Storm and emergency tree removal in Cookeville
Trees on roofs, cars, fences and drives after wind, ice or a tornado.
After wind or ice, the first job is sorting what's dangerous from what's merely in the way. A trunk resting on a roof or a limb hung up in the canopy can shift without warning; a pine across the backyard can wait until morning.
In the first hour
- Stay away from wires. Treat any downed line as live. Even limbs not touching a line can carry an arc, according to local utility guidance reported by The UC Now.
- Call the utility for lines. Cookeville Electric outages: 866-502-7411. Volunteer Energy Cooperative: 855-940-3927.
- Get people out from under it. If a tree is on the house, leave the rooms below it.
- Take photos. Pictures of the tree, the damage and the roof help with an insurance claim.
- Then call for a quote. Say whether it's on a structure, hanging, or just on the ground; that changes the equipment.
The 2020 tornado
The National Weather Service in Nashville rated the tornado that crossed Putnam County early on March 3, 2020 an EF-4, with estimated peak winds of 175 mph, a path of 8.39 miles and 19 deaths. It was on the ground from 1:48 to 1:56 a.m. Baxter was among the communities affected by that outbreak.
Who clears what
- Trees on your property: yours, according to Cookeville's FAQ.
- Trees in the right-of-way, parks or on city land: the city's.
- Utility lines: the utility makes the line safe. VEC cuts down or makes safe a dead tree threatening its equipment but doesn't clean up or remove it, and it doesn't remove tree debris caused by a storm.
- Contractor-cut debris: Cookeville's free brush pickup won't take limbs or trunks cut by a private contractor.
Cookeville's tree ordinance waives its requirements during emergencies and natural disasters so abatement work can proceed.
What emergency work costs
Angi says demand spikes after storms and emergency removal can run up to $5,000 depending on the situation; clearing a tree that's already down is often $75 to $150. A tree on a roof, or one that needs a crane, costs more. See the cost page.
Common questions
Does the power company remove trees that fall on its lines?
It makes the line safe. Volunteer Energy Cooperative says it does not remove tree debris caused by a storm; property owners clear it. Ask Cookeville Electric about lines it serves.
Can I burn storm debris?
From October 15 through May 15 the Tennessee Division of Forestry requires a burn permit for woody debris and leaf piles. City or county rules may be stricter.
Is a fallen tree covered by insurance?
That depends on your policy and what the tree hit. Call your insurer; photos help.
Tree down? Get help lined up
Ring the number or fill in the form. Whatever you send is handed to one tree contractor working in and around Putnam County, and pricing the job is free.
Got the recording? Say your name, a callback number, where the tree is, and what's wrong with it.