Emergency tree removal in Indianapolis

A tree on the house after a storm is scary and urgent. A few steps in the right order keep you safe and make the cleanup and claim go smoother.

Safety first

• If anyone is hurt or a tree hit a live wire, call 911.
• Stay away from downed lines. Assume they are live. Report them to AES Indiana.
• If the roof is open or the structure looks unstable, get everyone out.

Document it

Before anything is moved, take photos and video from several angles: the tree, the damage, and the base or break point.

Call your insurer

Many policies cover a tree that falls on a covered structure. Ask what they need and whether they want an adjuster to see it before removal. Keep every receipt, including tarps.

Getting a crew

Storm work is risky and prices can jump. Before anyone starts:

• Get the price in writing, even if it is short.
• Ask for proof of liability and workers' comp coverage.
• Ask whether they will tarp the roof once the tree is off.
• Do not pay the full amount up front.

Watch for door-knockers

After big storms, out-of-area crews go door to door. Some do fine work, others vanish. A local address and a written price help you tell them apart.

Trees on city land

If the tree came from the strip by the street, call Mayor's Action Center at 317-327-4622 before you pay to clear it. source

Not an emergency yet?

Cracked trunks, heavy leans and big dead limbs over the house are worth checking before the next storm. A calm, planned removal usually costs less than an emergency one.