Emergency Tree Removal in Melbourne: What to Do When a Tree Falls

When a storm hits Melbourne and a tree falls — or a large branch is hanging dangerously — you need to act fast, but safely. Emergency tree removal calls for clear priorities: people first, property second, cleanup last. Here is what to do in the first few hours, who to call, and what your insurance should cover.

First: Check for Injuries and Power Lines

Before anything else, check that nobody is hurt and no power lines are involved.

• If anyone is injured, call 000 immediately.
• If the tree is touching power lines — or fallen ON power lines — stay at least 10 metres away. Do not touch the tree, the lines, or any wet surface nearby. Call your electricity distributor: Powercor, CitiPower, or Ausnet on the emergency number printed on your power bill, or call 000 if there is immediate risk.
• If the tree has damaged your home’s gas line, evacuate and call 132 771 (Australian Gas Networks).

Power line incidents are the single biggest danger. A fallen tree can energise fences, puddles, and even the tree itself. People have been killed touching trees on live lines. When in doubt, stay back and call the distributor.

Second: Secure the Area

Once you know it is safe to approach (no live lines, no gas leak, no injury):

• Keep children and pets inside and away from the area
• Rope off the tree and any damaged structure — people instinctively come closer to look
• If the tree is blocking a road or footpath, warn oncoming traffic (use hazard lights, hi-vis, or chalk markings)
• Photograph the damage from multiple angles before anything is moved — you will need these for insurance

Third: Decide If You Need Emergency Removal Tonight

Not every fallen tree needs immediate removal. Ask:

• Is the tree or branch in a position where it could fall further and hurt someone?
• Is it blocking access to the house, driveway, or emergency exit?
• Is there an active structural risk to the house (tree on the roof, branch through a window)?
• Is it blocking a road, footpath, or public access?
• Is rain expected to make damage worse (water entering the house through a damaged roof)?

If yes to any, call an emergency arborist now. If no — for example, a tree down in a corner of the backyard with no ongoing risk — it can usually wait until the next business day, which is cheaper.

Who to Call

Active Emergency (Life or Major Property Risk)

• 000 — if there is injury or immediate life risk
• VIC SES — 132 500 — for storm damage, fallen trees blocking roads or houses, water entering buildings

VIC SES responds to storm-related tree emergencies. They do not do full tree removal — they make the situation safe (tarp a damaged roof, remove branches blocking access, tie off hazards) and then leave the full removal to an arborist.

Non-Active but Urgent (Removal Needed Within 24 Hours)

Call a qualified arborist. Precision Arbor Care provides emergency tree removal across Melbourne. Phone 0413 606 544.

When you call, explain:

• The size and species of tree (if you know)
• What it has hit (house, fence, shed, nothing)
• Whether power lines are involved
• Whether vehicles or structures are pinned under it
• Your address and access details

A good arborist will ask for photos and give you an indicative price over the phone. Expect to pay 50-100% more than a standard removal for after-hours or weekend work.

What Emergency Tree Removal Costs

Emergency and after-hours work costs more than standard tree removal. Typical Melbourne pricing:

• Standard-hours emergency callout (Mon-Fri 7am-5pm): $400-$800 minimum
• After-hours or weekend callout: $800-$2,000 minimum
• Major storm event removal (tree on house, crane needed): $2,000-$10,000+

These are callout prices. The full removal itself adds the usual tree removal cost — see our guide on how much tree removal costs in Melbourne for the ranges.

Insurance: Who Pays?

Tree damage is one of the most confusing claims for homeowners. Here is the general rule in Victoria:

Your Tree Falls on Your Property

Your home and contents insurance usually covers:

• Damage to the house, shed, fences, and other insured structures
• Removal of the tree — but often only if it has damaged an insured structure
• Emergency make-safe work (tarping the roof, securing the site)

It usually does NOT cover:

• Removal if the tree fell in the garden but did not hit anything
• Damage caused by a tree that was known to be unsafe and not maintained

Your Tree Falls on a Neighbour’s Property

Generally, the neighbour’s insurance covers their damage — unless you knew the tree was dangerous and did nothing about it. In that case, you may be liable. See our guide on dealing with neighbour trees.

A Neighbour’s Tree Falls on Your Property

Your insurance usually pays for your property damage, regardless of whose tree it was. Your insurer may then try to recover the cost from the tree owner if negligence can be proven.

Key Steps for an Insurance Claim

1. Photograph everything before any work is done
2. Call your insurer immediately — most have 24/7 claims lines
3. Get a written quote from a qualified arborist before work starts
4. Keep all receipts for emergency tarping, temporary accommodation, etc.
5. Do not dispose of tree material until the assessor has seen it if possible

Your insurer may prefer you use their preferred contractor. Check whether you are required to, or whether you can choose your own arborist and claim.

Warning Signs a Tree Might Fall

Not every fallen tree is a surprise. If you see these signs, get an arborist to assess the tree before a storm does the job for you:

• Large dead branches in the canopy
• Trunk leaning more than 15 degrees, especially if the lean is new
• Cracks or splits in the trunk or major branches
• Fungal bodies (mushrooms or brackets) growing on the trunk or at the base
• Soil heaving or lifting on one side of the base
• Hollow sound when you tap the trunk
• Major branches dropping without warning

For a full list of warning signs, see our guide on 5 signs a tree is dangerous.

After the Emergency

Once the immediate work is done:

• Check other trees on the property. Storm damage is often worse than it looks — a tree that survived may have structural damage
• Book a post-storm inspection with an arborist to check for cracked limbs, lean changes, and root damage
• File insurance paperwork promptly while the damage is fresh
• Plan for replanting if the removed tree was a significant feature — consider a more suitable species for the spot

Precision Arbor Care Emergency Service

Precision Arbor Care provides emergency tree removal across Greater Melbourne. We carry $20 million public liability insurance, have AQF-qualified arborists on the team, and can respond to storm events. Call Rob directly on 0413 606 544. For our full range of services, see tree removal Melbourne.