Storms in Edinburgh are no stranger to fierce winds and torrential rain, and when trees come down, they don’t always fall quietly. Whether a large branch has landed in your garden or an entire tree has come crashing onto your roof, the aftermath of a storm can be stressful, dangerous, and overwhelming. Knowing what to do in those first few hours can make all the difference — for your safety, your property, and your peace of mind.
When a Tree Falls: What to Do First
If you’ve experienced tree damage after a storm, it’s important to stay calm and take a systematic approach. Acting quickly — but safely — can prevent further damage and help you get the right support fast.
1. Check for Immediate Hazards
Look for signs of danger such as:
- Live electrical wires caught in branches
- Trees or limbs leaning on structures
- Cracked or hanging branches above pathways
- Flooded ground or unstable soil
If there’s any risk to life or property, contact emergency services immediately. Do not attempt to move large trees or climb ladders yourself — even if it looks stable, storm-damaged timber can be unpredictable.
2. Secure the Area
If it’s safe to do so:
- Keep children and pets well away from the damaged area
- Use cones, tape, or bins to warn others of the danger
- Take clear photos for insurance purposes
The more information you can provide to your insurer or tree surgeon, the quicker they’ll be able to assess the situation.
3. Call a Local Emergency Tree Surgeon
You’ll want someone who:
- Offers emergency response (ideally 24/7)
- Knows the local area
- Is fully qualified and insured
At Heartwood Tree Care, we’ve been responding to emergency tree removals across Edinburgh and the Lothians since 2020. Whether it’s a middle-of-the-night callout or storm damage after a weekend downpour, we’re ready to help.
We’re based in Ratho and serve nearby areas including:
- Edinburgh city and suburbs
- East Lothian and Midlothian
- Falkirk, Stirling, and Fife
“Having had the misfortune of an enormous pine tree crash into my house, I contacted Heartwood Tree Care. They were on-site within hours and removed the tree within two days. Prompt, professional, and very reasonable.”
— Nigel Beaumont, Edinburgh homeowner
What Happens During an Emergency Callout?
We follow a clear, safety-first process from the moment you get in touch.
Initial Assessment
Our experienced team will assess the scene, identifying hazards like:
- Structural pressure on buildings or fences
- Unstable trees likely to shift
- Hidden damage within the tree canopy
If weather conditions are still unsafe (e.g. high winds or lightning), we may temporarily secure the area and return at first light.
Safe Dismantling & Removal
Using ropes, rigging, and sectional dismantling techniques, we:
- Carefully lower large branches away from structures
- Avoid causing further damage to roofs or gardens
- Grind or remove the stump (if required)
We’re fully equipped with:
- Wood chippers
- Stump grinders
- Chainsaws and rigging kits
- PPE and site safety barriers
Everything is handled in line with industry best practices — and we’re proud to be an Edinburgh Trusted Trader and Achilles accredited for work with utility firms.
Post-Clearance Clean-Up
We leave no trace behind. Once the tree is removed:
- All debris is chipped or taken away
- Timber is responsibly recycled
- The area is swept and made safe for re-entry
Real Case Study: Emergency Tree Removal in Residential Edinburgh
After a winter storm in early 2025, a mature pine tree snapped at the base and fell onto the roof of a home in the city. When our team arrived, the storm was still active — so we secured the area and arranged to return at the first safe opportunity.
The job involved:
- Sectional dismantling to prevent further roof damage
- Coordination with the homeowner and their insurer
- Full stump grinding and removal of debris
This kind of fast, careful response is what we do best. It’s not just about removing trees — it’s about supporting people when they need help most.
How Much Does Emergency Tree Removal Cost?
Emergency tree removal in Edinburgh varies depending on:
- Tree size and location
- Access to the site
- Time of day (emergency out-of-hours fees may apply)
- Whether stump removal is included
Rough price range:
- Smaller trees: £300 – £700
- Larger trees: £800 – £2,000+
- Emergency callout fee: £300
We offer free quotes and always aim to be transparent with pricing. Contact us directly on 0131 581 8203 or visit our emergency service page to get in touch quickly.
Why Choose Heartwood Tree Care?
✔ Local and Experienced – Over 10 years in the industry
✔ Edinburgh Trusted Trader – Recognised for quality and reliability
✔ Fully Qualified Team – NPTC-certified tree surgeons
✔ 24/7 Emergency Callouts – Responsive, reliable, and ready to act
✔ Commercial & Domestic – Homes, businesses, utility firms
We’ve helped customers in everything from tight city gardens to larger rural sites — and we treat every job with the same care.
Don’t Wait – Contact Edinburgh’s Trusted Emergency Tree Team
If a storm has damaged trees on your property, don’t take risks with your safety. Our team is on-hand and ready to respond, whether it’s first thing in the morning or late at night.
👉 Call Heartwood Tree Care now
👉 Or email us at in**@*********co.uk
