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Emergency response needed

A tree fell on your roof. Here is what to do right now.

A fallen tree or large branch causes some of the most serious roof damage a homeowner can face. Your first priority is protecting the opening before the next rain. We can have a professional tarp installed within 24-48 hours.

Schedule a Free Quote 24-48 hour response, coast-to-coast
Vetted, insured Seeker assesses damage on-site
Before-and-after documentation for your insurance claim
No upsell, no roofing sales pitch. We tarp only.
Your immediate priorities
1
Stay out of damaged areas
Do not enter rooms directly below the impact zone. Structural integrity may be compromised.
2
Document before anything moves
Take photos and video of the tree, the damage, and every affected area. Do this before debris removal begins.
3
Contact your insurance company
Report the loss promptly. Most policies require notification as soon as reasonably possible.
4
Schedule debris removal
Arrange a tree service to remove the debris, but do not let them disturb the roof without documentation first.
5
Get the roof tarped professionally
A tarp goes on as soon as the area is safe. We handle the installation and all insurance documentation.
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Understanding the damage

A tree impact is not just a roof problem.

When a tree or large branch falls on a roof, the damage extends well beyond the visible impact zone. The weight and force involved can compromise roof framing, push debris into the attic space, and create large openings that expose your home to the elements immediately.

The roof opening is the urgent issue. Until it is covered, every hour of rain exposure risks water reaching your attic insulation, ceiling joists, drywall, flooring, and anything stored below. Water damage from an uncovered tree impact can multiply quickly.

A professional tarp installed over the damaged area is the critical first step. It stops further water intrusion while you coordinate debris removal, an insurance assessment, and permanent repairs. The tarp does not fix the roof, but it protects everything underneath it while you work through the process.

Roof decking and framing
The structural members under the shingles can crack, split, or be pushed out of position by a tree impact. This needs assessment before repairs can be scoped.
Attic and insulation
Debris enters the attic space and insulation absorbs moisture rapidly. Wet insulation loses its effectiveness and becomes a mold risk within 48 hours.
Ceilings and interior walls
Water migrates through ceiling joists and saturates drywall. Staining, sagging, and eventual collapse can occur if the opening is not sealed quickly.
Electrical and mechanical
Tree impacts near HVAC units, electrical mast connections, or attic wiring create safety hazards that need to be assessed before the home is re-occupied.
Mold risk
Mold can begin developing in wet building materials within 48 hours. A timely tarp and prompt drying is the best way to prevent a remediation situation on top of the structural repair.
Document before debris is removed.
This is one of the most common mistakes homeowners make after a tree impact. Once the tree or branches are removed, the evidence of what caused the damage is gone. Take thorough photos and video before any debris removal begins. Your Seeker will also document the scene on arrival, but anything you can capture beforehand only strengthens your claim.
Why acting quickly matters

A tree impact gets more expensive every day it goes unprotected.

Tree impact damage starts at a structural problem and becomes a water damage problem within hours. Every additional rainfall compounds the cost.

$300-$800
Professional tarp installation
The typical cost to have a Seeker assess the damage, install a proper tarp, and deliver your full insurance documentation package.
$8,000-$30,000
Structural roof repair
Repairing framing, decking, and roofing materials after a significant tree impact. This cost is separate from any water damage that occurs while the roof is open.
$15,000-$60,000+
Water and mold remediation added
When an uncovered impact allows water in over multiple rain events, interior damage, mold remediation, and content replacement can dwarf the original structural repair cost.
Insurance coverage

Tree damage is almost always covered. Documentation is what determines your payout.

Fallen tree damage is one of the most straightforward covered perils in standard homeowner's insurance. Whether the tree was yours, your neighbor's, or a street tree, your own policy typically covers the damage to your structure, regardless of where the tree originated.

The question is not whether you are covered, but how much you recover. That depends almost entirely on how well the damage is documented before and during the claim process. Poor documentation, missing photos, or a gap between the event and the claim filing can all reduce your payout.

We provide complete documentation on every job because we have spent 13+ years producing inspection reports directly for insurance companies. We know what adjusters look for and we deliver exactly that, every time.

Pre-tarp photos capturing the full scope of impact damage
Post-installation photos confirming professional tarp placement
Written assessment with affected area measurements
Itemized cost record formatted for adjuster submission
What we deliver on every tree impact job
Photos of the tree in position before any debris is removed
Full documentation of structural and surface damage to the roof
Post-tarp installation photos confirming coverage
Written damage report in insurance-standard format
All records delivered to you to use with any insurer
Note: Debris removal (cutting and hauling the tree) is typically a separate cost not covered under the tarping service. Your insurer may reimburse debris removal as part of the overall claim. We can document the scene before debris is removed, which supports that portion of your claim as well.
What to expect

How Get a Tarp responds to tree impact damage

From your first request to a protected and documented roof, four steps and no surprises.

1
Submit your request
Fill out the short form online. Describe the tree impact and your property address. No phone call needed to get started.
2
Seeker is routed to you
A vetted, background-checked, and insured Seeker is confirmed for your location. You will know who is coming before they arrive.
3
On-site assessment and quote
Your Seeker evaluates the full damage, documents the scene, measures the affected area, and gives you a transparent quote. No obligation to proceed.
4
Tarp installed and documented
You approve, we install and deliver your complete insurance documentation package. Your roof is protected and your claim is supported.
Other damage types we cover
Storm damage
Tree on roof
Missing shingles
Active roof leak
Fire damage
Tree on roof FAQ

Questions about tree impact roof damage

In most cases, yes. Damage caused by a fallen tree is typically covered under the dwelling protection portion of a standard homeowner's policy, regardless of whether the tree was on your property or a neighbor's. The exception would be if the damage resulted from a tree you had been warned about and neglected to remove. Emergency tarping to prevent further damage is also generally covered as a reasonable mitigation expense.
Generally, your own homeowner's insurance covers damage to your property regardless of where the tree originated. You file with your own insurer first. If your neighbor was negligent, such as ignoring a dead or visibly diseased tree after warnings, your insurer may pursue subrogation against their policy. Get the tarp on and document the damage thoroughly. The insurance question can be sorted out afterward.
Document everything before the tree is moved. Take photos and video of the tree in its current position, the point of impact, and all visible damage. Once debris is removed, the evidence of what caused the damage is gone. After thorough documentation is captured, debris removal can begin. The tarp typically goes on after or alongside debris removal, once the area is safe to access.
Many policies include a limited amount for debris removal, typically $500 to $1,000, when the tree caused damage to a covered structure. Some policies cover debris removal only if the tree blocked a driveway or accessibility point. Review your specific policy or ask your adjuster directly. Our documentation of the scene before debris removal can support that portion of your claim.
That depends on where the tree landed and how significant the structural damage is. As a general rule, avoid rooms directly below the impact zone until a structural assessment has been completed. If there is any concern about the integrity of the roof framing or ceiling, err on the side of caution. For large impacts or situations where the tree has penetrated significantly into the structure, consult a structural engineer or your local building authority before re-occupying.
Most residential tarps range from $300 to $800 based on the tarp size needed to cover the affected area. Tree impacts often require larger tarps than typical storm damage given the size of the opening, so costs may trend toward the higher end of that range. Your Seeker will assess and quote on-site before any work begins. The quote is free with no obligation.

Tree on your roof? Let's get it covered.

Every hour without protection is another rain event away from major interior damage. Get a professional tarp installed, your documentation ready, and your claim on solid footing.

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Free quote, no commitment, no upsell, documentation included