When you notice a tree problem on your Nashville property, one of the first questions that runs through your mind is: “Do I need to call someone right now, or can this wait until Monday?”
It’s a fair question, and the answer isn’t always obvious. A tree leaning toward your house might look scary, but it could have been stable that way for years. A cracked branch hanging in the canopy might seem harmless, but it could drop without warning and cause serious damage or injury.
Here’s what makes this tricky: emergency tree services cost more than scheduled work. You don’t want to pay emergency rates for something that could wait. But you also don’t want to delay on a genuine emergency and risk property damage or someone getting hurt.
I’ve been doing tree work throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee since 1989, and I can tell you that knowing the difference between “needs attention soon” and “call right now” can save you money, stress, and potentially prevent disasters. At New Horizon Tree Service, we respond to emergency calls 24/7 because real tree emergencies don’t follow business hours.
Let me walk you through exactly when you should call immediately, what can wait, and how to stay safe when trees become dangerous.
What Actually Qualifies as a Tree Emergency
Not every concerning tree situation requires a 2 AM phone call. But some absolutely do. Here’s how to tell the difference.
Call 911 First If:
Before you call any tree service in Nashville, call 911 if someone is injured or trapped, a tree has fallen on a vehicle with people inside, there’s active fire risk from trees contacting power lines, or you smell gas after a tree has damaged structures. Once emergency services secure the scene and everyone is safe, that’s when you call us at 615-200-5523.
Situations That Require Immediate Emergency Tree Removal
Trees on your house or buildings. If a tree or large branch has come down on your home, garage, or any structure, that’s an immediate call. Even if the damage looks minor from ground level, there could be significant structural issues you can’t see—punctured roofing, compromised rafters, or broken trusses. We need to safely remove the tree and prevent additional damage. I’ve seen homeowners in Green Hills and Belle Meade delay this call only to have portions of the tree shift and cause more damage, or have rain pour through the breach for days.
Trees on vehicles. Whether it’s your car in the driveway or equipment in your yard, a tree on a vehicle needs professional removal. Don’t try to drive out from under it or use jacks to lift it yourself—branches under tension can shift violently. We have rigging equipment to lift and section trees safely without causing additional vehicle damage.
Trees blocking critical access. If a fallen tree is blocking your only way in or out and you need to get to work, a hospital, or handle another emergency, we’ll prioritize clearing access. Same for trees blocking neighborhood streets in Goodlettsville or Brentwood—we coordinate with local authorities to clear roadways safely and quickly.
Trees contacting power lines. This is extremely dangerous. Never approach a tree touching power lines—electricity travels through wet wood and can arc through the ground around it. Call your utility company first to disconnect power, then call us for tree removal. We’re trained and equipped to work around utility infrastructure safely, but power must be secured before we can proceed.
Severely leaning trees threatening structures. If a storm has left a large tree leaning heavily toward your house—especially if you can see exposed roots or the root ball lifting—that tree can come down without warning. Wind, rain softening the soil further, or even just gravity can bring it down. These situations need immediate assessment and often immediate removal.
Large hanging branches (widow makers). Branches that have partially broken but are caught in the canopy are called widow makers for good reason. They’re unpredictable and deadly. A branch hanging over your driveway, walkway, or anywhere people pass needs immediate professional removal.
For immediate emergency tree removal throughout Nashville, Franklin, Hendersonville, or surrounding areas, call New Horizon Tree Service at 615-200-5523. We’re available 24/7 and respond fast.
Tree Problems That Need Attention But Aren’t Emergencies
Some situations need professional tree care but can safely wait for normal business hours and scheduled appointments. Understanding the difference saves you money and helps us prioritize genuine emergencies.
Dead trees that aren’t threatening structures should be addressed soon, but they’re not middle-of-the-night emergencies. General storm cleanup of small branches and debris scattered across your lawn can wait. Trees you suspect might be dying or diseased need evaluation by ISA Certified Arborists, but this is a scheduled appointment situation.
Routine maintenance like trimming branches getting close to your roof or power lines is important preventive work, but it’s not an emergency. Same with stump grinding from previously cut trees or stump removal that’s been on your to-do list.
For these non-emergency situations, call 615-200-5523 during regular hours for a FREE estimate. We’ll schedule an assessment and provide a detailed plan for addressing your trees safely and at standard rates rather than emergency pricing.
What NOT to Do During a Tree Emergency
When a tree comes down, adrenaline and the urge to fix things can lead to dangerous decisions. Here’s what to avoid—these are mistakes I’ve seen result in injuries over 35 years in this business.
Don’t go outside during active storms. More branches are still falling. Trees that survived initial winds can drop weakened limbs for hours afterward. Wait until conditions stabilize.
Don’t touch or approach downed power lines, even if they look intact. Every downed line should be treated as live and lethal. Keep family, pets, and neighbors away.
Don’t try cutting fallen trees yourself. This is where most homeowner injuries happen. Trees and branches under tension spring violently when cut. Chainsaws kick back. Heavy sections shift unexpectedly. Professional tree removal companies have specialized training, safety equipment, and insurance for exactly these situations.
Don’t get under or near severely leaning trees. If roots are exposed or lifting, stay out of the fall zone completely. I’ve seen Nashville homeowners duck under to “just grab a few things” from a carport—you’re risking your life for replaceable items.
How Our 24/7 Emergency Response Works
When you call 615-200-5523 with a tree emergency, you reach an actual person immediately—not voicemail or an answering service. You talk to someone from New Horizon Tree Service who can dispatch help right away. We ask key questions about your situation so we arrive prepared with appropriate equipment.
We provide an estimated arrival time based on your location and current call volume. For genuine emergencies like trees on structures, we prioritize getting there as quickly as safety allows.
Our ISA Certified Arborists assess the full situation before starting work. We examine how the tree fell, what’s holding it, and what will happen when we release tension. This assessment process keeps everyone safe during complex emergency removals.
We secure the area, establish safety zones, and verify utilities are safe. If your tree has damaged roofing, we’ll tarp exposed areas to prevent water damage while we work on tree removal.
We remove trees systematically and safely—sectioning carefully, managing weight and tension to prevent additional property damage. Even in emergency situations, we clean up thoroughly and remove all debris.
We provide complete documentation for insurance claims, including photographs and detailed invoices. Most homeowner’s insurance policies cover emergency tree removal when trees damage structures.
Common Tree Emergencies Throughout Middle Tennessee
Over 35 years serving the Nashville area, we’ve responded to just about every type of tree emergency you can imagine.
Storm damage is the most common. Middle Tennessee gets spring thunderstorms with straight-line winds, summer microbursts, and winter ice storms that coat branches until they snap. The mature tree canopies throughout Belle Meade, Green Hills, and East Nashville are beautiful—until severe weather hits.
Trees on homes happen more frequently than people realize. Sometimes it’s a massive oak that came down during a storm. Other times it’s a dying tree that finally gave way on a calm afternoon. Damage often extends beyond what’s visible—punctured decking, cracked structural members, and immediate water intrusion.
Emergency trimming for hazardous limbs addresses trees that are clearly about to fail. A major branch cracked during a storm, a diseased limb ready to drop, or a split tree leaning toward power lines all require immediate professional attention.
Emergency Tree Removal Costs and Insurance Coverage
Emergency tree removal typically costs more than scheduled tree work because we’re responding outside normal hours, the work involves higher complexity and risk, and we’re prioritizing your emergency over other scheduled jobs.
Most residential emergency tree removals range from $800 to $3,500 depending on tree size, location complexity, and required equipment. We provide clear pricing before starting work—no surprises.
Insurance typically covers emergency tree removal when trees damage structures. Most policies cover removal of trees that fall on homes, garages, or other covered structures. They usually won’t cover trees that fell without damaging anything, or trees that were already dead.
We work with your insurance company and provide all necessary documentation for claims. For non-emergency situations, call 615-200-5523 for FREE estimates and scheduled service at standard rates.
Preventing Tree Emergencies Before They Happen
Most tree emergencies are preventable. Trees failing during storms usually had warning signs we could have identified months earlier with proper evaluation.
Regular professional inspections by ISA Certified Arborists identify weak branch unions, disease indicators, root problems, and structural issues that homeowners typically miss. Annual inspections by New Horizon Tree Service catch issues while they’re still manageable.
Preventive trimming eliminates many risks before storms arrive. Dead branches will eventually fall—removing them proactively is safer and less expensive than emergency removal after they’ve damaged property.
Some trees should be removed before they become problems. Bradford pears, trees with extensive decay, or trees severely leaning toward structures are disasters waiting to happen. Scheduled small tree removal during good weather is always preferable to emergency removal during storms.
FAQ: Emergency Tree Removal in Nashville
How quickly can you respond to tree emergencies in Nashville?
Response time depends on location and call volume, but we typically arrive within 1-3 hours for urgent situations in Davidson County. During major storms, we triage based on safety risks—trees on homes get priority. Call 615-200-5523 anytime and we’ll give you an honest estimated arrival time.
What’s the cost difference between emergency and scheduled tree removal?
Emergency tree removal typically costs 50-100% more than scheduled work. A $1,200 scheduled removal might cost $1,800-2,400 as an emergency. However, delaying often costs more overall due to ongoing damage. Most homeowner’s insurance covers emergency removal when trees damage structures.
Does homeowner’s insurance cover emergency tree removal?
Most policies cover tree removal when a tree falls on and damages a covered structure like your house or garage. Coverage typically ranges from $500 to $1,000 per tree. Insurance usually won’t cover trees that fell without damaging anything, or trees that were already dead.
Can I cut down a dangerous tree myself?
No—leave it to licensed professionals. Emergency tree situations involve unpredictable tension and weight distribution. People get seriously injured attempting DIY tree removal. Professional service costs far less than hospital bills.
Protect Your Nashville Property With Professional Emergency Tree Service
At New Horizon Tree Service, we’ve been responding to tree emergencies throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee since 1989. With over 35 years of experience, ISA Certified Arborists on staff, and a 4.7-star rating from 70+ satisfied customers, we respond quickly when you need help.
Whether you’re facing a tree on your house after a storm, a dangerously leaning tree, or hanging branches threatening your property, we’re here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Licensed, bonded, and fully insured. ISA Certified Arborists. Trusted throughout Nashville, Goodlettsville, Brentwood, Franklin, Hendersonville, and all of Davidson County since 1989.
For 24/7 emergency tree removal, call New Horizon Tree Service at 615-200-5523. We respond fast when tree emergencies strike.
