In short
Keep everyone away from it, and if it is on or near a power line stay well clear and call 105, or 999 if anyone is in danger. Photograph it for your insurer. If the tree was protected, work on dangerous trees is an exception to the consent rules, but notice to the council usually still applies.
This is a job for our Storm Damage & Fallen Trees service.
1. Make it safe
A fallen or split tree can still move. Timber under tension can spring when cut, and hung-up branches can drop without warning. Keep people and pets away, and do not try to cut it up yourself.
2. Power lines
If the tree is touching or near an overhead line, assume the line is live. Stay well away and call 105, the free national power cut number. If anyone is in immediate danger, call 999.
3. Record it
Photograph the tree, what it hit and the root plate or break, and note the date and time, before anything is moved.
4. Protected trees
The government guidance lists work on dead and dangerous trees and branches among the exceptions to the need for consent. For a dead protected tree you normally have to give the council five working days' written notice, unless the work is urgently necessary because of an immediate risk of serious harm.
5. Clear and assess
We cut up and clear what has fallen, bring down anything left hanging, and tell you whether the rest of the tree can be kept. See storm-damaged and fallen trees.