Who Removes Fallen Trees From Roads?

Trees are an asset to any property, but they can sometimes become a liability in the event of a severe storm. If you’re wondering who removes fallen trees from public roads, you’re in the right place.

Strong winds can snap branches and, in some cases, even cause trees to fall. If one of your trees or its branches falls and blocks a street or sidewalk, your state or local municipality will handle the removal. However, our guide below breaks down the removal process and answers the question of who removes fallen trees from roads in different scenarios.

When It’s the State or Local Municipality's Responsibility

Your municipality is responsible for maintaining the roads and sidewalks within their limits, so they’re in charge of removing fallen trees and other debris on public property. In most cases, your local public works department should have procedures in place that allow them to stay on top of any fallen trees or branches, but you can also contact them directly to report a problem.

Once they’re aware of the debris, they’ll send a crew out to clear them and ensure all roads and sidewalks are easily accessible. Note that crews are not responsible for cleaning up or removing any debris that remains on your property.

When It’s Your Responsibility

If the tree falls only on your property, you are responsible for handling the removal process. Depending on how large the tree is or how severe the damage is, you may need to contact an arborist or a local tree removal company to take care of it. They’ll have the necessary equipment and tools to remove large limbs and cut down any remaining branches that may be a hazard to you or your home. They’ll also have the required licensing and insurance to make sure the process is handled safely and that all employees are covered in the event of an injury or accident.

The Health of the Tree Makes a Difference 

In some cases, it doesn’t matter where the tree falls if it hasn’t been cared for or maintained by the owner. If there’s any documentation by a neighbor or someone else that shows your tree has been neglected and posed a risk to others, the onus could be on you to have the tree removed and pay for any damages. 

How to Prevent Trees from Falling 

The best route you can take to keep trees or heavy limbs from falling is to have your trees trimmed at least once a year by a professional tree trimming company so that they stay strong and healthy. The cost of tree trimming ranges from as low as $75 all the way up to $1,800 depending on how many trees you have, the size of each, and the job complexity. Tree trimming helps get rid of unruly branches and prevents overgrowth, two aspects that can lead to debris falling due to the impact of a storm.