What to Do When a Tree Falls on Your Roof

It's one of the scariest sounds a house can make: a crack, a roar, and then a thud that shakes the whole place. Oklahoma storms, ice and straight-line winds bring down a lot of trees, and sometimes one lands on a roof.

If it happens to you, the first hour matters most. Here's what to do, in order, and what to expect after.

1. Get Everyone Safe

• Get out of the damaged area. If the tree came through the ceiling or the roof is sagging, get everyone, including pets, out of that part of the house. If you're not sure the structure is sound, leave the house.
• Watch for power lines. If a line is down or tangled in the tree, stay far away and call 911 and your electric company. Assume every downed line is live.
• Check for gas. If you smell gas, leave right away and call your gas company from outside.
• Turn off power to the damaged area at the breaker if water is coming in near outlets or fixtures and you can do it safely.

2. Don't Climb Up There

Please don't go on the roof or try to cut the tree yourself. A tree resting on a roof can shift without warning, branches can be under tremendous tension, and the roof under it may be weakened. Tree removal on a house is a job for a professional tree service with the right equipment.

3. Document Everything

Once everyone is safe, take photos and video from a safe distance before anything is moved:

• Wide shots showing the whole tree and the house
• Where the tree hit the roof, gutters and walls
• Inside: any holes in the ceiling, water, broken items
• The base of the tree and where it came from (your yard or a neighbor's)
• Any damage to fences, vehicles or other structures

Our guide on photographing storm damage has more tips.

4. Call Your Insurance Company

Report the damage as soon as you can. Ask about:

• How they want the tree removal handled and documented
• Coverage for tree removal and debris (many policies have separate limits for this)
• Emergency repairs, and what receipts they need
• Additional living expenses, if you can't stay in the house

In general, if a covered storm knocks a tree onto your house, your own homeowners policy is usually where the claim starts, even if the tree was your neighbor's. Policies differ, so confirm with your agent.

5. Get the Tree Removed First

The tree has to come off before the roof can be protected or repaired. A tree service removes it in sections so it doesn't do more damage on the way down. Keep the invoice for your insurer.

6. Get the Roof Tarped

Once the tree is off, the opening needs to be covered quickly to keep rain out and prevent more damage inside. Most policies expect you to take reasonable steps to protect the home after a loss, and an emergency tarp is one of them. Keep the receipt and photos of the tarp. Our emergency roof tarping guide explains how it works.

7. Get a Full Roof Inspection

The obvious hole is only part of the damage. A falling tree can crack rafters or trusses, break decking well beyond the impact point, crush gutters and fascia, and loosen shingles and flashing across the roof. A thorough inspection, including the attic, documents everything for your claim, not just the spot where the tree landed.

What Repairs Usually Involve

• Structural repairs to rafters, trusses or ceiling joists, if they're damaged
• Decking replacement around the impact area
• Underlayment, shingles and flashing to match or replace the roof
• Gutters and fascia that were crushed or pulled away
• Interior repairs to ceilings, insulation and anything water damaged

Depending on how much of the roof is damaged, and whether matching shingles are available, the fix may be a section repair or a full replacement. Your adjuster and roofer should agree on the scope; if items get missed, they can be added through a supplement.

Watch Out for Storm Chasers

After big storms, out-of-town crews go door to door offering fast tree removal and roof repairs. Be careful about signing anything on the spot, never sign over your insurance benefits, and remember that in Oklahoma it's illegal for a contractor to waive or cover your deductible. Check that any roofer is registered with the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board. More in our storm chaser scams guide.

Preventing the Next One

• Have large trees near the house checked by an arborist, especially ones that lean toward the house or have dead limbs
• Trim branches that hang over the roof
• Pay attention after ice storms, when weighed-down limbs are most likely to break

Frequently Asked Questions About Trees on Roofs

What should I do first if a tree falls on my roof?

Get everyone out of the damaged area, stay away from downed power lines, and call 911 if anyone is hurt or lines are down. Then document the damage and call your insurer.

Does homeowners insurance cover a tree falling on my house?

Often, when a covered event like wind knocks it down. Tree removal and debris may have separate limits. Check your policy and talk to your agent.

What if my neighbor's tree fell on my house?

In general, the claim usually starts with your own homeowners policy. Policies and situations vary, so confirm with your agent.

Can a roofer tarp the roof with the tree still on it?

Usually not. The tree needs to be removed first by a tree service, then the opening can be tarped and the roof inspected.

We Can Help After the Tree Is Off

Once the tree is removed, RainTech can tarp the opening, inspect the whole roof and attic with photos for your claim, and handle the repair or replacement. Call (918) 449-1474, or learn more on our storm and hail damage page.

RainTech Roofing is a licensed Oklahoma roofing contractor, not a tree service, public adjuster or attorney. This is general information; your policy controls your coverage.

Related Reading

• Emergency Roof Tarping
• Ice Storm Roof Damage in Oklahoma
• How to Photograph Storm Damage for an Insurance Claim

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Sources and disclaimer. Information in this article comes from public sources such as the National Weather Service, the Oklahoma Insurance Department, Oklahoma statutes and manufacturer documentation, plus RainTech’s own inspections and claims experience in the Tulsa area. It was current as of October 13, 2026; laws, insurance rules, manufacturer terms and prices change. This article is general information, not legal, insurance, tax or financial advice.