Emergency Tree Service

Tree emergencies can happen with little warning.

Strong winds, saturated soils, decay, structural defects, heavy limbs, fire damage, and sudden branch failure can turn a mature tree into an immediate hazard to homes, vehicles, driveways, roads, fences, and people.

Canopy Arborists provides emergency tree services throughout Santa Rosa and surrounding Sonoma County communities for situations requiring prompt professional evaluation and action.

Common emergency calls include:

• Fallen trees
• Trees leaning toward homes
• Large broken branches
• Storm-damaged trees
• Split trunks
• Hanging limbs
• Trees blocking driveways or access
• Trees damaged by vehicles
• Sudden root failure
• Partially uprooted trees
• Trees resting on structures
• Dangerous branches over roofs or vehicles

Our first priority is to understand the immediate hazard and determine the safest way to stabilize or remove the affected tree.

Emergency tree work can be significantly more complex than routine pruning because damaged trees may be under unusual tension, partially supported, unstable, or difficult to access.

That is why these situations should be evaluated carefully before cutting begins.

Not every storm-damaged tree needs to be removed.

In some cases, a broken limb can be safely removed and the remaining tree can be preserved. In others, the damage may have significantly compromised the tree's structure.

Canopy Arborists evaluates the remaining canopy, trunk, roots, attachment points, defects, targets, and overall condition before making a recommendation.

Depending on the situation, emergency work may include:

• Removing broken or hanging limbs
• Removing branches from roofs
• Clearing blocked driveways
• Removing fallen trees
• Reducing damaged limbs
• Stabilizing the immediate area
• Removing severely compromised trees
• Evaluating whether the remaining tree can be preserved
• Recommending follow-up pruning or monitoring

A tree that survives the initial event may still require additional attention.

For example, the loss of a major limb can change canopy balance and expose previously shaded bark and branches to sunlight or wind. Root movement may also indicate instability that is not immediately visible above ground.

After the immediate hazard is addressed, we can recommend whether additional pruning, monitoring, Plant Health Care, cabling, or removal should be considered.

If a tree or large branch has failed, keep people and vehicles away from the affected area.

Do not attempt to remove a large hanging branch, partially fallen tree, or tree under tension without proper equipment and experience. Damaged trees can shift unexpectedly when branches are cut or weight is released.

If the tree is touching or threatening electrical lines, do not approach it. Contact the appropriate utility or emergency service first.

When contacting Canopy Arborists, providing photos can help us understand the situation and determine what type of equipment or crew may be required.

Helpful information includes:

• Your location
• Whether the tree has already fallen
• Whether a structure is involved
• Whether access is blocked
• Approximate tree size
• Whether power lines are nearby
• Photos of the tree and surrounding area

Once onsite, we evaluate the tree and determine a safe work plan.

When appropriate, we can also provide documentation of the tree's condition, photographs, cleanup options, stump grinding, and recommendations for remaining trees on the property.