When a severe storm rolls through Central Pennsylvania, downed trees are often the first sign of damage. High winds, heavy ice, and saturated soil can topple even healthy trees — blocking roads, pulling down power lines, and punching through rooftops. In Centre County alone, summer thunderstorms and winter ice events account for dozens of emergency tree calls each year.
If a tree has come down on or near your property, the steps you take in the first hour matter. Here is what to do — and what not to do — while you wait for help.
Stay Clear of the Fallen Tree
A downed tree is not always done moving. Limbs under tension can shift or snap without warning. If the tree is resting against your house, fence, or another structure, do not try to move it or go underneath it. The National Weather Service advises treating any storm-damaged tree as unstable until a professional has assessed it.
Keep children and pets away from the area. If the tree fell on part of your home, avoid entering that section of the house until the structure has been inspected.
Look for Downed Power Lines
This is the most dangerous part of any storm-damage situation. A tree tangled in power lines can energize the ground around it for 30 feet or more. Even if the line appears dead, it may still be live. Penelec and FirstEnergy both warn residents to assume all downed lines are energized.
If you see wires on or near the tree, call 911 immediately. Do not approach the tree, and do not attempt to move the wires. Stay inside and wait for the utility company to confirm the line has been de-energized before anyone goes near it.
Document the Damage for Insurance
Before any cleanup begins, take photos and video from a safe distance. Capture the tree, the point of impact, and any visible damage to your home, vehicles, fencing, or landscaping. Most homeowner’s insurance policies in Pennsylvania cover tree removal when the tree damages an insured structure — but that documentation is critical for filing a claim.
Write down the date, time, and weather conditions. If a neighbor saw the tree fall, note that as well. Your insurance adjuster will want as much detail as possible.
Call a Licensed Tree Service
Storm damage requires experience, proper equipment, and insurance. This is not a job for a general contractor or a neighbor with a chainsaw. Trees that have fallen on structures are under tension in unpredictable ways, and cutting in the wrong spot can cause secondary collapse.
Arbor Pro’s Tree Service provides emergency tree response across State College, Bellefonte, Philipsburg, and the surrounding Centre and Clearfield County areas. Our crew operates a 65-ton crane for lifting trees off structures safely, without dragging them across your roof. We carry full workers’ compensation and liability insurance on every job.
Watch for Storm-Chaser Scams
After every major storm, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office warns homeowners about unlicensed contractors going door to door offering “emergency” tree work at inflated prices. These operators often demand cash upfront and leave the job half-finished — or worse, cause additional damage.
The Better Business Bureau recommends verifying that any tree service you hire is licensed in Pennsylvania, carries liability insurance and workers’ comp, and has an established local presence. Ask for references and a written estimate before any work begins.
Do Not Wait — Damaged Trees Can Fail Again
A tree that survived a storm with visible damage — cracked limbs, a split trunk, a shifted root plate — is more likely to fail in the next storm. If you see storm damage on a tree that is still standing, have it evaluated promptly. Waiting through another weather event puts your property and your neighbors at risk.
For emergency tree service in State College or anywhere in Central Pennsylvania, call Arbor Pro’s at (814) 553-0303. We also handle storm damage cleanup including debris removal and stump grinding after the tree is safely down.