After a storm, the first job is not cutting. It is preventing another person from entering an unstable area. Broken branches can remain suspended, trees can shift in saturated ground and powerlines can energise trees, fences, vehicles or wet ground.
For immediate danger, storm assistance or damaged powerlines, contact the appropriate emergency service or electricity distributor first. Once the area can be approached safely, Josh can discuss follow-up tree work within the team’s scope.
Choose the right first call
Call Triple Zero if life is in danger. NSW SES advises calling 132 500 for emergency help during storms and floods, including trees that threaten people or block essential access. Follow instructions from emergency services.
For fallen or damaged powerlines in the Ausgrid network, call 13 13 88. If you are unsure of the distributor, use the emergency information on your electricity bill or the NSW Government guidance. Never assume a line is inactive.
Create distance, not a DIY inspection
Keep everyone outside the likely movement and fall area. Do not walk beneath hanging branches, touch a fallen tree near wires or stand on a damaged roof to inspect the canopy.
NSW SES advises staying away from fallen trees and powerlines. Electricity can arc, and wet ground or connected objects can carry current.
- Move people and pets away without entering the danger area
- Do not park or walk beneath damaged limbs
- Do not operate chainsaws, ladders or ropes on storm-damaged trees
- Do not touch fences, vehicles or branches near a fallen wire
- Follow emergency-service and electricity-network directions
Document damage only from a safe place
If it can be done without approaching the hazard, take wide photographs showing the property and affected area. Note the time, storm event and any access that is blocked.
Contact your insurer before authorising non-essential repairs where a claim may be involved. The insurer may have requirements for documentation or approved work.
When to contact Josh
Once emergency and electrical hazards are controlled and the area can be approached, call Josh to discuss an on-site assessment. He can inspect accessible tree damage, plan removal of broken material and quote follow-up work.
Attendance depends on current jobs, weather and safe site access, so an immediate or 24-hour response is not guaranteed.
Storm damage can change the work method
A damaged tree may hold unusual loads. A trunk can be split, branches can be compressed against structures and the root plate can continue moving. The method used for a healthy standing tree may not apply.
Josh plans the technical work while the ground crew manages the work zone, rigging, material processing and clean-up. Outside specialists or authorities may still be required for power, structures, cranes, traffic or formal assessment.
After the immediate work
Ask whether any damaged material remains, what monitoring is appropriate and whether another tree or branch was affected. Clean-up should include branches, logs and leaves from the agreed tree work unless material is retained at your request.
Review approval requirements before later removal or pruning that was not part of emergency directions.
When to call Josh
Call Josh when the decision depends on the actual tree, property or access, especially when:
- Emergency and electrical hazards have been controlled
- A damaged tree or branch still needs an on-site work plan
- You need follow-up pruning or removal quoted
- You want the clean-up and green-waste scope explained
Frequently asked questions
Who removes a tree that has fallen during a storm?
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It depends on immediate danger, ownership, utilities, insurance and where the tree lies. Emergency services and electricity networks manage urgent public hazards; insurers and contractors may handle later property work.
Can I cut a branch blocking my driveway?
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Storm-damaged material can be loaded or unstable. If access is essential, call NSW SES on 132 500 and follow their advice rather than attempting dangerous cutting.
Does Leaf It To Me offer 24-hour emergency response?
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No 24-hour availability is promised. Call the appropriate emergency authority first, then contact Josh to discuss assessment and scheduling once the site is safe.
Official sources and further reading
Rules and emergency guidance can change. Check these authorities for the current position before acting.
Keep clear of damaged or unstable trees. Call Triple Zero for life-threatening emergencies and the relevant authority for powerlines, council approvals, plumbing or structural advice. Josh provides a free on-site quote for tree work within Leaf It To Me’s scope.