When a tree comes down or splits, the first job is staying safe. Keep people and pets away from the tree, any broken limbs and any wires. Do not climb, cut or pull at it yourself. A tree under tension can snap back without warning.
Angrytraffic Tree Service is a referral service. We connect homeowners in the Harrisburg area with independent tree removal providers who handle urgent jobs, from storm tree clearance to a tree resting on a roof. The provider does the work, not Angrytraffic Tree Service. Availability depends on the provider and the weather, so Request a callback to check which providers can respond. Older homes with stone foundations, aging roofs and past repairs need extra care. Busy households can ask providers to plan around the daily routine. Request an estimate with no obligation.
Tree Down? Stop and Look First
Take a breath. Then check from a safe distance. Most injuries after a storm happen in the minutes after a tree falls, when people rush out to look.
Do This First
- Keep everyone, pets included, well back from the tree.
- Treat every wire as live. Stay far away from anything hanging or tangled.
- Move your car only if the path is clearly safe.
- Take photos from a distance for your records.
Do Not Do This
- Do not cut a fallen tree with a chainsaw. Trunks and limbs can be under strain and shift suddenly.
- Do not stand under a leaning tree or a hanging branch.
- Do not go onto a roof that has a tree resting on it.
What Counts as an Urgent Tree Problem
Some problems need quick attention. Others can wait for a planned visit. Knowing the difference keeps you calm and keeps the job safe.
Signs It Cannot Wait
- A tree or large limb is on your house, garage or car.
- A tree is blocking your driveway or the only way out.
- A tree is touching or tangled in power lines.
- A trunk has split, or the root ball has lifted out of the ground.
- A tree is leaning hard, and it was not leaning before.
Signs It Can Wait a Little
- A hanging limb that is not over a walkway, roof or play area.
- A fallen tree lying in a far corner of the yard.
If you are unsure, treat it as urgent. A provider can look and tell you.
Know Your House: Older Homes Need Extra Care
Older houses hide surprises. A tree that looks easy to move may be sitting on something fragile.
Stone and Block Foundations
A heavy trunk that lands near a stone or block foundation can crack mortar or push a wall. Tell the provider what your foundation is made of. Ask them to avoid dragging logs across it.
Aging Roofs and Past Repairs
Old shingles, patched flashing and earlier repairs can fail under weight. Ask the provider to lift the tree in pieces instead of sliding it off. Point out any area that was repaired before. Then plan any roof repair separately with a roofing pro.
How Storm Tree Clearance Works
A good provider starts by looking, not cutting. They check the lean, the tension in the wood, nearby wires and the path to your house.
Plan the Drop Zone
Before any cut, the provider picks where each piece will land. On tight lots with Cape Cod homes or multi-family buildings, that may mean lowering pieces on ropes or using a crane. Ask to see the plan.
Cutting, Hauling and Cleanup
The tree comes down in sections. Smaller limbs are chipped. Logs are cut up and hauled, or left if you ask. Raking and cleanup are not always included, so ask.
Plan Around Your Week
Busy households can still keep control. Tell the provider about school drop-offs, work-from-home calls, naps and pets. Ask where trucks will park and when noise will be loudest. Many providers can adjust the plan if you speak up early.
Working With Your Insurance
Some policies may cover sudden damage from a fallen tree. Check your policy and ask your agent what applies. Providers can often help document damage for a claim, such as with photos and a written invoice. Keep every receipt. Do not throw out damaged items until your insurer says you can.
After a Big Storm: What to Expect
After a major storm, many neighbors need help at once. Providers may be busy. Many can respond quickly, but nobody can promise a time. Request a callback to check provider availability, and ask about safe temporary steps while you wait.
Cold snowy winters, spring snowmelt and coastal storms can weaken roots and soil. Wet or frozen ground makes trees fall more easily and makes trucks harder to place.
Preventing the Next Storm Problem
- Have large trees checked once a year, and after any big storm.
- Remove dead or cracked limbs before winter.
- Watch for mushrooms at the base, leaning, or heaved soil.
- Keep trees away from your roof, wires and foundation.
Questions to Ask the Provider
- Is the price written, and what does it include?
- Who handles wires and utility shutoffs?
- How will you protect my roof, lawn and foundation?
- Will you haul away the wood and debris?
- Can you help document damage for a claim?
Get the answers in writing when you can. A clear plan is a strong sign of a careful job, and it protects an older house from costly mistakes.
What's Included
Fallen Tree Removal
Providers cut and clear trees that came down in storms, from yards, driveways and fences.
Trees on Structures
Careful sectional removal when a trunk or limb rests on a roof, porch, garage or shed.
Storm Tree Clearance
Clearing roads, driveways and paths so you can get in and out of your home safely.
Damage Photos
Many providers can help document damage with photos and invoices for your claim.
Typical Emergency Tree Removal Costs
Urgent jobs often cost more than planned work because of risk, equipment and timing. These are typical U.S. ranges. Your price will vary, so always get a written quote.
| Job type | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small fallen tree or limbs | $300 – $900 | Easy access, no damage to structures |
| Medium tree down in yard | $800 – $2,000 | Depends on size, species and cleanup |
| Large tree removal | $1,500 – $3,500 | Bigger trunks need more crew and gear |
| Tree on roof or house | $1,500 – $5,000 | Careful sectional work, may need a crane |
| Crane add-on | $1,000 – $3,000 | Used for tight lots or heavy pieces |
| Debris hauling and cleanup | $100 – $600 | Sometimes included, so ask |
How It Works
Stay Back, Stay Safe
Keep people and pets away from the tree and any wires, then take photos from a distance.
Contact a Provider
Request a callback to check availability, or use the request form to ask for an estimate.
Review the Plan
Ask about the drop zone, equipment, cleanup and a written price before work starts.
Clear and Document
The provider removes the tree and can help with photos and invoices for claims.
Why Call Angrytraffic Tree Service
Safety Comes First
Providers are told to assess hazards like wires, tension and weak ground before any cutting starts.
Older Home Care
Notes about stone foundations and aging roofs can be passed to the provider.
Fits Busy Lives
Ask providers to plan around school runs, work calls and family routines.
Independent Providers
You choose a local provider and decide with no obligation to hire.
Other Services
Need emergency tree removal in Harrisburg?
Describe your tree, your yard and your home. Then request an estimate through the form, or Request a callback to check provider availability. There is no obligation.
No obligationEmergency Tree Removal FAQ
What should I do first when a tree falls on my house?
Get everyone out of the area, stay away from wires and do not go on the roof. Take photos from a safe distance, then contact a local provider and your insurer.
Is it safe to cut up a fallen tree myself?
Usually no. Fallen trunks and limbs can be under strain and move without warning. Wires may also be hidden in the branches. A trained provider with the right gear should handle it, especially near a house.
Will my homeowners insurance cover emergency tree removal?
Some policies may cover sudden damage, such as a tree that hits your home, but coverage varies. Check your policy or ask your agent. Providers can often help document damage with photos and a written invoice.
Reach a local provider
Describe your tree, your yard and your home. Then request an estimate through the form, or Request a callback to check provider availability. There is no obligation.
No obligation