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Storm Damage Tree Cleanup in Savannah

Last reviewed October 18, 2026 · General information, not legal advice · Sources at the bottom

Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, a window NOAA says covers over 97% of Atlantic tropical activity.1 When Hurricane Helene passed through in September 2024, Chatham County reported 304 trees down (47 on power lines), 336 road closures, and 110,185 people without power at one point.2 Prepping trees before the season is cheaper than cleanup after.

Before the season: reduce the risk

  • Look for warning signs: dead limbs, cracks, mushrooms or decay at the base, a lean that's new or getting worse, or roots damaged by construction. Get a hazard assessment for big trees near the house.
  • Prune properly, not hard. Remove dead and broken branches first.3 Avoid "topping." The ISA explains that it removes 50–100% of the leaf-bearing crown and leaves trees weaker and more prone to breakage.4
  • Don't over-trim palms. UF/IFAS warns that palms given a "hurricane cut" were more likely to lose their crowns in storms. Remove only fully brown fronds.5 See palm trimming.
  • Check permits early. Removing a healthy large tree before a storm may need a permit in some jurisdictions. See our permit guide.

After the storm: cleanup in the right order

  1. Safety and lines first. Stay clear of downed lines and call Georgia Power at 1-888-891-0938.6 See emergency tree removal for the first-hour checklist.
  2. Photograph damage before cleanup and contact your insurer.
  3. Hazards before debris. Hanging limbs ("widowmakers"), split trunks and trees leaning on structures need a professional crew. Leave chainsaw work at height to people with the training and gear.
  4. Get debris to the curb correctly. After Helene, Chatham County asked residents to put yard waste at the edge of the roadway, away from hydrants, meters and mailboxes, with trees cut into 4-foot sections.7,2 Follow your own city's instructions, which can differ.

What insurance usually covers

The Insurance Information Institute says removal is typically covered when a fallen tree damages an insured structure, often up to about $500–$1,000. Trees that fall without hitting anything generally aren't covered for removal.8 Keep receipts and photos.

Permits after a storm

Permit quick check. Rules depend on which government your address is in, not your mailing city. In the City of Savannah, lots with an existing single-family home or duplex are exempt from the City's tree permit rules, but street trees on the public right-of-way need written City approval.9 Tybee Island and Garden City require a permit to remove a tree.10,11 Richmond Hill protects trees 16 inches in diameter and larger, and Pooler gives special protection to trees 24 inches and larger and to live oaks 18 inches and larger.12,13 See our tree removal permit guide and areas page for your jurisdiction.

Hiring after a storm

  • Get it in writing. Ask for a written quote that says what's included: cutting, hauling, cleanup, stump grinding and who pulls any permit.
  • Check insurance yourself. Ask for a current certificate of insurance (general liability and workers' compensation) and call the insurer to confirm it's active. Garden City requires tree removal contractors to be licensed, bonded and insured,11 and Thunderbolt's ordinance sets minimum insurance for contractors.14
  • Verify credentials. If someone says they're an ISA Certified Arborist, check the ISA credential lookup.15
  • Get more than one quote for non-emergency work, and be cautious of anyone asking for full payment before work starts.

Want a local company to quote your storm damage cleanup? 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

When is hurricane season in Savannah?

The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. NOAA notes that period covers over 97% of tropical activity.1

How should I put storm debris out for pickup?

Follow your city's instructions. After Hurricane Helene, Chatham County asked residents to place yard waste at the edge of the roadway, away from hydrants, meters and mailboxes, and to cut trees into 4-foot sections.7

Should I top my trees before hurricane season?

No. The International Society of Arboriculture says topping removes 50–100% of the leaf-bearing crown and leads to weak regrowth that breaks more easily.4 Ask for proper pruning instead.

Get matched with a local tree company

Free for homeowners. We're a referral service, not a tree company. Prefer to talk? Call (843) 608-8793. If there is immediate danger or a downed power line, call 911 first.

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Sources

  1. NOAA AOML Hurricane Research Division, When is hurricane season?. www.aoml.noaa.gov
  2. Chatham County Board of Commissioners, Hurricane Helene recovery bulletin, Sept. 27, 2024. content.govdelivery.com
  3. UGA Extension, February landscape chores: pruning and weed prevention. site.extension.uga.edu
  4. ISA, Why Topping Hurts Trees (PDF). www.treesaregood.org
  5. UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions, Pruning palms. gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu
  6. Georgia Power, Power line safety. www.georgiapower.com
  7. Chatham County, How to report fallen trees and yard debris (Hurricane Helene guidance). www.chathamcountyga.gov
  8. Insurance Information Institute, If a tree falls on your house, are you covered?. www-legacy.iii.org
  9. City of Savannah, Landscape and Tree Protection Ordinance (approved March 16, 2017, PDF). www.savannahga.gov
  10. City of Tybee Island FAQ: tree removal permits. www.cityoftybee.org
  11. Garden City zoning code Ch. 90 Art. VIII, text copy (Zoneomics). www.zoneomics.com
  12. City of Richmond Hill Unified Development Ordinance, Sec. 15.6 Tree Protection (PDF). www.richmondhill-ga.gov
  13. City of Pooler Code, Ch. 42 Art. VI, Sec. 42-198 significant trees (PDF). mcclibraryfunctions.azurewebsites.us
  14. Town of Thunderbolt Code Sec. 5-329, tree ordinance (copy hosted by the Savannah Tree Foundation, PDF). www.savannahtree.org
  15. ISA (TreesAreGood.org), Verify an arborist credential. www.treesaregood.org