It’s a sound nobody wants to hear during a storm: a deep crack, a crash, and suddenly… chaos.

One minute you’re watching the rain, the next your favorite oak is trying to join you in the living room.

If you live in Easton, Allentown, or Bethlehem, you know summer storms around here can knock trees down fast. When it happens, the key is knowing exactly what to do — and what not to do — to stay safe, protect your property, and avoid making a bad situation worse.

Here’s your no-nonsense guide to handling a fallen tree like a pro.

Step 1: Stay Safe

Before you do anything, make sure everyone is safe. Fallen trees bring all sorts of hidden dangers:

• Live electrical wires

• Gas line ruptures

• Cracked branches ready to fall

• Structural damage to roofs or walls

If you even think a power line is involved, stay away and call 911 immediately.

Walking around casually after a storm when a tree’s down is a great way to turn a bad day into a disaster.

Step 2: Assess the Situation (From a Safe Distance)

If it's safe, take a look without getting too close:

• Is the tree blocking a road, driveway, or exit?

• Did it hit your home, garage, shed, or vehicle?

• Are there hanging branches ("widowmakers") still stuck above?

• Is the trunk still partially standing but cracked or leaning?

Important: Even if a tree "looks stable," it may still shift, crack, or collapse after the initial fall.

Step 3: Contact an Emergency Tree Service Immediately

If you’re in Easton, Allentown, or Bethlehem, call a professional emergency tree service (like Precision Tree Experts — just saying).

Why a pro?

• We have the equipment to remove massive trees safely.

• We know how to prevent further damage to your property.

• We work with insurance companies for storm damage claims.

• We can stabilize hazardous trees that haven’t fully fallen yet.

Note: DIY tree removal is a bad idea here. Chain saws and unstable trees are not a great mix unless you’re a trained arborist.

Step 4: Call Your Insurance Company

If the fallen tree caused property damage (like crushing your roof, fence, or car), call your homeowners or auto insurance company.

Be ready to:

• Describe what happened

• Provide photos (if safe to do so)

• Give details from the tree service about removal estimates

Most policies in Pennsylvania cover tree-related storm damage, but rules vary. An emergency tree service can usually help document everything properly for claims.

Pro Tip: Insurance companies love when you use licensed, insured professionals. It makes claims easier to process.

Step 5: Document Everything

Before anything gets moved (again, only if safe):

• Take wide photos of the tree and the damage.

• Close-ups of impacted areas.

• Photos showing the tree's base and surrounding property.

This documentation speeds up insurance claims and protects you if there’s ever a dispute.

Step 6: Don't Rush Major Decisions

In the adrenaline rush after a storm, it’s tempting to "just get it out of here." But don’t rush bigger decisions like:

• Full tree removals

• Major structural repairs

• Replanting right away

Emergency stabilization might be needed first. Smart cleanup leads to better long-term results for your landscape and wallet.

FAQs About Fallen Trees in Easton, Allentown, and Bethlehem

Who pays if my neighbor's tree falls on my property?
In Pennsylvania, it's typically your homeowners insurance that covers damage, no matter whose tree it was.

Is fallen tree removal covered by insurance?
If the tree caused property damage (home, garage, car), usually yes. If it just fell in the yard without damage, usually not.

How fast can emergency tree removal happen after a storm?
Priority is given to safety hazards first (trees on homes, driveways, power lines). Many reputable services like Precision Tree Experts offer 24/7 emergency response.

Can I trim or cut a fallen tree myself?
If it’s a small, low-risk tree — maybe. For anything larger, leaning, or near structures, call a pro immediately.

Should I replant immediately after tree removal?
Usually no. Give the soil and site time to recover, especially after major damage.

Local Storm Facts: Why Tree Falls Are So Common Here

• Easton sits right along storm paths that dump heavy rain and gusty winds.

• Allentown gets rapid "microbursts" that can snap limbs and tip trees.

• Bethlehem sees fast-moving thunderstorms that tear up shallow-rooted trees.

Mix that with summer drought stress weakening roots? Recipe for surprise tree crashes.

Conclusion: Act Fast, Stay Safe, Call the Pros

When a tree falls on your property, speed matters — but safety matters more. Follow these steps, stay calm, and let trained professionals handle the heavy lifting (literally).

Don’t gamble with your safety or your property trying to DIY emergency tree removal. One wrong cut, and things can go from bad to way worse.

Dealing with storm damage in Easton, Allentown, or Bethlehem?
Visit Precision Tree Experts for fast, professional emergency tree removal service today!