Tree service vs roof repair

After a storm, you may need both a tree service and a roofer. Learn which to call first, how the two trades coordinate, and how to avoid paying twice for overlapping work.

Tree services and roofers frequently show up at the same property after storm damage, but their scopes are distinct. A tree service handles the tree itself: removing fallen limbs from the roof, cutting back damaged branches, grinding stumps, and performing crane-assisted removal of hazard trees leaning toward the house. A roofer handles everything from the deck up: replacing damaged shingles, repairing flashing and underlayment, patching holes, and tarping exposed areas to prevent water intrusion. The critical sequencing rule: the tree must be removed from the roof before the roofer can assess and repair damage underneath. Call the tree service first — most storm-response tree companies can be on-site within 24–48 hours. Then have the roofer follow up within a day or two. If a large tree is embedded in the roof structure, the two crews may need to work simultaneously with a coordinated plan to avoid further collapse. Costs: emergency tree removal from a roof $500–$3,000 depending on size and access; roof repair from storm/tree damage $500–$5,000; full roof replacement if the structure is compromised $8,000–$25,000.