Storm damage tree removal in Lake Charles, LA
When a hurricane or a spring storm drops a tree on the house, the order you handle things in matters. Here's what to do first.
Southwest Louisiana knows this better than most places. Hurricane Laura's Category 4 winds in August 2020 and Hurricane Delta six weeks later left roughly half of Lake Charles's mature trees down, stripped or broken. Smaller storms keep coming too: the city ran a separate vegetative debris pickup after an April 10, 2024 storm. Most storm calls are a tree on a roof, a pine snapped across a driveway, or a big limb hung up in the crown over the house.
What should I do first?
- Look for wires. A tree on a line belongs to the utility. Report it and keep 10 feet or more away, as state law requires of anyone not authorized.
- Move people. Nobody should stay in a room with a trunk resting on the roof above it.
- Record it. Photos and video of the tree, the roof and the yard, taken before cleanup starts.
- Open a claim. Your insurer may want an adjuster out before the tree is moved.
- Book a licensed crew. Describe what the tree landed on so they bring a lift or crane if it's needed.
Is a license needed just to clean up?
That turns on whether the wood is still attached. The LSU AgCenter explains that clearing material that has already fallen onto a house, driveway or lawn is debris removal. Cutting a standing tree, or a limb still attached to one, is routine tree work that needs a Louisiana license. After a declared emergency, LDAF can issue a temporary 90-day arborist license to someone licensed by exam in another state or certified by the International Society of Arboriculture who shows proof of insurance. Either way, the crew should be able to show you a license.
Should I hire the crew that knocks on my door?
Out-of-area crews tend to show up after big storms. The LSU AgCenter's advice: don't hire people who come knocking for routine tree work, and get a written contract with the work and the price. Licensed companies are required to put their license number on business vehicles that carry advertising.
Where does the debris go?
The City of Lake Charles has asked residents to place vegetative storm debris at the curb, with limbs cut to 4 feet or shorter and less than 4 inches across. Pieces over 50 pounds, like stumps, aren't picked up. Ask whether your tree company hauls trunk wood or leaves it, because big rounds will stay where they land.
Pricing comes from the tree company, after someone has looked at the tree, what it could land on and how equipment can get to it. We don't quote prices, and a figure given over the phone without a visit is only a ballpark.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
Does my policy cover a tree that fell on the house?
Coverage varies by policy and by what got hit. Talk to your insurer before big work starts, and save every photo and invoice.
A fallen limb brought down my service drop. What now?
Treat the wire as live. Report it to the power company, keep people and pets away, and let a tree crew in only after the utility clears it.
Related services
More background: Lake Charles tree removal guide.
A pine leaning since Laura, a limb over the carport, or stumps the city won't haul?
Call and get connected with a Louisiana-licensed tree service that works in Calcasieu Parish.