A tree has fallen or looks unstable: what to do before contacting a tree service

A fallen, damaged or unstable tree can change the conditions around a property quickly. The first step is not to get closer for a better look. Keep people away from the affected area and work out whether emergency services or the electricity distributor need to be contacted.

Once the immediate safety issue is being handled, gather only the information that can be collected from a safe position.

If there is an immediate threat to life

Contact emergency services.

Do not wait for a tree-service provider to reply before making that call. A quote enquiry or phone message does not replace emergency assistance.

Keep other people away from the affected area. Do not stand beneath damaged branches or enter an area where the tree may move.

If powerlines or electricity infrastructure are involved

Keep clear and contact the relevant electricity distributor.

Follow the instructions given by the electricity distributor or emergency services.

Do not try to clear the tree yourself

A fallen or damaged tree should not be treated as a do-it-yourself clearing job. Do not attempt complex tree removal yourself.

Do not:

• stand beneath hanging or damaged branches;
• climb the tree;
• pull branches with a vehicle or rope;
• begin cutting the tree;
• move into a restricted or unstable area to take photos; or
• touch anything where electricity infrastructure may be involved.

The purpose of the first contact is to describe the situation, not to make the area ready for attendance.

Work out what has changed

From a safe position, note what you can see.

Useful details include:

• whether the tree is standing, leaning, split, damaged or fallen;
• when the change was first noticed;
• whether a large branch or the full tree is involved;
• whether access to the property is blocked;
• whether a building, fence, vehicle or another structure is affected;
• whether anyone is unable to leave or enter the property safely; and
• whether powerlines or electricity infrastructure are nearby or involved.

Do not guess about the condition of the tree. Describe the visible change.

Gather the location and contact details

Have the property suburb or postcode ready, along with the name and callback number of the person at the property.

If the property is difficult to find or access, explain that in the first conversation. Mention locked gates, shared entries, blocked driveways or another safe access point if one exists.

Do not direct anyone through an area affected by the tree.

Take photos only if it is safe

A wide photo can help show where the tree sits in relation to the property. A second photo may show the damaged or fallen section.

Stay in a safe, stable position. Do not:

• walk beneath the tree;
• step over fallen branches;
• enter the road;
• approach powerlines;
• climb onto a roof or structure; or
• move a fence or object that the tree is touching.

If there is no safe place to take a photo, do not take one. Describe the situation by phone.

What to say when you contact GDE

Begin with the most important facts:

• the property suburb or postcode;
• whether anyone is at immediate risk;
• whether powerlines are nearby or involved;
• what has fallen, moved or been damaged;
• what part of the property is affected;
• whether safe access remains available; and
• the best callback number.

Add photos if they were taken safely.

Attendance and timing must be confirmed

Call GDE with the location and what has happened. We will check current availability, ask for any details we need and explain the next step.

Making contact, leaving a message or submitting a form does not confirm attendance.

Continue to follow instructions from emergency services or the electricity distributor where they are involved.

Check the scope if work is arranged

If GDE confirms that the job can be attended, make sure the agreed scope is clear.

Ask what the scope covers, how access will be handled, what will happen to material from the work and whether follow-up work is separate. A stump, remaining branches or another tree may need a different scope.

Do not assume a related service is included unless it is recorded.

What if the tree is not creating an urgent situation?

If the tree is unwanted or concerning but has not created an immediate issue at the property, start with the standard tree-removal page.

Send the location, photos, access details and the reason you are asking about removal.

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Urgent tree-enquiry checklist

Before making contact, gather only what can be collected safely:

• property suburb or postcode;
• name and callback number;
• what has happened;
• whether anyone is at immediate risk;
• whether powerlines are nearby or involved;
• what part of the property is affected;
• whether safe access remains;
• access restrictions; and
• photos taken from a safe position, if possible.

Tell GDE what has happened

Call with the suburb or postcode, the immediate concern and whether anyone or any powerlines are involved. Send photos through the enquiry form only if you can take them safely.

Call 03 8456 7400

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