Emergency Tree Service in Novi, MI

What does emergency tree service involve?

Emergency tree service is urgent work on a tree that has already failed or is about to. The crew first checks for downed wires and unstable pieces, then removes the weight from the structure in controlled cuts so the roof or car isn't damaged further. After that we clear the driveway and walkways, cut up the rest of the tree, and haul it away. We photograph the damage before we start so you have a record for your insurance company.

When is a tree problem an emergency?

Call right away if any of these describe your situation:

• A tree or large limb is on your house, garage, or car.
• A fallen trunk is blocking the driveway or the only way out of the house.
• A broken limb is hanging in the canopy over a walkway or play area.
• A tree started leaning after a storm and the soil around its base has lifted.
• The trunk has split and the two halves move in the wind.

If any wire is down or touching the tree, stay back and call DTE Energy first. Assume every downed line is live.

Why do storms bring down so many trees here?

Novi's trees face a rough mix of weather. Spring and summer thunderstorms bring straight-line winds while trees are fully leafed out and catch the most wind. Clay soil stays saturated after heavy rain, so roots lose their grip right when the gusts hit. In late fall and winter, wet snow and ice pile weight onto branches. Trees already weakened by rot, dead ash, or split maple joints are the first to fail.

What affects the cost of emergency tree work?

Emergency jobs cost more than planned work because the tree is under tension and often resting on something valuable. The price depends on:

• What the tree is on. A trunk on a roof takes slower, rigged cuts.
• Tree size. Large trunks may need a crane or bucket truck.
• Timing. Nights, Sundays, and the first hours after a big storm cost more.
• Hazards. Nearby wires or twisted, loaded wood add time.
• Cleanup scope. Hauling everything is priced differently than cutting and stacking.

Homeowners insurance often covers removing a tree that damaged a covered structure. Check your policy, and keep our written invoice and photos for the claim.

Can a storm-damaged tree be saved?

Sometimes. A tree that lost a few branches but kept a sound trunk and a stable root plate can often recover with careful pruning of the broken stubs. A tree that has uprooted, split down the trunk, or lost most of its crown won't recover and should come down. The best protection is to cut back limbs over the roof before storm season, so there's less to break when the wind picks up.

Emergency tree service questions

Will homeowners insurance pay for emergency tree removal?

Insurance often pays when a fallen tree damages a covered structure like the house, garage, or fence. A tree that falls in the yard without hitting anything is usually not covered. Take photos before any work, call your insurer, and ask us for an itemized invoice.

Should I try to cut a fallen tree off my house myself?

No. A tree resting on a roof is under heavy tension, and cutting the wrong spot can make it roll, spring back, or push through the roof. Chainsaw injuries spike after every big storm. Stay out of the area, keep people away from the damaged part of the house, and call a crew with rigging gear.

What should I do if a tree is on a power line?

Stay at least 25 feet away and call DTE Energy to report it. Don't touch the tree, the fence, or anything else in contact with the line. Once the utility has made the line safe, we can remove the tree and clean up.

Do you remove the stump after an emergency job?

Emergency work focuses on getting the tree off your property. Once things settle, we can come back for grinding out what's left of the stump, or do it the same day if the site allows. Uprooted trees often leave a root ball that needs extra cleanup.