A Tree Fell on My Roof: What to Do Step by Step

A tree fell on your roof — now what? This is one of the most alarming storm damage scenarios a homeowner can experience. Whether it's a massive oak brought down by straight-line winds or a large branch snapped by ice and snow, a tree on your roof creates an emergency requiring immediate, careful action. At Weatherguard Construction, we've responded to hundreds of tree-strike emergencies across Stillwater, Minneapolis, Woodbury, and the Twin Cities metro during our 25+ years of storm damage experience. Here's exactly what to do.

Step 1: Ensure Everyone's Safety

Your family's safety is the absolute priority:

• Evacuate affected rooms — Move everyone away from the area directly beneath and adjacent to the impact zone
• Check for gas leaks — If you smell gas, leave immediately and call your gas company from outside
• Watch for electrical hazards — If the tree contacted power lines, stay far away and call 911 and your utility company
• Don't go on the roof — The structural integrity may be compromised; the tree could shift
• Call 911 if anyone is injured or if the home has major structural collapse

Do not re-enter damaged rooms until a structural professional has confirmed they're safe.

Step 2: Call Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance company immediately:

• Report the tree strike as an emergency claim
• Ask about emergency service coverage (most policies cover emergency tree removal and tarping)
• Confirm your deductible and coverage limits
• Ask about Additional Living Expenses (ALE) if your home is unsafe to occupy
• Get your claim number and adjuster assignment

Step 3: Document Everything

Before any tree removal or cleanup, document thoroughly:

• Photograph the tree on the structure from every accessible angle
• Capture the root ball if the tree was uprooted (this shows storm force, not decay)
• Document the damage path — where the tree fell, what it struck, and the damage extent
• Photo interior damage — ceiling penetration, water intrusion, broken walls, and damaged belongings
• Video a complete walk-around narrating what you see
• Save weather reports confirming the storm event that caused the tree fall

Step 4: Arrange Emergency Tree Removal and Tarping

Professional tree removal from a structure is specialized work:

• Never attempt DIY removal — Improper tree removal can cause the structure to collapse further, the tree to roll, or additional roof sections to fail
• Hire a licensed tree service experienced with structure removals
• Coordinate with your roofer — Weatherguard Construction works with trusted tree removal companies to ensure the removal process doesn't cause additional damage to your roof
• Emergency tarping should happen immediately after tree removal to prevent water intrusion

Call Weatherguard Construction at (651) 439-4320 — we coordinate the entire emergency response including tree removal, tarping, and repair for homeowners in St. Paul, Eagan, Bloomington, and throughout Minnesota.

Step 5: Get a Professional Damage Assessment

Tree strikes often cause more damage than is visible from the surface:

• Structural assessment — Rafters, trusses, and bearing walls may be cracked or displaced even if they appear intact
• Roof decking damage — Plywood or OSB decking may be fractured beyond the visible impact area
• Hidden water damage — Rain entering through the breach may have traveled along rafters and into wall cavities
• Siding and gutter damage — The tree's trunk, branches, and falling debris often damage siding, gutters, and windows on the way down
• Foundation concerns — Very large trees can shift or damage foundations upon impact

Step 6: Repair and Rebuild

Once tree removal is complete and damage is fully assessed:

• Structural repairs come first — damaged rafters, trusses, and framing must be repaired or replaced
• Roof decking replacement — All compromised decking sections are replaced with new material
• Roofing installation — New underlayment, ice and water shield, and shingles matching your existing roof
• Exterior repairs — Damaged siding, gutters, windows, and trim are repaired or replaced
• Interior restoration — Drywall, insulation, painting, and any affected systems

Weatherguard Construction manages the entire repair process from emergency response through final restoration. We also serve homeowners in Schaumburg, IL and Centennial, CO.

Insurance Coverage for Tree Damage

Understanding what insurance covers is essential:

• Tree removal from structures — Covered by virtually all policies (typically $500-$1,000 per tree)
• Structure repair — Full coverage for all structural and exterior damage minus your deductible
• Interior damage — Water damage, drywall, insulation, and personal property damage
• Additional living expenses — If the home is uninhabitable, hotel and meal costs
• Tree removal from yard — Only covered if the tree blocks a driveway, accessibility ramp, or other structure

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is responsible for a neighbor's tree that fell on my roof?

In most cases, your own homeowner's insurance covers the damage regardless of whose tree it was. Your insurance company may then pursue reimbursement from the neighbor's insurer if negligence (such as a dead tree they were notified about) can be proven. File the claim with your own company for fastest resolution.

Does insurance cover tree removal from my roof?

Yes, virtually all homeowner's insurance policies cover the cost of removing a tree from a structure (house, garage, fence, etc.). Coverage typically ranges from $500-$1,000 per tree. Removal of fallen trees that aren't on structures is only covered if they block a driveway or accessibility path.

How long does it take to repair a roof after a tree falls on it?

Repair timeline depends on damage severity. Minor branch damage with localized roof repair may take 3-5 days. Major tree strikes requiring structural repairs, full roof sections, siding, and interior work can take 4-8 weeks. Emergency tarping provides protection during the repair process.

Can I stay in my home after a tree falls on the roof?

It depends on the damage severity. If structural integrity is compromised, the impact area is over living spaces, or utilities are affected, you should evacuate until a professional assessment confirms safety. Your insurance policy's ALE coverage pays for temporary housing if needed.