Services
Emergency Tree Surgeonin ColchesterStorm & Dangerous Trees
A tree down, split or hanging over the house needs a crew that answers the phone. We are 24/7 On the Line, respond the same day, and make the tree safe with qualified climbers and £10m insurance behind the work.
- 5.0 from 59 Google reviews
- £10m public liability insurance
- Free, no-obligation quote
- 24/7 On the Line, same-day response
20 years
in the trade, Tree-Volution since 2015
5.0 from 59
Google reviews, 10/10 Checkatrade
£10m cover
public liability insurance
NPTC qualified
City & Guilds trained
24/7 On the Line
same-day response, free quotes
Emergency & Storm Damage explained, what it is and when you need it
Emergency tree work covers trees that have become a hazard without warning: a limb torn off in a storm and hanging in the crown, a tree uprooted across a drive, a trunk split down the middle, or a tree leaning towards a house after the ground has softened. The aim is simple, make the situation safe first, then deal with the tidy-up.
Our phones are 24/7 On the Line, and we respond the same day. On-site working hours are normally 7am to 7pm, but genuine emergencies, where a tree is threatening a building, a road or people, are treated as emergencies. Talk to us about what you can see and we will tell you straight away what needs to happen next.
Storm-damaged trees are some of the most dangerous trees to work on. Branches can be under tension, loaded against other limbs or held up by little more than bark. Releasing that tension in the wrong order can make a limb spring or drop unexpectedly. Our crew is NPTC qualified for chainsaw use, tree climbing and cherry pickers, so we can choose the safest way to get at the damage.
Who this service is for
- Homeowners, with a tree or large branch that has come down on a roof, fence, car, conservatory or across the garden.
- Neighbours, worried about a damaged tree next door leaning towards their property.
- Businesses and landlords, who need a fallen tree cleared from an entrance, car park or access route so the site can operate again.
- Anyone after a storm, who has spotted a hanging branch, a new lean, cracked soil at the base or a split in the trunk.
What happens if it's left
Hanging branches fall without warning
A snapped limb caught in the crown, often called a hanger, can drop at any moment, especially in the next gust of wind. It is one of the most common causes of injury after storms.
Damage spreads
A tree resting on a roof lets rain in. A tree across a fence lets pets or livestock out. The longer it stays, the more the repair list grows.
Weakened trees fail in the next storm
A tree that has split or started to lean has already lost strength. Left alone, the next spell of bad weather is often what brings it down completely.
Mistakes we see most often
- Cutting a trapped or loaded branch yourself. Stored tension can make the timber spring violently.
- Standing under or near the tree to take photos while branches are still hanging.
- Waiting until the weekend is over when the tree is already moving or cracking.
- Assuming insurance will sort it out before the tree is made safe. Make it safe first, and keep photos for the claim.
How we do it, our five-step process
Step 1
Call us, any time
Our phones are 24/7 On the Line. Tell us what has happened, where the tree is and what it is resting on. Keep people and vehicles well clear.
Step 2
Same-day response
We respond the same day and prioritise trees threatening buildings, roads and people. We explain what we will do on arrival before anyone starts cutting.
Step 3
Make it safe
Hanging limbs and loaded branches are removed in a controlled order, using ropes, a climber or a cherry picker depending on what is safest.
Step 4
Assess what is left
Once the danger is gone, we check the rest of the tree. Some trees can be reduced and kept; others need to come down. You get an honest recommendation.
Step 5
Clear-up
Wood, branches and chippings are removed as part of the price, so the garden or site is usable again.
What you get out of it
Speed
Same-day response and a phone that is answered around the clock, so you are not left waiting on voicemail during a storm.
Safety
Qualified climbers and MEWP operators who know how to release tension in damaged timber safely.
Cost control
Dealing with a damaged tree quickly stops a small problem turning into roof, fence or vehicle repairs.
Clear advice
We tell you what must be done now and what can wait, so you are not pushed into more work than the tree needs.
Insured work
£10 million public liability insurance on every job, including urgent callouts.
Peace of mind
Rated 5.0 from 59 Google reviews and 10/10 on Checkatrade for quality, reliability and communication.
Emergency & Storm Damage in detail
What counts as a tree emergency
A tree emergency is any situation where a tree or branch is putting people or property at immediate risk. That includes a tree resting on a building or vehicle, a limb hanging over a path or road, a tree blocking a drive or access route, and a tree that has visibly moved or cracked at the base after high winds.
If you are unsure, ring us. Describing what you can see is usually enough for us to say whether it needs attention straight away or can be booked in normally.
- Trees or limbs on roofs, conservatories, sheds or cars
- Split trunks and torn-out limbs after storms
- Uprooted or newly leaning trees
- Trees blocking drives, lanes or site entrances
- Branches tangled near overhead cables (we advise contacting the network operator first)
Working on storm-damaged timber
Storm damage creates unpredictable forces. A branch may be bent under compression on one side and tension on the other, and cutting in the wrong place can cause it to split or kick back. Our team plans each cut, uses rigging to control weight, and uses a cherry picker where the tree itself is not sound enough to climb.
After the emergency
Once the tree is safe, we can quote for any follow-up work, such as a crown reduction to rebalance the tree, full removal, stump grinding, or repairing fences and landscaping disturbed by the fall. If the tree is protected by a TPO or in a conservation area, we advise on what can be done immediately to remove danger and what needs consent.
Emergency & Storm Damage, your questions answered
Do you really answer the phone 24/7?
Yes. Our phones are 24/7 On the Line. On-site work normally runs 7am to 7pm, but genuine emergencies where a tree is threatening people or property are dealt with as emergencies.
How fast can you get to me in Colchester?
We offer a same-day response. Exact arrival time depends on where you are and how many emergencies are running after a storm, and we will tell you honestly when you call.
How much does emergency tree work cost?
It depends on the size of the tree, what it is resting on and the equipment needed. We give you a clear price before work starts, and removal of the wood and chippings is included.
Can I claim on my home insurance?
Many policies cover damage caused by fallen trees. Take photos before we start, and we can give you written details of the work for your insurer.
The tree is on my neighbour's land. What should I do?
If it is an immediate danger, call us and let your neighbour know. We can make the part over your property safe and talk both of you through the options.
Do you need permission for emergency work on a protected tree?
Work needed to remove immediate danger is treated differently from planned work, but it should still be kept to what is necessary. We have lots of experience with TPO and conservation area trees and can advise.
Will you remove the whole tree?
Only if it needs it. Often the damaged sections can be removed and the rest reduced and kept. We give an honest recommendation once the tree is safe.
Which areas do you cover for emergencies?
Colchester and up to 20 miles around it along the A12, including Wivenhoe, West Mersea, Tiptree, Witham, Halstead and Ipswich.
Where we work
Emergency & Storm Damage is carried out from our Colchester base, up to 20 miles out along the A12. Pick your town for local detail, see the full list of services, or go back to the Tree-Volution homepage.
Related services
Tree Felling & Removal
Trees of any size or height felled or dismantled in sections, with the site cleared after.
Tree Surgery
Crowning, pollarding, pruning, reduction and shaping to keep trees healthy, safe and in proportion.
Stump Grinding & Removal
Stumps ground out below ground level so you can re-turf, plant or build over the spot.
Get your emergency & storm damage quote
Free site visit, a clear price with waste removal included, and no obligation to book. Ring James directly or send the details over and we'll come and look.
