Emergency Tree Removal: What to Do After a Reno Windstorm

If you've lived in Northern Nevada for any length of time, you know that the "Washoe Zephyr" is no joke. Reno and Sparks frequently experience severe windstorms, with gusts routinely exceeding 60 mph. While our local trees are generally resilient, high winds combined with heavy snow or saturated soil can lead to catastrophic tree failures.

Waking up to find a massive tree branch on your roof or a pine tree leaning dangerously toward your driveway is a stressful experience. If you find yourself dealing with storm damage, here is a step-by-step guide on what to do—and when to call for emergency tree removal.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety Above All Else

Your first priority is the safety of your family and neighbors. If a tree has fallen on your home, evacuate the affected area immediately. Never approach a fallen tree if it is tangled in or near downed power lines. Assume all downed lines are live and extremely dangerous. Call NV Energy immediately to report the hazard. Do not attempt to climb on or walk under a leaning tree or a broken, hanging branch (often called a "widow-maker"). The structural integrity is compromised, and it could shift or fall without warning.

Step 2: Assess the Damage from a Safe Distance

Once you are in a safe location, visually assess the situation. Take photos of the damage from multiple angles. These photos will be crucial for your insurance claim and will help your tree service company understand the scope of the emergency before they arrive.

Step 3: Call a Professional Emergency Tree Service

Storm cleanup is not a DIY project. Removing a fallen or leaning tree requires heavy equipment, specialized rigging, and a deep understanding of tension and compression forces. Cutting the wrong branch on a fallen tree can cause the massive trunk to roll or spring up violently.

Call a licensed, insured, and experienced company like Reno Tree Service. We offer 24/7 emergency tree removal services. When you call, clearly describe the situation (e.g., "A large pine tree is leaning on my roof" or "A branch is blocking my driveway") so we can dispatch the right equipment immediately.

Step 4: Contact Your Insurance Company

If the tree has damaged your home, vehicle, or other insured structures, contact your homeowner's insurance provider as soon as possible to start a claim. Most policies cover the cost of removing the tree from the structure and repairing the damage. Your insurance adjuster will likely ask for the photos you took in Step 2.

Preventing Future Storm Damage

The best way to handle a tree emergency is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Regular maintenance by an ISA Certified Arborist can significantly reduce the risk of storm damage. Structural pruning removes dead, diseased, or crossing branches and reduces the "sail effect" of the canopy, allowing wind to pass through more easily. A risk assessment by an arborist can identify hidden weaknesses, such as root rot or structural cracks, that make a tree susceptible to high winds.

We're Here When You Need Us

Storms are unpredictable, but Reno Tree Service is always ready to help. With over 35 years of experience handling Reno's toughest tree emergencies, our crew has the expertise to safely and efficiently remove hazardous trees from your property.

If you have a tree emergency, don't wait. Call us 24/7 at 775-323-7755.