Berkshire and Surrey get their share of significant storms — particularly the autumn and winter Atlantic fronts that sweep in from the south-west. When a tree fails or sheds a large limb, the situation can look alarming. Here is a clear guide to what to do, in order.
Step 1: Make sure everyone is safe
Before anything else, get people away from the tree and any area that could be affected by further failure. Do not attempt to assess or move large fallen timber yourself. Do not go under a tree that has partially failed but is still standing — a hung-up tree (one that has partially fallen and is leaning against another tree or structure) is extremely dangerous and can release without warning.
Step 2: Check for utility damage
If the tree or branches have come down on power lines, do not approach them. Contact your electricity network operator immediately — in Berkshire and Surrey this is likely to be UK Power Networks. If in doubt, keep everyone at least 15 metres away from fallen power lines until the network operator has confirmed it is safe.
Step 3: Call us
We operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week for storm emergencies across Berkshire and Surrey. When you call, tell us: whether there is any immediate danger to life or property, whether utilities are involved, the approximate size of the tree or limb, and your location. We will advise you on next steps and get someone to you as quickly as possible.
What we do on arrival
When we arrive, our priority is to make the site safe — removing immediate hazards and securing anything that poses a risk of further failure. We will then assess the remaining tree structure and advise you on the options. In many cases, a storm-damaged tree can be saved with careful surgery. In others, removal is the safer course. Either way, we give you a clear assessment and, where the situation is not immediately dangerous, a written quote before any further work begins.
Insurance claims
If the fallen tree has caused property damage, your home insurance may cover the cost of removal and reinstatement. We can provide a written report and costings for insurance purposes. It is worth checking your policy before authorising work beyond the immediate emergency make-safe, as insurers sometimes have preferred contractors for subsequent reinstatement work.