Emergency Tree Situations: When to Call 24/7 Tree Services in Kelowna

Kelowna's weather can be unpredictable. Summer windstorms, heavy winter snowfall, and spring ice events can all create tree emergencies that require immediate professional attention. Knowing the difference between a true emergency and a situation that can wait for a scheduled appointment can save you money and help prioritize safety.

Call Immediately: True Emergencies

These situations pose an immediate risk to people, property, or infrastructure. Do not attempt to handle them yourself. Call a professional emergency tree service right away.

Leaning Trees After Storms

If a tree has suddenly developed a noticeable lean after a wind or snow event, the root plate may be lifting. This is an immediate failure risk. A tree that was straight yesterday and is leaning today has likely suffered significant root damage and could fall at any time, especially with continued wind or additional precipitation.

Hanging Branches over Structures

Large branches that have partially broken but remain attached to the tree (sometimes called "hangers" or "widow-makers") are extremely dangerous. These branches can fall without warning and are unpredictable in how they will come down. If a hanging branch is over a house, driveway, sidewalk, or any area where people walk or gather, this requires emergency service.

Uprooted Root Plates

When the soil around a tree's base begins to crack, heave, or lift, the tree's root system is failing. This is most common after heavy rain saturates the soil followed by strong winds. A tree with a lifting root plate can topple completely with little additional force.

Trees on Power Lines

Never attempt to remove a tree or branch from a power line yourself. Even if the line appears dead, it may still be carrying current. Contact your utility provider immediately, then call a professional tree service once the line has been de-energized and cleared by the utility crew.

Post-Storm Damage Assessment

After a significant storm, walk your property (from a safe distance) and look for broken branches still in the canopy, split trunks, exposed root systems, and any trees that have changed position. Multiple damaged trees on one property after a storm often warrant an emergency assessment to prioritize which trees pose the greatest immediate risk.

Can Wait: Non-Emergency Situations

Not every tree concern requires immediate service. These situations are worth addressing, but can be scheduled during normal business hours.

• Dead branches that are stable. Dead wood that has been in the tree for a long time and is not hanging or cracked can typically wait for a scheduled pruning appointment.
• Gradual lean. A tree that has always leaned slightly is different from one that suddenly changed position. Trees can grow at an angle and remain structurally sound for decades.
• Mushrooms at the base. While these indicate root decay and should be assessed by an arborist, they do not mean the tree will fail today. Schedule an assessment within the next few weeks.
• Leaf discolouration or early leaf drop. These are health concerns, not safety emergencies. An arborist can diagnose the issue during a scheduled visit.
• Minor branch breakage. Small branches under 5 cm in diameter that have broken and fallen to the ground are normal and do not require emergency response.

What to Do While You Wait

If you have called for emergency service and are waiting for the crew to arrive, keep people and pets away from the affected area. Do not park vehicles under damaged trees. If a tree has fallen on a structure, do not enter the building until it has been assessed for structural damage. Take photos from a safe distance to document the situation for insurance purposes.