What to Do When a Tree Falls on Your Property in Wollongong

When a tree unexpectedly falls on your property, it can be confronting and stressful. Beyond the initial shock, quick and careful action is essential to keep everyone safe and minimise further damage. Whether the fall is caused by storms, decay or soil instability, knowing the right steps to take can make a difficult situation more manageable. By following a clear process, you can protect your property, meet your legal responsibilities and bring in the right experts to resolve the issue safely.

Safety First: Stay Clear of the Fallen Tree

Your safety is the first priority. A fallen tree can create hidden dangers such as unstable branches, damaged powerlines, or compromised structures. Approaching too soon can put you at risk of injury. Key safety steps include:

• Staying well away from the fallen tree until it’s assessed
• Keeping children, pets and others out of the area
• Watching for downed powerlines or structural damage to fences and roofs

Remaining calm and maintaining a safe distance is the best way to protect yourself and others.

Assessing the Situation Without Putting Yourself at Risk

Once the immediate area is secure, you can carefully observe the situation from a safe distance. This is not the time to climb on debris or move branches yourself. Instead, focus on identifying potential hazards to report to the right people. When assessing safely:

• Observe from a secure vantage point without entering the danger zone
• Take note of anything the tree has damaged, like roofs or fences
• Look for signs of tension in branches or roots that may shift unexpectedly

This initial observation can help emergency services or arborists understand the scope of the issue more clearly.

When to Call Emergency Services

Not every fallen tree requires emergency services, but some situations do. If powerlines are involved or if the tree has fallen onto a house or other structure, calling emergency services should be your next step. Scenarios that require immediate attention include:

• Fallen trees entangled with live powerlines
• Trees blocking public access or roads
• Any situation where lives or property are at risk

Making the call early allows trained responders to secure the area before further work takes place.

Notifying the Right People: Council, Insurance and More

After ensuring safety and calling emergency services if needed, it’s time to notify the relevant parties. This helps streamline the cleanup and may also be necessary for insurance or council requirements. Important contacts to make:

• Your local council (especially if the tree affects public spaces or footpaths)
• Your insurance provider (to report property damage for claims)
• Neighbours (if the tree impacts shared boundaries or fences)

Early communication avoids delays and ensures that responsibilities are clear.

Why Contacting a Qualified Arborist Should Be a Priority

Once the immediate risks have been managed, a qualified arborist should be called in to assess and remove the tree. An arborist near me has the knowledge and equipment to handle fallen trees safely and prevent further damage. An arborist can:

• Assess the stability of remaining trees or structures
• Safely dismantle and remove the fallen tree
• Provide advice on preventing similar incidents in the future

This professional support is crucial to managing the situation correctly and efficiently.

Tree Removal Done Safely and Responsibly

Removing a fallen tree is not as simple as cutting it up and moving it. Professional tree removal Wollongong involves careful planning, specialised equipment and strict safety procedures to prevent further damage. Typical removal steps include:

• Stabilising the site before starting any work
• Sectional cutting to control movement during removal
• Clearing and disposing of debris responsibly

Leaving this work to trained arborists helps protect your property and reduces the risk of injury.

Preventing Future Incidents Through Regular Maintenance

While storms or sudden events can’t always be predicted, regular tree care can reduce the likelihood of dangerous falls. Periodic inspections by an arborist can detect early signs of decay or instability before they become serious problems. Preventive care often includes:

• Pruning overgrown or weakened branches
• Checking for signs of disease or pest damage
• Monitoring soil and root stability around large trees

A little maintenance can make a big difference in keeping your property safe.

Choosing the Right Arborist for Peace of Mind

When selecting an arborist to assist with tree removal in Wollongong, it’s worth taking the time to choose someone reliable and qualified. A local arborist will have an understanding of common tree species, local regulations and weather impacts. Qualities to look for include:

• Proper certifications and insurance
• Clear communication about scope of work and costs
• Prompt response times for emergencies

Partnering with a trusted arborist helps restore safety and peace of mind after an unexpected incident.

Get in Touch

At Burnett Trees, we understand how unsettling it can be when a tree falls on your property. Our local team responds quickly to assess the situation, remove the tree safely and provide advice to help prevent future incidents. If you need urgent tree removal in Wollongong and surrounds, get in touch with our team to book.