Reflections from the Recent Cobb County Tree Crash

We at Dr Roof were deeply concerned when we saw the local news about a large tree falling onto a home in Cobb County — a distressing incident that left two people injured and required emergency crews to extract them from the damaged house. (WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta)

This kind of event is frightening for any homeowner, and it naturally raises an important question:

What should I do if a tree or tree branch falls on my home — especially on my roof?

In this post, we’ll walk you through the steps to take immediately, what to watch out for, and how to protect your home in the future.

1. Safety First: Ensure Everyone Is Out of Harm’s Way

If a tree crashes onto your house:

  • Get all family members and pets out of the home immediately.
    Heavy limbs can compromise the roof or even cause partial collapse.

  • Stay clear of the damaged section.
    Weak roof structures may shift unexpectedly.

  • Call emergency services if anyone is injured or if there are dangerous conditions like downed power lines or natural gas smells. 

Your safety — and the safety of your loved ones — always comes before anything else.

2. Contact First Responders and Your Insurance Company

Once you’re safe:

  • Call 911 if needed. Firefighters and emergency responders can help stabilize the situation and check for hazards. 

  • Notify your homeowners insurance company right away.
    They will guide you on filing a claim and may send an adjuster to document the damage.

  • Document everything!
    Take photos and videos of all damage before any cleanup begins — this is vital for insurance claims. 

3. Avoid DIY Cleanup

It might be tempting to start clearing the mess, but:

  • Do not attempt to remove trees or large branches yourself.
    Even seemingly stable limbs can be dangerous and cause more damage or injury during removal. 

  • Don’t climb onto your roof.
    The damaged area could collapse beneath you.

Instead, leave the cleanup to professionals trained in tree and storm damage removal.

4. Call a Trusted Roofing Professional (Like Us!)

Once the tree is removed and it’s safe to inspect the structure, you’ll need a roofing expert to:

  • Assess structural damage

  • Repair damaged decking, underlayment, and shingles

  • Ensure proper water sealing

  • Help prevent future leaks or issues

Trees hitting your roof can compromise the integrity of the entire system — even areas that look fine may have hidden damage.

That’s where Dr Roof’s experienced team comes in. We’ll carefully evaluate your roof, explain the damage, and guide you through cost-effective, durable repair options.

5. What About Liability and Prevention?

In many cases — especially storm-related falls — this is considered an “act of nature,” and insurance often covers the damages. 
However, if a tree was rotten, diseased, or previously neglected, liability could shift depending on local laws and insurance terms.

To reduce the risk of future incidents:

  • Have trees near your home inspected by a certified arborist.

  • Trim or remove hazardous limbs before they become a threat. 

  • Maintain at least a 6-foot gap between large branches and your roof. 

Proactive tree care can save thousands in roof repairs and give you peace of mind during storm season.

We’re Here to Help

A tree falling on your house is something no homeowner wants to experience — but knowing what to do next is critical. If this situation has happened to you, or you want to make sure your roof is protected before something happens, contact Dr Roof today for a roof inspection and professional guidance.

Your safety matters — and so does your roof.


FAQ: What To Do If a Tree or Tree Branch Falls on Your Home

1. Should I leave my house if a tree falls on the roof?

Yes—if there’s any chance the structure is unsafe, it’s best to get everyone out immediately. A tree impact can weaken rafters, decking, ceilings, and even walls. If you hear cracking, see sagging, or notice shifting, exit the home and call 911.

2. What if the tree hit near power lines?

If a tree or branch is touching power lines (or even close to them), do not go near it. Treat all lines as live and dangerous. Call 911 or your power company right away and keep everyone at a safe distance.

3. Can I remove the branch myself?

In most cases, no—and we don’t recommend it. A branch can shift suddenly, cause more roof collapse, or create serious injury risk. It’s safest to hire a professional tree removal crew with the right equipment.

4. Should I tarp the roof right away?

Only if it’s safe to do so. If the damage is significant, it’s better to avoid climbing on the roof and let a professional handle emergency tarping. A tarp installed incorrectly can make things worse—or be dangerous during high winds.

5. How do I know if my roof is damaged if I don’t see a hole?

Great question—tree impacts often cause hidden damage, such as:

  • Cracked shingles

  • Soft spots in decking

  • Damaged underlayment

  • Structural stress to framing

    Even if it “looks fine,” you could still have problems that lead to leaks later. A professional inspection is the best next step.

6. Will my homeowner’s insurance cover roof damage from a fallen tree?

Often, yes—especially if the tree fell due to a storm or high winds. Coverage depends on your policy, deductible, and cause of loss. We recommend documenting the damage and contacting your insurance provider as soon as possible.

7. What photos should I take for insurance?

If it’s safe, take photos of:

  • The tree on the home (multiple angles)

  • Roof damage (from the ground)

  • Interior ceiling/wall damage

  • Water leaks or wet insulation

  • Any broken gutters, vents, or skylights

    The more documentation you have, the smoother the claims process usually goes.

8. What should I do if water is leaking inside my home?

If you notice active leaks:

  • Move valuables away from the area

  • Place buckets/towels to catch water

  • If safe, turn off electricity to affected rooms

    Then call a roofing professional for emergency repair options.

9. How fast should I call a roofer after a tree hits my roof?

Immediately. Even small damage can allow water intrusion, and that can lead to mold, insulation damage, and costly repairs. The sooner we inspect it, the better chance we have to limit the damage.

10. Can DrRoof help with storm damage inspections and repairs?

Yes. At Dr Roof, we can inspect the roof, document storm or impact damage, and recommend the best repair path to help protect your home long-term.