What to Do When a Tree Falls on Your Property in North Georgia (And How to Prevent It in the Future)

When a tree falls, the aftermath can feel chaotic. Your first thought might be: What do I do now? Whether the tree lands on your home, dock, driveway, or yard, the situation can be dangerous… and expensive if not handled correctly.

At LS Trees, we’ve spent more than 15 years helping homeowners across Cumming, Lake Lanier, Dawsonville, Alpharetta, and Gainesville safely handle fallen trees and storm damage. Here’s how to handle the situation step-by-step and protect your property for the future.

🦺Step One: Stay Safe and Assess from a Distance

Safety always comes first. If the tree struck your house, barn, or shed, evacuate immediately, especially if you notice roof damage, leaning beams, or sparking wires. Avoid standing under hanging branches or near uprooted stumps, as tensioned roots can snap back unexpectedly.

If power lines are involved, call your utility provider right away before anyone approaches the area.

📄 Step Two: Document the Damage for Insurance

Once everyone is safe, grab your phone and document the scene. Take wide shots of the entire property and close-ups of damaged areas. These photos help with insurance claims and speed up reimbursement.

Pro tip: Take photos from multiple angles so adjusters can clearly see the extent of the damage.

📲 Step Three: Call a Professional Tree Service

Removing a fallen tree is not a DIY project. Large trees weigh thousands of pounds, and improper cutting can make them roll, shift, or cause secondary damage. LS Trees arrives with the right equipment: cranes, saws, and safety gear to handle removals quickly and safely.

Emergency Tree Removal On Lake Lanier

One of our recent calls came from a family on Lake Lanier whose dock was crushed during a surprise summer storm. A large oak had snapped at the base and landed squarely on the dock, damaging boards and the boat lift.

Our crew arrived the same day, carefully sectioned the tree with rigging equipment, and removed it piece by piece, avoiding further damage to the dock and shoreline. Within an hour, the dock was clear and ready for repairs.

This is why experience matters. Every job requires precision to prevent more damage than the storm already caused.

Common Reasons Trees Fall in North Georgia

North Georgia’s unique landscape makes it beautiful, but also more vulnerable to tree falls than many homeowners realize. Understanding why trees fall helps you know what to look for before a disaster strikes.

1. Saturated Soil After Heavy Rains
Lakefront and hillside properties around Lake Lanier, Dawsonville, and Gainesville often experience soil erosion after prolonged rain. When the ground loosens, even a healthy tree can lose its grip and topple. This is especially common with pine trees, which have shallow root systems.

2. Pop-Up Summer and Fall Storms
We get dozens of calls each year after fast-moving thunderstorms or tropical storm remnants roll through Cumming and Alpharetta. High winds can snap weakened branches, cause partially dead trees to fall, or push leaning trees all the way over.

3. Internal Decay and Hidden Weakness
Many homeowners don’t realize that trees can rot from the inside out. Fungal growth, insect infestations, or old storm damage can hollow out a trunk while leaving it looking “fine” from the outside, until one good wind gust takes it down.

4. Root System Problems
Tree roots can be compromised by construction, compacted soil, or even nearby plumbing issues. If you see mushrooms, cracked soil, or exposed roots, it’s a sign your tree may not be anchored securely.

5. Lightning Strikes and Severe Weather Events
Georgia is one of the most lightning-prone states in the country. A strike can split a tree instantly, or weaken it so severely that it becomes dangerous in the weeks that follow.

Pro Tip: If you see any leaning trees, hear cracking noises during a storm, or notice sawdust-like material (a sign of insect activity) around the base, it’s time to schedule a tree risk assessment before the next storm rolls through.

How LS Trees Responds After a Tree Falls

Our emergency tree removal service includes:

• Free on-site assessment and detailed quote

• Same-day or next-day response for homes, docks, or driveways

• Safe removal with certified, insured crews

• Full cleanup. No wood left behind unless requested

• Optional stump grinding and hazard inspection to prevent repeat damage

Why Stump Grinding Matters After a Fall

When a tree is removed, the stump is often left behind. But stumps can:

• Become a tripping hazard for kids or guests

• Attract termites, ants, or rodents

• Sprout new growth, creating ongoing maintenance

• Make mowing frustrating and uneven

At LS Trees, we offer stump grinding to leave your yard level, safe, and ready for reseeding or fresh landscaping.

And don’t forget - before grinding, always call 811 to have underground utilities marked. It’s free, fast, and prevents accidental damage to water, gas, or internet lines.

Proactive Tree Care: Preventing Future Emergencies

The best way to avoid another stressful storm cleanup is through prevention. Here’s how we help homeowners stay ahead:

• Tree Assessments: We check for cracks, hollow trunks, and root instability.

• Regular Trimming: Removes heavy or overhanging limbs before high winds hit.

• Selective Removal: If a tree poses a future threat to your home or driveway, we can take it down before it falls unexpectedly.

• Free Wood Chips: Repurpose removed trees into mulch that supports your garden and prevents weeds.

Being proactive is almost always cheaper, and safer, than dealing with emergency damage later.

FAQs About Fallen Trees & Storm Cleanup

• Q: Should I call my insurance company or tree service first?

  • A: Call both. Your insurance company starts the claim, but the tree service gets you back to safety faster.

• Q: How fast can you remove a tree?

  • A: In most emergency cases, we can arrive the same day, especially for homes, docks, or blocked driveways.

• Q: Do you help with insurance paperwork?

  • A: Yes, we can provide photos, documentation, and detailed invoices for your claim.

• Q: How do I make sure this doesn’t happen again?

  • A: Schedule seasonal tree checkups and address leaning, diseased, or overgrown trees promptly.

Final Word - Why Proactive Action Matters

When a tree falls, it’s more than an inconvenience. It’s a risk to your home, your safety, and your budget. Emergency tree removals are often more expensive, harder to schedule, and stressful to manage.

By scheduling regular tree inspections and trimming now, you can:

• Protect your home and family before hurricane season peaks.

• Spread out the cost of maintenance rather than face a big emergency bill later.

• Avoid denied insurance claims (some providers won’t cover damage if the tree was known to be hazardous).

• Improve your property’s value and curb appeal all year long.

At LS Trees, our mission is simple: keep your property safe, beautiful, and storm-ready. If you’re worried about the oak near your roofline in Cumming, the leaning pine by your driveway in Alpharetta, or a tree that’s threatening your dock on Lake Lanier, we’ve got you covered.

📞 Call (770) 616-6079 today for a free property assessment and peace of mind.
💸 Mention this blog for $100 OFF your next tree removal or trimming service.
🌐 Learn more at LSTreesLLC.com — serving Cumming, Lake Lanier, Gainesville, Alpharetta, Dawsonville, and all of North Georgia.