Sussex is no stranger to storms. The South Downs funnel winds across the county, and every winter we deal with trees that have been brought down by gales, heavy snow, or waterlogged ground. If a tree comes down on your property — or looks like it’s about to — here’s what to do.
The first priority is always safety. Keep away from the fallen tree, and keep children and pets well clear. Fallen trees can be under tension, and branches that look stable can spring back unpredictably when weight shifts. If the tree has brought down power lines, stay at least 10 metres away and call the electricity network operator immediately. In Sussex, that’s UK Power Networks on 105 (free, 24 hours). Never touch or approach fallen power lines, even if they appear dead — they can carry lethal voltage.
If the tree has fallen across a public road, call the council’s highways department. West Sussex County Council and East Sussex County Council both have 24-hour emergency numbers for highway obstructions. If the road is blocked and there’s an immediate danger to traffic, call 999. For trees blocking access to your property but not on the public highway, that’s where a tree surgeon comes in.
Call your insurance company early. Most standard home insurance policies cover storm damage to your property, and many will also cover the cost of removing a fallen tree if it’s blocking access or has damaged a structure. The key thing is to document the damage before any work starts. Take photographs from multiple angles showing the tree, any damage to buildings, fences, or vehicles, and the extent of the debris. These photographs will support your insurance claim.
When it comes to removing the tree, you need someone who can respond quickly and has the right equipment. Storm damage work often involves trees that are hung up in other trees, resting on buildings, or tangled in power lines — these are not jobs for general gardeners or DIY enthusiasts. A qualified tree surgeon will have the chainsaw certificates (NPTC CS30 to CS41), climbing equipment, and insurance to handle the situation safely.
A common question after storm damage is: who is responsible for the tree? In general, the owner of the land where the tree stands is responsible for it. If your tree falls onto a neighbour’s property, you are typically responsible for the removal and any damage costs, though in practice this is usually handled through insurance. If a neighbour’s tree falls onto your property, they are responsible, but you may need to deal with the immediate situation and claim back costs.
There’s an important exception for TPO trees. Even if a protected tree falls or is clearly dangerous after a storm, you should still notify the council before removing it. In genuine emergencies — for example, a tree resting on your house — you can carry out the minimum work necessary to make the situation safe and notify the council afterwards. Take photographs before and during the work to demonstrate that the removal was necessary.
Prevention is better than cure. If you have mature trees in your garden, consider having them inspected by a qualified arborist before winter. We can identify signs of decay, poor structural form, or root problems that make a tree more likely to fail in high winds. Preventative crown reductions to reduce sail area, removal of deadwood, and selective pruning to improve the tree’s wind resistance are all cost-effective ways to reduce the risk of storm damage.
We offer emergency callouts across Sussex and Surrey and can usually respond within a few hours during storm events. If you have a tree emergency, call us on 07745 817067 and we’ll get to you as quickly as possible.
