Who Removes Fallen Trees During Emergency Situations?

Who Handles the Actual Tree Removal?

In most situations, the actual task of removing fallen trees falls to certified arborists and specialist tree removal contractors once the area is safe to access.

A certified arborist holds at least an AQF Certificate III in Arboriculture. They are trained in tree biology, risk assessment, and the safe systematic dismantling of trees. An arborist can carry out emergency hazard mitigation, safe sectional dismantling, tree health assessments, and debris cleanup.

For a large tree that has come down on a building or across a structure, crane-assisted work is sometimes required. These contractors carry the equipment and expertise needed for complex fallen tree removal jobs.

Emergency tree removal services are usually available 24/7. When a fallen tree continues to pose a risk, these professionals respond rapidly to carry out fallen tree removal and secure the site. For homeowners in the Sutherland Shire and the surrounding areas, Bob & Ben The Tree Men provides emergency tree removal and storm response services for dangerous fallen trees and storm-damaged properties.

When Should You Call the SES?

While arborists handle most fallen tree removal work, some situations require immediate assistance from the State Emergency Service (SES).

When fallen trees block a road, strike a structure, or come down across power lines, your first call should be to the State Emergency Service (SES). The SES handles emergency situations where fallen trees pose an immediate threat to life, access, or safety.

The SES will act to make the area safe. They do not collect green waste or clear away debris from fallen trees. Once the immediate danger is contained, they will advise you to arrange a qualified tree removal professional for the rest of the work. If fallen trees have also brought down power lines, contact your utility company immediately. Do not approach fallen trees near live wires.



Who Is Responsible When a Tree Falls?

When fallen trees come down near homes or roads, the legal responsibility for fallen tree removal falls on different parties depending on where the tree was growing and where it lands.



When the Tree Is Yours

If you are the tree owner and the tree falls on your own private land, you are generally responsible for clearing it. This applies whether the tree came down due to natural causes, strong winds, or other factors. As the property owner, the cost falls to you.



When a Tree Comes Down on Your Side

When a neighbour's tree falls onto your property, the responsibility for fallen tree removal typically falls to you as the property owner. You are responsible for clearing what falls on your private land. However, if the neighbour knew the tree was diseased and failed to act, you may be able to hold them liable.

If the fallen tree lands across a boundary fence, try to determine responsibility with your neighbour first. If an agreement cannot be reached, contact your local council or seek legal advice. Where the fallen tree has caused damage to your home or a neighbour's house, document everything with photos before any work begins.



Publicly Maintained Trees

If a tree falls from public land onto private property, the local council is generally responsible for clearing it and any resulting damage. Report the incident to your council promptly. Many councils operate emergency lines for tree-related incidents involving public trees.

Any tree growing on nature strips, road verges, or other public property is typically maintained by local authorities. However, the rules vary. Always check with the relevant authorities before touching any tree on public land. Where responsibility falls will depend on the council's policies and the circumstances of the incident.



What Does Insurance Cover?

Whether a policy covers fallen tree removal depends on your specific circumstances. As the property owner, contact your insurance company as soon as fallen trees cause damage to your property.

Homeowners insurance often covers the cost of tree removal when tree damages a covered structure such as your house, garage, or fence. If a storm brings a tree down through your roof, the repairs and removal costs are likely covered by your insurer, but not all expenses are covered.

If a tree falls on your driveway without hitting your home, the cost is not covered under many insurance policies. If a small tree comes down without causing property damage, you will need to arrange and pay for clearing yourself, as it is not covered.

Document all damage with photos before work begins. Your insurance company may request an arborist's report to support the insurance policy claim. Review whether your insurance policy includes cover removal of green waste and debris. Always check your homeowners insurance policy to understand exactly what is covered and what is not covered before an incident occurs.

Insurers also consider the cause. When tree damages your property due to high winds, this is treated differently to damage caused by a neglected dead or dying tree. If the tree owner ignored the issue, where liability falls depends on the circumstances. When damage crosses a boundary, both insurance policies may be involved, and the insurer will assess the details before paying out.



After a Major Storm: Broad Clearance Work

When a major storm brings multiple fallen trees down across a site or property, land clearing services go well beyond addressing a single fallen tree. Clearing fallen trees from a wide area involves managing debris disposal and preparing the area for recovery or replanting.

When the work falls to you after a storm, professional clearing teams are equipped to handle it efficiently and in line with local regulations.



Emergency Tree Services in the Sutherland Shire

For homeowners across the Sutherland Shire who need reliable help in the event of a tree coming down, the Sutherland Shire tree removal services team at Bob & Ben The Tree Men are available around the clock. Our team handles everything from emergency clearing to full site cleanup across private property and adjoining land.

Do You Need Council Approval?

In many parts of New South Wales, tree removal requires council approval even when the tree has already fallen, unless it poses an immediate safety threat. As a property owner, contact the relevant authority to understand the application process and confirm whether the tree has any protection status before work begins.

Some trees are covered under council preservation orders even after they have fallen. In bushfire-prone areas, the 10/50 vegetation clearing entitlement may apply. This fact sheet from the NSW Rural Fire Service outlines where you can remove trees without a permit.



Reduce Risk with Ongoing Tree Maintenance

The best way to prevent fallen trees is through regular tree maintenance. Periodic pruning, routine tree inspections, and tree health assessments help identify potential hazards before they escalate.

A qualified arborist can assess the condition of a healthy tree and detect early signs of disease or structural weakness. Regular pruning reduces the weight of branches and lowers the risk of limbs coming down in a storm. Pruning also encourages balanced growth. Where branches overhang a building or fence, targeted pruning makes a significant difference to risk levels.

Without regular pruning, overhanging branches can accumulate weight and fail without notice. A dead branch that falls without warning can cause further damage to a car, building, or structure. Dead or diseased trees left without attention can adversely affect nearby structures and neighbouring properties. A tree that comes down due to neglect can create a legal liability if tree damages a neighbour's property or adjacent areas.

Tree maintenance significantly reduces the risk of your trees becoming a hazard. A safer tree today prevents costly emergency tree removal tomorrow. This proactive approach costs far less than dealing with fallen trees after the damage is done.



Get in Touch With Bob & Ben The Tree Men

When fallen trees strike and you need fast, reliable help, Bob & Ben The Tree Men are ready to act. Our tree care services cover emergency tree removal, tree pruning, stump grinding, power line clearing, and full site cleanup across the Sutherland Shire and surrounding areas.

We are fully insured, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and easy to reach. Whether you need to clear the site after a storm, deal with a fallen tree from a neighbour's property, or put preventative measures in place, we are here to help. Whatever the situation, responsibility falls on Bob & Ben to respond quickly, work safely, and treat every property owner with care. Contact us today for a free quote.