Emergency Tree Removal in Folsom

What an emergency tree removal in Folsom looks like

Most Folsom emergencies start the same way. The wind picks up at night, something cracks, and by morning there's a trunk across the driveway.

Some are scarier. A big limb lands on the roof and the ceiling sags. A tree leans hard against the house and you can hear it creak. A trunk blocks the only way out of the cul-de-sac.

Here's a rough line between a true emergency and a can-wait job:

• It's on your house, car, shed or garage.
• It blocks a driveway or street and you need to get out.
• It's hanging on a fence, a wire or another tree and could drop.
• Somebody's in danger if it moves.

A tree down in the back corner of the yard, touching nothing, is different. It's a mess, but it can usually wait for a normal visit. Ask us and we'll help you sort which one you've got.

What to do in the first hour in Folsom

Stay calm and go slow. Trees on the ground can still be under stress, and a trunk that looks settled can roll.

Get everyone out of the rooms under or next to the tree. Walk kids and pets to another room, or another yard. Don't climb on it to see how bad it is.

Look up before you look down. If any wire touches the tree or lies near it, stay back. The National Weather Service warns that power lines on the ground may be live. Call 911 first.

Next call is your electric company. In Folsom that is usually SMUD. SMUD's line for sparking or downed lines is 1-888-456-7683, and it asks you to call 911 first.

Take photos from a safe spot. Get the tree, the damage and the street in view. Your insurer will want them.

Then call us. We'll ask where you are, how big the tree is and what it's touching. That tells the pro what to bring.

What emergency tree removal in Folsom costs

Emergency jobs cost more than a normal removal. The crew often comes out in bad weather, at odd hours, with a tight spot to work in. Here is what the guides say.

Price sources: Fixr's removal cost guide; Today's Homeowner, Sacramento.

The wide range is real. A small limb off a fence is cheap. A big trunk on a two-story roof is not. Where the tree sits matters as much as how tall it is.

A tall tree may need a crane. If the trunk is over a roof and can't be dropped in the yard, the pro may rig it down in pieces or bring in a crane. That's where bills climb.

Ask the pro for the price in writing before work starts. Ask if there's a rush fee or an hourly rate too. Some pros charge one and some don't.

Jobs here can land outside these ranges. Think of them as a ballpark, not a promise.

Will insurance help?

Often, yes, when the tree hits your house or another covered building. Consumer Reports says most insurers cap the haul-away part at $500 or $1,000. Fixing the damaged structure can be covered separately.

A tree that drops onto bare ground leaves nothing to claim. The cleanup is on you.

Call your insurer before you sign anything big. Ask what they cover and what your deductible is. Some will want to see the damage before the tree is moved, so take those photos.

Why Folsom homeowners call us first

After a storm, every tree pro in town is slammed. If you call around yourself, you'll leave a lot of voicemails.

One call to us does the hunting. We know the Folsom area, from the Historic District to the neighborhoods out past Lake Natoma. We look for someone close, which can save you time.

Calling us costs nothing. Your pro gives you the price before work starts, and you can say no.

We don't push you toward a bigger job. If the pro says the tree can wait, that's good news.

How it goes, step by step

1. You phone (279) 289-5138 or use the form.
2. We ask where you are, what fell and what it's touching.
3. We find a pro who works your part of Folsom.
4. The pro makes the area safe, then gives you a price.
5. You say yes or no. Say yes, and the pro cuts the tree up and hauls it off, or leaves rounds if you'd like firewood.
6. If there's a stump left, ask about grinding. It's usually a separate price.

One more thing. The city has tree rules of its own, and some protected trees need a city permit. We can't say how the city sees yours. Ask the City of Folsom, and tell your pro what they say.

Emergency tree questions

How fast can someone come?

Weather and the line of calls ahead of yours set the pace. We'll tell you what we hear from the pro. We won't promise a time we can't back up.

Should I move the tree myself?

Please don't. Trees on the ground can be under strain, and wires may be hidden. A pro has the gear to do it safely.

The tree is on my neighbor's side of the fence. Now what?

Talk to your neighbor, then phone your own insurer. Under Consumer Reports' reading, the tree's owner doesn't matter. The claim lands in your lap.

Is the call really free?

Yes. Neither the call nor the matching costs a cent.