--- title: Should I Cut Up a Fallen Tree Myself? url: https://battleborntreeservice.com/faq/emergencies-and-storms/should-i-cut-up-a-fallen-tree-myself/ business: Battle Born Tree Service address: 6301 US Highway 50 East, Carson City, NV 89701 phone: 775.232.8243 hours: Office Monday-Friday 8:30 am-5:00 pm; phones answered seven days a week; 24-hour emergency service credentials: ISA Certified Arborist WE-11728A on staff; Nevada Business License # 20131580674; fully insured type: Tree service (removal, crane work, pruning, stump grinding, defensible space, snow removal, firewood) --- - [Home](https://battleborntreeservice.com/) - [Questions and answers](https://battleborntreeservice.com/faq/) - [Emergencies and storms](https://battleborntreeservice.com/faq/emergencies-and-storms/) - Should I cut up a fallen tree myself? # Should I cut up a fallen tree myself? Usually not, unless it is a small, clearly unloaded branch on the ground with no line, roof or other wood involved. A fallen tree can hold tension that moves it suddenly when cut, and storm cleanup is where chain saw injuries happen. ## What makes a fallen tree dangerous A tree that has come down on something is often bent, wedged or supported by other wood, and a cut can release it with force. A limb caught in a canopy can fall without warning. Wet bark, uneven ground and snow add to the risk. A tree on a house or fence can also be holding up the load it fell onto. ## Check these first If a power line is on or near the tree, stay away and call NV Energy; unqualified people must keep 10 feet from lines up to 50 kV, and a downed line may be live. If anyone is hurt, call 911. Do not climb onto a damaged roof to cut. Hanging limbs are covered in [widow-makers and hanging limbs](https://battleborntreeservice.com/guides/widow-makers-hanging-limbs/). ## What is reasonable for a homeowner A small branch lying flat on open ground, far from lines, buildings and other wood, with nothing under tension, is a common cleanup task. We do not write chain saw or felling instructions on this site, because it is not something to learn from a web page. If you use a saw, use the protective gear and the manual from its maker. ## When to call Any tree that is on a house, a car, a road or a driveway, any tree that is bent or wedged, and any large trunk is a crew's job. Call [775.232.8243](tel:775.232.8243). Emergency service is available 24 hours a day, and clearing roads and driveways, removing trees from houses and hauling away storm debris are on our list. Read [what to have ready](https://battleborntreeservice.com/faq/emergencies-and-storms/what-to-have-ready-when-you-call/) first. ## What a crew brings Our crew works with a chipper, dump trucks, a Bobcat track loader and a utility chip truck, and a crane for large trees near houses. A certified arborist assesses the job before work begins. Debris collection and disposal is part of storm clean-up on our service list. The point is not that homeowners cannot use a saw; it is that storm wood hides tension, lines and weight. ### Sources - [NV Energy: Tree trimming near power lines](https://www.nvenergy.com/tree) (read October 17, 2026) - [NV Energy: Overhead Power Line Safety brochure ("Be Safe. Be Legal.", NRS 455.200-455.240)](https://www.nvenergy.com/publish/content/dam/nvenergy/brochures_arch/help/brochures/overhead_line_safety.pdf) (read October 17, 2026) ### Talk to the office [775.232.8243](tel:775.232.8243) | Monday to Friday | 8:30 am - 5:00 pm | |---|---| | Saturday and Sunday | Office closed, phones answered | Phones answered seven days a week. 24-hour emergency service. [Free estimate](#quote) ### Keep reading - [Emergencies and storms questions](https://battleborntreeservice.com/faq/emergencies-and-storms/) - [A tree fell on the house: first hour checklist](https://battleborntreeservice.com/guides/tree-fell-on-house/) - [Widow-makers and hanging limbs after a wind storm](https://battleborntreeservice.com/guides/widow-makers-hanging-limbs/) - [Emergency tree service and storm clean-up](https://battleborntreeservice.com/tree-services/emergency-tree-service/) ### Terms on this page [Arborist](https://battleborntreeservice.com/glossary/arborist/) [The full glossary](https://battleborntreeservice.com/glossary/) ### All emergencies and storms questions - [Emergencies and storms questions](https://battleborntreeservice.com/faq/emergencies-and-storms/) ## Other emergencies and storms questions answered [Do existing customers get priority after a storm?](https://battleborntreeservice.com/faq/emergencies-and-storms/do-existing-customers-get-priority-after-a-storm/) [A tree is on a power line. What do I do?](https://battleborntreeservice.com/faq/emergencies-and-storms/a-tree-is-on-a-power-line-what-do-i-do/) [Can you clear a road or driveway blocked by a fallen tree?](https://battleborntreeservice.com/faq/emergencies-and-storms/a-tree-is-blocking-my-road-or-driveway/) [What should I have ready when I call about a fallen tree?](https://battleborntreeservice.com/faq/emergencies-and-storms/what-to-have-ready-when-you-call/) [A tree fell on my car. What should I do?](https://battleborntreeservice.com/faq/emergencies-and-storms/a-tree-fell-on-my-car/) [Previous question: A tree fell on my car. What should I do?](https://battleborntreeservice.com/faq/emergencies-and-storms/a-tree-fell-on-my-car/)