage Preparedness
https://ibhs.org/wind/

Texas Department of Insurance -- Homeowner Insurance Rights and Claims Process
https://www.tdi.texas.gov/pubs/consumer/cb020.html

For more on what to do in the first hour after any kind of storm damage to your home, visit NTX Risk Preparedness for North Texas homeowner guides and resources.