Safety first. If wires are involved, stay at least 30 feet away and call 911 and your electric utility. If the tree has gone through the roof, leave the house until it's checked.
What to do right now
- Get people and pets away from the tree and anything it's touching.
- Take photos from a safe distance for your insurance claim.
- Call your homeowner's insurer. Many policies cover removal when a tree hits a covered structure; check your policy.
- Call (570) 555-0100 or send the form to be connected with a local tree service.
What emergency work costs
Emergency and after-hours work costs more. A published 2026 Pennsylvania model puts a same-day storm response for a large leaning tree near structures at $3,003–$9,526, and a scheduled fallen-tree cleanup at $332–$1,134 (CostFigure, Pennsylvania tree removal cost (2026)). National guides note emergency response often adds 15–40% (TreeOps USA, 2026 cost guide (national)). Estimates only.
We can't promise a response time. The independent tree services we refer to set their own schedules, and after big storms every crew in the valley is busy.
Before you hire anyone
- Ask for a written quote that says whether stump grinding, log removal and cleanup are included.
- Ask for a certificate of liability insurance and workers' comp. In Scranton, tree businesses must carry at least $500,000 bodily injury / $100,000 property damage liability and workers' comp, and register with the PA Attorney General (Scranton City Code, Ch. 434 Art. II (Trees) §434-6).
- Check their PA Home Improvement Contractor registration number (PA Attorney General: home improvement contractor registration).
- Get two or three quotes for non-emergency work.