October 1, 2025
Living in Jacksonville means dealing with storms. When hurricane season ramps up, so does the risk of trees falling onto homes, cars, roads, and power lines. If you have ever woken up to a massive oak across your driveway or a neighbor’s palm leaning against your fence, you know it is not just a cleanup job. It is a safety and liability issue.
What you do in the first few hours after a tree falls matters. It affects your safety, your finances, and sometimes your legal responsibility. This guide explains the steps you should take, from assessing the scene to documenting the damage, calling the right people, and preventing future falls.
Step 1: Make the Area Safe
Do not rush outside. Check for immediate dangers such as downed power lines, gas leaks, or structural damage. If any are present, stay away and call emergency services.
Once the area is secure, block it off. Keep children, pets, and neighbors away. A fallen tree can shift without warning, especially if it is partially uprooted or leaning on a structure.
Step 2: Document the Damage
Before moving anything, take photos and videos from multiple angles. Capture both wide shots and close-ups of damage to structures, fences, vehicles, and landscaping.
If the tree came from a neighbor’s yard, document the base and fence line as well. Clear records are important for insurance claims and potential disputes.
Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Provider
Call your homeowner’s insurance company and provide documentation. Most policies cover tree removal if a tree damages a covered structure such as a house, shed, or fence.
If the tree did not cause structural damage, you will likely pay out of pocket unless you have additional debris coverage.
Step 4: Avoid DIY Tree Removal
Large tree removal is dangerous. If the tree is taller than 10 feet, leaning on a structure, or tangled in power lines, do not attempt to remove it yourself.
Contact a licensed tree removal service or a certified arborist in Jacksonville. They have the equipment and training to handle the job safely and can also check nearby trees for signs of stress or root damage.
Step 5: Inspect Roots and Soil
When a tree falls, it can disturb root systems and soil, which may destabilize nearby trees or underground utilities. After removal, inspect the area and consider having an arborist evaluate root health and soil condition.
Tree care professionals can recommend soil grading, replanting, or preventative measures to reduce future risks.
Step 6: Understand Responsibility
Here are common tree fall scenarios in Jacksonville:
| Scenario | Who’s Responsible? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Your tree falls on your house | Your homeowner’s insurance | Usually covered under standard policies |
| Neighbor’s tree falls on your property | Your insurance (unless tree was clearly neglected) | Liability may shift if prior warnings were ignored |
| Tree blocks public road or sidewalk | City of Jacksonville | Call Public Works. Do not attempt removal yourself |
| Tree damages a shared fence | Shared responsibility | Often split 50/50 unless otherwise documented |
| Tree falls with no damage | Homeowner | Typically out of pocket unless debris coverage applies |
In Florida, property owners are usually responsible for trees on their land, even if they fall onto a neighbor’s property. If the tree was dead or neglected, liability may fall on the owner. Healthy trees that fall during storms are often considered an Act of God, which means each homeowner covers their own damages.
Step 7: Prevent Future Falls
Most tree falls are not random. Warning signs often appear long before the storm. Look for:
- Dead or hanging limbs
- Trees leaning more than 15 degrees
- Mushrooms or decay near the base
- Cracks in the soil around roots
- Bark peeling off in large sections
Annual inspections by a certified arborist can detect these risks early. In a storm-prone city like Jacksonville, preventative care is your best defense.
FAQs About Fallen Trees in Jacksonville, FL
Who pays if my neighbor’s tree falls on my house?
Usually, your insurance covers it. If the tree was dead or neglected, your neighbor could be liable, but documentation is required.
What if the tree blocks a public road?
Call Jacksonville Public Works. Do not attempt to move it yourself.
Should I report a fallen tree that did not cause damage?
Not to your insurance unless it blocks access or poses a risk. Still, contact a tree service for safe removal.
How quickly should I remove a fallen tree?
Immediately if it blocks access or threatens structures. Otherwise, within a few days is safe to avoid pests, mold, or further damage.
Can I remove a small tree myself?
If it is under 8–10 feet tall and away from power lines or structures, you can usually handle it with basic tools and safety gear.
Are tree removal costs covered by insurance?
Only if the tree damaged a covered structure. If it fell in the yard without causing damage, removal is usually an out-of-pocket cost.
Need Emergency Tree Help in Jacksonville?
For more than 62 years, Bushor Tree Surgeons has been the trusted choice for tree service in Jacksonville and throughout Northeast Florida. With three ISA-certified arborists on staff, we specialize in emergency tree removal, storm preparation, and post-storm cleanup.
Licensed, bonded, and insured, we are available 24/7 to protect your property with safe, expert care. Call us today for a free estimate and immediate help when you need it most.
