“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.