Emergency Tree Removal Service in the Southern Highlands: What to Do When a Storm Hits
When a severe storm rolls through the Southern Highlands, NSW, a fallen tree can become an immediate safety threat within seconds. Here is what homeowners in Bowral, Mittagong, Moss Vale, and the wider Wingecarribee Shire should do when a tree comes down on their property.
What to Do First When a Tree Falls on Your Property
Stay calm and stay back. Your first priority is the safety of everyone in the household.
Follow these steps in order:
- Move all people and pets away from the fallen tree and any damaged structures immediately.
- Check for live power lines. If a tree has brought down wires, do not approach and call Ausgrid or Essential Energy straight away.
- Call the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500 if the tree has caused immediate structural danger, such as a roof collapse or blocked exit.
- Photograph everything before any work begins. These photos are essential for an insurance claim.
- Once the scene is safe and documented, contact a certified arborist for professional assessment and removal.
The Southern Highlands experiences sudden, intense storms year-round. Tall eucalypts across the region can drop heavy limbs with little warning, making a prompt response critical.
When Should You Call SES Instead of a Tree Service?
Call the SES (132 500) first when a tree has caused immediate danger to life or has compromised your home's structure. The SES can make a scene safe by tarping damaged roofs and clearing the most hazardous debris. Once stabilised, an emergency tree removal service can complete the full removal. The SES is not a tree removal contractor.
Does Home Insurance Cover Emergency Tree Removal in NSW?
Coverage depends on your policy and where the tree landed. Australian home insurers may cover removal costs when a storm causes a tree to fall onto an insured structure such as your home, garage, or shed. Insurers typically do not cover removal when a tree has fallen in the yard without damaging an insured structure.
Check your Product Disclosure Statement carefully, document damage before work starts, and keep all arborist invoices to support your claim.
Do You Need Council Approval for Emergency Tree Removal?
Under NSW State Environmental Planning Policy (Vegetation in Non-Rural Areas) 2017, tree removal in Wingecarribee Shire generally requires an approval or exemption application lodged with Council. Rural-zoned properties are referred to NSW Local Land Services. Properties in Heritage Conservation Zones may also require a Development Application.
In a genuine storm emergency where a tree poses immediate risk to life or property, arborists can act to stabilise or remove the hazard. Notify Wingecarribee Shire Council promptly and retain all documentation, including arborist reports and photos, to support any retrospective exemption application.
Get Help From a Trusted Local Team
When a storm hits the Southern Highlands, Ezi Cut Tree Services offers a 24/7 emergency tree removal service across Wingecarribee Shire. With over 20 years of local experience, the team responds quickly to storm-damaged trees. Call
0411 891 146 or visit the
services page to learn more. Find the team on Google Maps at
Ezi Cut Tree Services or head to the
contact page
for all enquiries.
