--- title: "How to Choose an Emergency Tree Service After a Storm | Zeigler Tree" url: https://zeiglertree.com/blog/how-to-choose-an-emergency-tree-service/ --- [Tree care guides](https://zeiglertree.com/blog/) # Tree on the House After a Storm: How to Choose an Emergency Tree Service By Zeigler Tree & Timber · October 22, 2026 The wind has dropped, there is a tree on the roof, and your phone is filling up with offers from crews you have never heard of. The next few decisions matter more than the next few hours. Here is what to do first, and how to pick the crew you let on the property. ## First hour: before you call anyone 1. **Get everyone away from the tree** and out of the affected rooms. 2. **If wires are involved, call the utility first.** The International Society of Arboriculture warns: “Never attempt to remove branches or any tree part from or near power lines, and never go near downed power lines!” 3. **Photograph everything** before anything moves. Your insurer will want it. 4. **Then call a licensed tree company** and tell them what you are looking at, or text a photo. ## What counts as an emergency A tree or a large limb that has hit the house, blocks the only way in or out, or is hanging where it can still fall on people or property. A tree that fell across the back lawn and touched nothing can usually wait for a normal written quote. Zeigler triages storm calls by danger, not by who called first: structures and blocked access go first. ## 6 questions to ask any storm crew before they cut ### 1\. “What is your Louisiana arborist license number?” The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry says “arborist licenses are required if you work on trees for a fee,” and publishes a list of licensed arborists you can check. Zeigler’s is LDAF License #2168. ### 2\. “Can I see your certificate of insurance now?” A crew working on a damaged roof is high-risk work. Ask for the certificate before anyone climbs. Zeigler hands one over on request, before work begins. ### 3\. “Will you put the scope and price in writing?” The Louisiana Attorney General’s advice to disaster victims: “Get everything in writing. Do not accept verbal agreements and make sure any changes in the contract are also in writing and initialed by both parties.” ### 4\. “How much do you want up front, and how do I pay?” The Attorney General says: “Do not agree to a large down payment” and “Do not pay cash. … pay by check or money order and keep your receipt.” ### 5\. “Will you document the job for my insurance claim?” Ask for photos before and after, and an itemized invoice. Zeigler photographs and documents every storm removal before the first cut and itemizes invoices the way adjusters expect. ### 6\. “Where is your yard?” The Attorney General also suggests you “photograph your contractor, his vehicle, his license plate, and his credentials.” A local address you can drive past is worth more than a magnetic sign on a truck door. Zeigler has worked from yards in Madisonville and Covington since 2001. ## Red flags after a storm - A crew that knocks on your door unasked and wants to start today. - Cash only, or a large payment before any work. - No license number, no certificate of insurance, nothing in writing. - Someone who claims to be from the government or your insurer. The Attorney General warns that “some con artists portray themselves as government officials or insurance adjusters.” Ask for ID. ## About insurance Coverage varies by policy. Carriers commonly pay to remove a tree once it has damaged an insured structure such as a roof, fence or vehicle; removing a tree that simply fell in the yard is often not covered. Call your agent with your policy in hand, and keep every photo. ## Before the next storm The trees you are worried about are easier to deal with before hurricane season than after a storm, when every crew is booked. A risk assessment gives you a written list of what to remove now, what to monitor and what to leave alone. ## Storm calls, triaged first Call **985-893-0991** or text a photo to the same number. We serve all of St. Tammany Parish, the Northshore, the Southshore and Baton Rouge, and we are already here when the storm passes. ## Frequently asked questions **What is considered emergency tree removal?** A tree or large limb that has hit a structure, blocks access to a home, or is hanging where it can still fall on people or property. Zeigler triages storm calls by danger: structures and blocked access first. **What should I do first when a tree falls on my house?** Get everyone away from the tree and out of the affected rooms. If wires are involved, call the utility first. Photograph everything before anything moves, then call a licensed tree company. **Should I pay a storm tree crew up front?** The Louisiana Attorney General advises: "Do not agree to a large down payment" and "Do not pay cash." Pay by check or money order, keep the receipt, and get everything in writing. **Does homeowners insurance pay for storm tree removal?** Coverage varies by policy. Carriers commonly pay to remove a tree once it has damaged an insured structure; removing a tree that simply fell in the yard is often not covered. Check your own policy with your agent. **How does Zeigler document storm work for an insurance claim?** Zeigler photographs and documents every storm removal before the first cut and provides an itemized invoice formatted for your claim. ## Get a free written quote Call or text a photo to 985-893-0991. Office hours Monday–Friday, 8 AM–4 PM. [Call 985-893-0991](tel:+19858930991) [Text a photo](sms:+19858930991) [Request a quote](https://zeiglertree.com/#quote) ## Sources - [Louisiana Attorney General: Consumer Tips for Natural Disaster Victims](https://ag.louisiana.gov/Article/40) - [Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry: Arborist Licensing](https://www.ldaf.la.gov/land/arborists) - [International Society of Arboriculture: Recognizing Tree Risk](https://www.treesaregood.org/Portals/0/TreesAreGood_Recognizing%20Tree%20Risk_0721.pdf)