Emergency Tree Removal in Savannah: What to Do First
If anyone is hurt, trapped, or a tree is on a power line: call 911. Stay far away from downed lines and assume they are live. Georgia Power says not to try to remove limbs from lines yourself and to report downed lines at 1-888-891-0938 or to police or fire.1
Step by step: the first hour
- Get people out of danger. If a tree has come through the roof or the structure looks compromised, leave the building. Keep kids and pets away from the tree and any wires tangled in it.
- Call the right people. 911 for injuries or fire. Georgia Power (1-888-891-0938) for lines.1 For a tree blocking a road, see the table below.
- Document everything. Photograph the tree, the stump or root plate, and all damage from several angles before anything is moved. Insurers will want these.
- Call your insurer before agreeing to major work if you can. Ask whether they want to send an adjuster first and whether emergency work to prevent further damage (like tarping) is covered.
- Get a tree company out. Ask for a written estimate even in an emergency, including what's emergency work (making it safe) versus cleanup that can wait.
Tree blocking a street? Who to call
| Where | Who handles it |
|---|---|
| City of Savannah streets and right-of-way | Call 311 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. After hours, City emergency requests go to the 24-hour dispatch center at (912) 351-3434. The City notes it does not pick up tree debris from private property.2 |
| Unincorporated Chatham County (e.g. Wilmington, Whitemarsh, Skidaway, Isle of Hope) | Report trees blocking roads through the My Chatham app or mychatham.chathamcountyga.gov.3 |
| Other cities (Pooler, Tybee, Garden City, etc.) | Chatham County advises contacting that municipality.3 |
Do you need a permit in an emergency?
Usually the priority is safety, but permit rules still exist. In the City of Savannah, a tree an ISA Certified Arborist finds to be hazardous or an imminent threat is exempt, but the written assessment is supposed to be approved by the City before removal.4 Richmond Hill allows removal of a storm-damaged tree in imminent danger of falling once it's inspected by the City or a certified arborist or forester and certified in writing to the City.5 If a tree has already fallen, call the city's planning office or ask the tree company how they handle it. Our permit guide covers each jurisdiction.
Will insurance pay?
According to the Insurance Information Institute, a standard homeowners policy generally covers damage to your house from a tree felled by wind, lightning or hail. Removal is typically covered when the tree hit an insured structure, usually up to about $500–$1,000. If a tree falls without hitting anything, removal generally isn't covered, though some insurers pay when a tree blocks a driveway or ramp. Damage from a tree you failed to maintain may not be covered.6 Check your own policy.
If it was the neighbor's tree, Georgia's consumer protection office explains that the owner of the land where it fell is generally responsible, unless the neighbor knew or should have known the tree was dead or diseased.7
Avoid storm-chaser problems
- Ask for a local address and a certificate of insurance, and confirm it with the insurer.
- Get the price in writing before work starts. Don't sign over insurance benefits or pay the full amount up front.
- Be wary of door-knockers pushing you to decide on the spot.
More: storm damage cleanup · hazard tree assessment
Want a local company to quote your emergency tree removal? Tell us what you need and we'll pass your request along to an independent tree company serving your area, when one is available. It's free for homeowners, and responses aren't guaranteed. We're a referral service, not a tree contractor.
Request a referral Phone: (843) 608-8793
Areas: Historic District, Midtown, Ardsley Park, Southside, Isle of Hope, Skidaway Island, Wilmington Island, Whitemarsh Island, Tybee Island, Thunderbolt, Georgetown, Pooler, Richmond Hill, Port Wentworth, Garden City.
Frequently asked questions
Who do I call if a tree falls on a power line in Savannah?
Call 911 if anyone is in danger, and report it to Georgia Power at 1-888-891-0938. Stay away and assume the line is live. Don't try to move limbs off lines.1
Who removes a fallen tree blocking a City of Savannah street?
The City handles trees on its right-of-way. Call 311 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or the 24-hour dispatch center at (912) 351-3434 after hours. The City does not pick up tree debris from private property.2
Does homeowners insurance pay for tree removal after a storm?
Generally, if the tree damaged an insured structure, removal is covered up to a limit that's often about $500–$1,000, according to the Insurance Information Institute. If it fell without hitting anything, removal usually isn't covered.6 Check your policy.
Can Coastal Tree Guide send a crew?
No. We're a referral service, not a tree contractor. We can pass your request along to an independent local tree company, but we can't guarantee a response time. In an emergency, call 911 or Georgia Power as needed.
Sources
- Georgia Power, Power line safety. www.georgiapower.com
- City of Savannah, Urban Forestry (311 and 24-hour dispatch for right-of-way trees). savannahga.gov
- Chatham County, How to report fallen trees and yard debris (Hurricane Helene guidance). www.chathamcountyga.gov
- City of Savannah, Landscape and Tree Protection Ordinance (approved March 16, 2017, PDF). www.savannahga.gov
- City of Richmond Hill Unified Development Ordinance, Sec. 15.6 Tree Protection (PDF). www.richmondhill-ga.gov
- Insurance Information Institute, If a tree falls on your house, are you covered?. www-legacy.iii.org
- Georgia Dept. of Law Consumer Protection Division, "Ask Ed": my neighbor's tree fell on my property. consumered.georgia.gov