Tree Falls On Cars: What Property Owners Should Do
No one expects to walk outside and find a tree lying on top of their car. But when heavy storms or strong winds hit Joplin, it happens more often than you'd think. Whether the tree came from your yard, the neighbor's, or public property, it immediately becomes a stressful situation. The damage can be more than just dents. It might even stop you from getting to work or picking up your kids. Figuring out what to do next, especially if you're standing there looking at broken glass and smashed metal, isn’t always clear.
Taking smart, steady steps right after a tree falls helps keep everyone safe and gets the cleanup started faster. Trying to do too much too quickly can make the damage worse or even put you in danger. That’s why it’s important to understand the process from the first few moments to working with your insurance and getting professionals out for fallen tree removal. Here’s what we tell homeowners in situations like this.
Understanding The Immediate Steps To Take
The first thing you should do is stay calm. Tree damage looks bad, but not every situation is an emergency. Take a quick look around before you act. Are there power lines tangled in the branches? Is the tree still shifting or making strange noises? Do not try to climb over or move anything. Injuries often happen when people rush in to solve the problem.
If the car is safe to approach and the area looks stable, it's okay to cautiously check for damage and decide if you need to move somewhere else.
Things you should do right away:
- Make sure no one is hurt. If someone is trapped or injured, call 911 right away.
- Look for downed power lines or broken poles. Stay far back and call emergency services if anything is touching the tree.
- If the tree is blocking traffic or in contact with public property, contact your local city or utility department.
Once you know everyone is safe and emergency help is on the way if needed, take a step back. Don’t try to move parts of the fallen tree yourself. They can be heavier and more unstable than they appear. Ice, snow, or wet leaves can also make limbs slippery and hard to manage. Picking up tools when emotions are high increases your risk of getting hurt. This is a time when it's best to let professionals handle that work.
Documenting The Damage
Before anything gets moved or cleaned up, you’ll want a full picture of what happened. Clear records help with insurance claims and make it easier for professionals to understand the situation when they show up. Do this as soon as you know the area is safe to walk around.
Use your phone to take:
- Photos from each side of the car
- Close-ups showing where the tree hit
- Wide shots showing the whole scene
- A short video walking around the car from a safe distance
Try to document things without changing anything. Leave branches and debris where they are for now. If you have security cameras, save those clips too.
It’s helpful to note the date and time, and whether it was snowing, windy, or raining when the tree came down. You don't have to write much. A quick note in your phone or on a piece of paper works fine. If anyone saw what happened, ask for their name and phone number while it’s still fresh in their mind.
Recording the details early will save you from a lot of back-and-forth later. You’ll be glad you did, especially when it comes time to deal with insurance.
Contacting Your Insurance Company
Once you've got your documentation ready, you’ll need to reach out to your insurer. This step can feel like a hassle, especially if your car is badly damaged. But the faster you report it, the quicker the process moves.
Start by calling the claims number on your insurance card or going through their app or website. Most companies guide you through the steps based on the type of damage. Let them know you have photos and that the tree is still in place. They may ask you to send everything over before removal begins, so don’t schedule cleanup just yet.
What to keep in mind when calling your insurance:
- Let them know if the tree was on your property or someone else's
- Confirm whether you're covered for tree-related damage
- Ask what documents or records you need to send
- Find out if you need to wait for an adjuster before cleanup
Now is also the time to ask about your deductible and how long the claim review might take. If the tree was from a neighbor’s yard or public space, the insurance process may involve a few more steps, so patience matters.
Getting the claim rolling early is key to making the rest of the process smoother. You’re doing this to get closer to repair and recovery, one step at a time.
Removing The Fallen Tree
Once your insurance company gives the go-ahead, it’s time to focus on getting the tree off your vehicle and out of the way. Even if it looks like a simple cleanup job, it's better to leave this step to professionals. Trees that fall on cars can shift unexpectedly, especially if they’re caught on other branches, power lines, or part of the vehicle itself. Trying to cut or move large sections without the right equipment could lead to injury or more damage to your car.
Here’s why it makes sense to bring in professionals:
- They have tools to safely cut and lift heavy limbs
- They can assess whether the tree is under tension
- They know how to work around buildings, fences, and power lines
- They’ll haul the debris away once the work is done
It’s a good idea to schedule a walk-through or inspection first. That way, the crew can figure out the safest approach and let you know what to expect in terms of time and cleanup. If the tree is coming from a neighbor's yard or city property, involve your insurance adjuster before any removal starts. They might want to document that part of it themselves.
Trying to remove a heavy tree with a chainsaw in freezing weather, especially post-December in Joplin, can be dangerous. Snow and ice often settle deep in the branches, making them unstable even if they look solid. It’s not worth the risk.
Preventing Future Incidents
Fallen trees aren’t always caused by freak storm events. A lot of them come down after slow, unnoticed changes in the tree’s health. Trunks with hidden rot, leaning limbs, or roots weakened by too much moisture can all put your property at risk.
You can lower the chance of a tree falling onto your car or home by staying ahead of these problems:
- Walk your property after storms or strong winds
- Look for cracks in trunks or limbs that are starting to sag
- Watch trees near driveways, garages, and carports closely
- If a tree leans more than usual or the soil around it shifts, it’s time to ask an expert
Winter comes with added pressure. Snow gets heavy fast, especially on older or already stressed trees. Windy days followed by freezing nights can make limbs extra brittle. Booking professional inspections sometime between late fall and the first snow in Joplin gives you a better chance to spot issues before they become emergencies.
If you’ve already had a tree fall once, take it as a sign to check the others. One incident might mean the trees on that side of your yard are weaker or older. Don’t wait for more damage to happen before taking action.
How Quick Action and Tree Care Go Hand in Hand
Having a tree crash down on your car is a stressful experience. One minute everything's fine, and the next you’re dealing with repairs, insurance calls, and emotions running high. But quick action makes a big difference. From checking for danger to gathering proof and making your claim, every step helps bring some order to the chaos.
Once things settle, take time to assess your yard. Regular care tends to be the missing piece that could’ve stopped the tree from falling in the first place. Getting your trees checked out at least once a year, especially heading into bad weather, can help keep your car, home, and family safe.
Even if your trees seem fine now, that peace of mind is worth it. Weather can turn fast in Missouri, and the cost of waiting usually ends up higher than getting something looked at early. Being proactive now means fewer surprises later.
When unexpected storms knock down trees, getting them cleared quickly is key. Let Swartz Tree Service take away the stress of dealing with unexpected damage. Our professional team ensures safe and efficient service so you can get back on track without worry. Learn how our fallen tree removal solutions can help protect your property and restore peace of mind.