“The sky turned dark fast, and within minutes, trees were snapping like twigs.” That’s how one Forest Hills resident described the April 2025 storm that tore through Pittsburgh. High winds, relentless rain, and multiple downed power lines created chaos—and left behind a mess that’s going to take weeks to clean up.

Storm Wrecks Pittsburgh: What to Do About Fallen Trees

“The sky turned dark fast, and within minutes, trees were snapping like twigs.” That’s how one Forest Hills resident described the April 2025 storm that tore through Pittsburgh. High winds, relentless rain, and multiple downed power lines created chaos—and left behind a mess that’s going to take weeks to clean up.

If you’re staring at broken limbs, cracked trunks, or entire trees uprooted in your yard, you’re not alone. Reports of trees down in Forest Hills storm and neighboring areas have flooded social media and news outlets. But what now?

Let’s break down what to do next—and how to do it safely and efficiently.

Step 1: Stay Safe First

Don’t rush outside just yet. Fallen trees can bring a lot more than inconvenience.

• Check for downed power lines. If a tree is touching wires, keep a wide distance and call 911 or your power company immediately.

• Watch for unstable limbs. Hanging branches or cracked trunks can fall without warning. Avoid walking beneath damaged trees.

• Smell gas? Get out. If roots have ruptured a gas line, evacuate and contact emergency services.

Safety first. Cleanup can wait a few hours—it’s not worth risking injury.

Step 2: Document the Damage

Take photos and videos of everything. Capture wide shots of your property and close-ups of each tree or branch that fell.

• Include timestamps if possible.

• Don’t move or clean anything yet—your insurance provider may need to inspect it.

This step is crucial if you’re planning to file a homeowner’s insurance claim.

Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Company

Once it's safe, reach out to your insurance provider.

• Explain what happened and ask if storm tree damage cleanup is covered.

• Some policies cover tree removal if the tree damaged your home, fence, garage, or other insured structure.

• Ask what documentation they need and whether they have preferred vendors.

Even if the policy doesn’t cover full cleanup, some companies will pay for tree removal if it’s blocking access or creating safety hazards.

Step 4: Hire a Professional Tree Removal Company

Now’s not the time to borrow your neighbor’s chainsaw and go full lumberjack. Storm-damaged trees can behave unpredictably—what looks like a simple job could become dangerous fast.

Instead, work with a company experienced in storm cleanup in Pittsburgh and emergency tree removal.

What to look for:

• Licensed and insured professionals

• Experience with storm-damaged trees

• Same-day or emergency service options

• Clean work—no debris left behind

Ask for a free quote and make sure the company will communicate directly with your insurance provider if needed.

Step 5: Schedule a Post-Storm Tree Inspection

Even if some trees look okay, they might not be.

Hidden damage like root instability or internal cracks can go unnoticed until the next storm brings them down.

Hire a certified arborist to:

• Inspect for cracks, decay, or weak root systems

• Trim back damaged branches

• Assess whether trees can be saved or should be removed

A few hundred bucks now could save you thousands in damage later—and help avoid another emergency call in the next storm.

Bonus: What to Do if You See Public Trees Down

If you spot trees down in Forest Hills storm on sidewalks, roads, or public parks, report them to your local municipality or the City of Pittsburgh’s 311 response center.

They’ll coordinate cleanup with public works or the forestry department. Don’t try to handle public trees yourself—it’s not just dangerous, it’s also illegal in many areas.

Final Thoughts: Be Prepared Before the Next Storm

These storms aren’t going anywhere. If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that Pittsburgh weather is full of surprises.

Here’s how to get ahead:

• Schedule annual tree inspections

• Trim weak or overhanging limbs

• Clear dead trees before they fall

• Update your homeowner’s policy to reflect current risks

• Know who to call for help with storm cleanup in Pittsburgh

Need help now? Whether you’re dealing with emergency tree removal or just want a safety assessment after the recent storm, our crew is here to help. Fast, professional, and local—we’ve got Pittsburgh’s back, one tree at a time.