A Tree Fell on Your Roof in Middle Tennessee. What Happens Next?

When a tree lands on a house, the order matters: people and utilities first, documentation second, stabilization third, permanent repair last. Do not begin with a chainsaw or climb onto the roof.

When should everyone leave the house?

Leave and call 911 from a safe location if anyone is hurt or trapped, the roof or walls are shifting, you smell gas, hear hissing, see sparks or fire, or the tree contacts utility lines. Do not operate switches when gas may be present. Treat every downed line as energized.

Even without obvious collapse, keep people out of rooms beneath the impact. Limbs can be under tension, and disturbed trees or framing can move without warning.

Who should you call, and in what order?

1. 1911 for injury, fire, gas, collapse, or an immediate electrical hazard.
2. 2The electric or gas utility for a tree touching service lines, a damaged meter, or a suspected utility leak.
3. 3Your insurance carrier to open a claim and ask about emergency mitigation procedures.
4. 4An ISA Certified Arborist or qualified tree service to assess and remove the tree safely.
5. 5A roofer or structural professional to stabilize and evaluate the building after the tree is made safe.
6. 6Local building officials for permits required by the complete repair scope.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture recommends qualified arborists for storm-damaged trees and warns homeowners not to rush into unsafe or unnecessary removal. Tennessee Urban Forestry storm-damage guidance

What should you document before cleanup?

From a safe position, photograph the entire tree, root plate or broken trunk, contact point, every side of the house, interior cracks or water, damaged belongings, fences, vehicles, and utility equipment. Record the time, weather, contractor names, claim number, and emergency instructions. Never enter a restricted area to get a better picture.

Save every estimate and receipt. Tennessee insurance guidance recommends prompt notice, damage documentation, reasonable steps to prevent additional loss, and caution before permanent repairs. TDCI claims guide

Should you remove the tree before the adjuster arrives?

Life safety and preventing further damage come first. If emergency removal is necessary, document as much as safely possible before work, ask the insurer about its emergency process, and request itemized invoices. Ask the tree company to separate tree removal, debris hauling, crane work, and roof access in writing.

Do not let an unverified crew pressure you into a full roof contract while the scene is unstable. Temporary tarping and structural stabilization should be documented separately from permanent reconstruction.

Why does the arborist come before the roofer?

A roofer cannot safely inspect beneath a suspended trunk or loaded limb. An arborist plans cuts around weight, tension, utilities, and the structure. After the load is removed or stabilized, the roofer and, when needed, a structural engineer can evaluate decking, trusses or rafters, walls, flashing, and water entry.

Browse Middle Tennessee tree services and Middle Tennessee roofing companies, then independently verify insurance, credentials, and the appropriate Tennessee license.

Does structural repair require a permit?

Permit requirements depend on location and scope. Structural framing, electrical service, gas, and major rebuilding commonly require local review. Nashville homeowners can contact Metro Codes; Murfreesboro homeowners can contact City Building & Codes; properties outside city limits may use county offices. Get the permit decision in writing before covering damaged framing.

Tennessee requires a state contractor license for projects of $25,000 or more, and local requirements may apply below that amount. Verify rather than assume. Tennessee contractor licensing

How can you reduce storm-chaser risk?

• Verify the business name, physical address, insurance, and license independently.
• Avoid large cash payments and never pay the entire contract upfront.
• Require an itemized scope, material specifications, permit responsibility, cleanup, and warranty.
• Do not sign blank insurance documents or assign benefits without understanding the consequences.
• Ask who performs tree work and who performs roofing; one sales representative may subcontract both.
• Compare more than one permanent-repair proposal when the structure is stable.

Middle Tennessee's NWS office documents recurring tornado and damaging-wind events, including a July 2024 EF-0 tornado in Murfreesboro. NWS Middle Tennessee weather events Preparation is worthwhile: inspect threatening limbs, know utility numbers, and photograph the home's exterior before storm season.

This guide does not determine insurance coverage or whether a damaged tree can be saved.