Tree down in Chattanooga? Who to call
Last checked: November 4, 2026
Who to call for each situation
| What happened | Who to call |
|---|---|
| Someone is hurt, or there's a fire | 911 |
| A tree on a power line, or a line down | 911, and keep everyone well away from it |
| Your power is out | EPB: call or text OUTAGE to 423-648-1372, or use the MyEPB app. If EPB isn't your power company, use the number on your bill. |
| A tree blocking a public street in the city | 311 or 423-643-6311. Use the request type Tree Fallen/Branch. |
| A tree on your own property, with no power lines involved | You'd normally hire a tree company. If it hit your house or another building, call your insurance company too. |
When 311 is closed
A May 2024 storm notice listed the 311 Service Center's hours as 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. For nights and weekends, it pointed people to the Chattanooga Police non-emergency number, 423-698-2525. You can also use the CHA 311 app or the city's online request form to report a tree that isn't an emergency.
If a power line is involved
This is EPB's safety advice:
- Never touch a power line with your hands, your feet or any object.
- Don't drive over a downed line.
- Be careful with ladders and tree pruning equipment around power lines, and call a professional to trim limbs near them.
If a line falls on your car, stay inside, honk the horn and roll down the window. Call for help, and tell people to stay away from the car until a first responder arrives. If the car catches fire, keep your hands at your sides and jump clear, so you aren't touching the car when your feet hit the ground.
Once everyone is safe
- Watch for more falling trees. EPB warns that strong winds, ice, snow or wet ground can bring down more trees.
- Take photos of the tree and any damage before anything is moved, in case you make an insurance claim.
- Call your insurance company if the tree hit your home or another insured building. The Insurance Information Institute says removal is generally covered up to about $500 to $1,000 in that case. If the tree missed your buildings, removal generally isn't covered, though some insurers pay when it blocks a driveway or an accessibility ramp.
- Before hiring anyone, ask for proof of insurance and a written price.
If the tree came from next door, see who pays when a neighbor's tree falls.
Need a fallen tree removed?
Once it's safe, send one short request and we'll pass it to one local tree company. It's free to use, and you don't have to hire anyone.
Request a quote