Tree blown over with its roots exposed after a storm near Leeds

Storm and emergency work

Emergency Tree Work in Leeds After Storms and Sudden Damage

We take on emergency tree work in Leeds for split trunks, hung branches and fallen trees. All of these can stay unstable long after a storm has passed.

If anyone is in danger, call 999 first. Otherwise, once you're clear of the tree, send us your postcode with a short description of what has happened. Tell us it's urgent and we'll let you know what we can do and when.

Written scope of work
Tree protection checked before cutting
Waste and stump work made clear

Ask about this tree work. Fill in the form with your postcode and a short description, then email us any photos taken safely from the ground.

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Call 999 or 105 before you contact us

Some situations need the emergency services or the network operator before they need a tree surgeon, so please make these calls first.

999 if there is any danger to life.
105 if a tree is touching or has brought down electricity cables.

Stay well away from cables, even if they aren't sparking, because a fallen line can make the ground or nearby objects live. No tree work can begin until the electrical risk has been dealt with.

A tree on a public road or footpath is a council matter if it poses an immediate danger. Leeds City Council's tree emergencies page explains how to report it. Give an accurate location, and don't step into traffic. The council doesn't normally deal with trees on private land unless they create an immediate danger to the highway or public land.

Professional emergency tree work in Leeds

We deal with the immediate danger first, then plan any further work once the whole tree can be looked at properly.

Some storm-damaged trees can stay, so we consider limited work first. Others do need full tree removal, especially where the stem has split or the roots have failed, and we'll explain why.

Urgent tree work we can help with

What we do depends on the type of damage.

Hanging branches and split stems

A hanging limb can drop without warning, especially if other branches are holding its weight. We assess what's supporting it and plan how to bring it down without loading anything else. Fresh splits in a main stem or large fork can point to a serious defect, so these get checked before anyone works under them.

Uprooted or newly leaning trees

Where roots are showing or the ground has lifted, the root plate can shift suddenly. Wood under strain can also release when it's cut, so we plan the order of each cut with that in mind.

A tree resting on a house or garage

A tree on a roof, conservatory or wall may be loading the structure, or even holding part of it up. Please stay out of any part of the building that looks unsafe. If you're unsure, contact the emergency services or a building professional as well as us.

Branches lodged in another tree

Never try to dislodge a lodged branch with poles, ropes or a ladder, because we need to see how it's held before anything moves.

Storm damage at homes and business premises

The risk to people comes first wherever the tree stands, from a back garden to a business entrance. On shared sites, please tell us who else uses the area and who you've already contacted.

When is tree damage an emergency?

We treat a job as urgent when part of a tree could fall on people, buildings or a public route. A split trunk leaning towards the house fits that description, and so does a heavy limb hanging over a path. A broken branch in a quiet corner of the garden can usually wait for a normal booking.

If the tree is still standing and hasn't changed suddenly, our dangerous and dead trees service may suit you better.

Do TPO rules still apply after a storm?

Yes, a tree's protection stays in place after a storm. Certain work on a dead or dangerous protected tree normally needs at least five working days' written notice to Leeds City Council. Different rules apply to work urgently needed to remove an immediate risk of serious harm.

Where we can, we check the tree's status before cutting, and we keep safe photos and written notes showing the defect and why the work was needed. The council's tree works guidance sets out the current procedure. Birds' nests in active use and bat roosts stay protected as well.

How we respond and make a damaged tree safe

Assessing the risk from your message

We weigh up what you've sent and reply with what we can do and when. We can't promise a set arrival time, because that depends on the damage and on our workload at the time. If we aren't the right people for the job, we'll say so.

While you wait, keep everyone away from the tree. Bring children and pets indoors, warn your neighbours and, if you can do so safely, block the way in without going near it. Don't drive under a leaning trunk.

Safe working, timber and debris

We start by agreeing the safe way in and what the first visit will cover, in writing where we can. Fallen timber is often under heavy tension or compression, and one wrong cut can make a section spring, roll or drop. Never cut or pull damaged timber, and don't borrow a chainsaw to clear the drive. The HSE guidance on chainsaws at work shows why this takes so much care.

Why contact us when a tree comes down?

You'll get a straight answer on what we can do, without promises we can't keep. Your scope shows which debris and timber we're dealing with, and if limited work will make the tree safe, we'll tell you.

What does emergency tree work cost in Leeds?

The cost depends on the danger and the work needed to make the site safe, along with site conditions, any traffic controls and waste removal. You can see what drives a quote on our tree surgeon prices page.

We'll make clear which work a price covers, so you can pass it to your insurer, as tree work, debris removal and building repairs are often separate items. Cover depends on your policy and on what caused the damage, so ring them as soon as you can, but never delay urgent action to protect life.

Storm damage help across Leeds and surrounding areas

You can reach us about urgent work in Headingley, Chapel Allerton, Alwoodley, Pudsey and our other Leeds areas. If you're further afield, send the postcode and we'll confirm whether we can help.

Your free emergency tree work quote: what to tell us

A short, clear message gets you a useful answer soonest. Fill in the form on this page or email [email protected]. Photos have to come by email because the form doesn't take them, and you should only take them from a safe position. Please include:

Your address, postcode and a contact number.
Where the tree stands: private land, a public road or shared ground.
What has happened to it: split, uprooted, hanging or already on a building.
Any people, roads, cables or buildings at risk.
Safe access routes and any known tree protection.

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Need help with a tree in Leeds?

Send us your postcode and a few details using the form, and we'll tell you the best next step.

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