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What to do if…
a tree falls onto your home or damages the roof

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

Move everyone and any pets away from the damaged part of the home. Leave by a route away from the tree if the building may be unstable and it is safe to do so, then call 999 if anyone is trapped, seriously injured or in immediate danger from collapse, fire, falling debris or damaged power lines.

Do not do these things

  • Do not go onto the roof or stand beneath the tree, damaged branches, loose tiles or a sagging ceiling.
  • Do not climb the tree, cut branches or try to move the trunk yourself.
  • Do not touch fallen cables or anything that may be in contact with them.
  • Do not enter a room where water is reaching electrical fittings or damaged wiring.
  • Do not operate electrical switches, smoke or use flames if you smell gas.
  • Do not approach unstable areas merely to inspect the damage or take photographs.
  • Do not agree to permanent repairs before speaking to the insurer where it is safe to wait.
  • Do not go outside to attempt repairs while a storm or strong winds are continuing.

What to do now

  1. Reach the safest available place. Keep everyone away from affected rooms and the outside area beneath the tree. If the building is cracking, shifting, shedding debris or visibly sagging, leave by a safe route away from the tree. If you cannot leave safely, stay away from the damaged section and call 999.

  2. Call 999 for immediate danger. Tell the operator if anyone is trapped or seriously injured, the building appears likely to collapse, there is a fire, debris is falling where people could be struck, or damaged electricity lines present an immediate danger.

  3. Keep clear of damaged utilities.

    • In England, Scotland or Wales, stay well away from fallen or damaged electricity lines and report them by calling 105.
    • In Northern Ireland, stay well away and call NIE Networks on 03457 643 643.
    • If you smell gas, do not operate electrical switches or use flames. Move outside if it is safe, then call 0800 111 999 in England, Scotland or Wales, or 0800 002 001 in Northern Ireland.

  4. Keep other people away. From a safe position, warn household members, neighbours and passers-by not to approach the tree, damaged roof or falling debris. Do not place yourself beneath the hazard while doing this.

  5. Contact the buildings insurer. Use the claims or emergency contact route shown on the policy or insurer’s website. Describe the tree, visible roof damage, water entry, exposed rooms and any emergency-service involvement. Ask what temporary work they want arranged.

  6. Contact whoever manages the building. If you rent, notify the landlord or managing agent immediately. For a leasehold or managed property, contact the freeholder, property factor or building manager as applicable.

  7. Record the damage only from safety. Take photographs or short videos from ground level or another safe position. Note when the damage happened and keep receipts and itemised invoices for any emergency work.

  8. Limit water damage where this is safe. In an unaffected area, move portable belongings away from minor drips and place containers beneath leaks. Do not enter beneath a bulging or sagging ceiling, touch wet electrical fittings or attempt to cover the roof yourself.

  9. Use suitable professionals for emergency work. Ask the insurer about arranging a competent tree contractor, roofer or structural inspection. Tell anyone attending about unstable sections, damaged utilities and instructions already given by emergency services.

  10. Report hazards affecting public areas. Contact the local council if the damaged building threatens a neighbouring or public area. Contact the relevant roads authority if the tree blocks or overhangs a road or pavement. Call 999 instead if someone is in immediate danger.

What can wait

You do not need to decide who owns the tree, who may be responsible, what the permanent repair should involve or whether damaged belongings must be replaced right now. Liability questions, neighbour discussions, permanent roof work and non-essential clearing can wait until people are safe and the insurer or an appropriate professional has assessed the situation.

Important reassurance

A tree on a roof can make the whole situation feel urgent, but your immediate tasks are limited: keep people away, deal with active dangers and contact the relevant emergency, utility, property and insurance services. You do not need to inspect the roof or remove the tree yourself.

Scope note

This guide covers the earliest safety and damage-limitation steps only. Later decisions about structural repairs, tree removal, insurance cover, access and responsibility may require help from the insurer and appropriately qualified specialists.

Important note

This is general safety and property information, not legal, insurance, structural-engineering, electrical, gas or other professional advice. Follow instructions from emergency services, utility network operators and professionals who have assessed the property.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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