Central Texas storms are quick and violent. A spring line of thunderstorms can drop more limbs in twenty minutes than a year of normal weather. When a severe storm hit San Marcos on May 9, 2024, large branches came down on homes, yards and cars across town, and the city later brought in a contractor for free curbside pickup of brush.
First Steps After a Tree Comes Down
- Get people and pets away from the tree and anything it's resting on. Cracked limbs shift.
- Look for wires. If anything is touching a line, or a line is on the ground, stay well back and call the electric provider. Treat every downed line as live.
- Smell for gas. If a tree hit a meter or you smell gas, leave and call 911 and the gas company from a safe distance.
- Take photos from several angles before anything is moved: the tree, the damage, the roof, the car. Insurers want these.
- Call your insurance company if the house, garage, fence or car is damaged. Ask what they need before cleanup.
- Call (877) 674-2213 during phone hours to describe the situation and get a crew lined up.
Who to Call About Power Lines
The provider name is on your electric bill. San Marcos Electric Utility serves much of the city. Homes outside city limits may be on an electric cooperative instead, so check the bill. A tree crew shouldn't touch a limb that's tangled in a utility line until the utility clears it.
A Limb on the Roof
A heavy limb can punch through decking and get worse every time the wind moves it. Removing it takes care: cutting from the wrong side can let the weight roll across the roof or drop into the house. The crew usually ties off the limb, takes the weight off in sections, and lifts or lowers pieces clear. Once it's off, a tarp keeps rain out until the roofer arrives.
A Tree Across the Driveway or Fence
These are less urgent unless they block the only way out or the fence holds livestock. On the rural edges of 78666, a down fence can mean cattle on the road, so mention that when you call.
A Tree Split but Still Standing
A cedar elm or pecan with one main stem torn away is often still hanging on. If the split runs down toward the base, the rest of the tree may come down in the next wind. If the tree stands over a house, treat it as urgent.
Oaks Damaged in Spring
Storms don't respect the oak wilt calendar. A broken live oak or red oak limb in April still gets cut clean and the wound painted right away, which is exactly what the Texas A&M Forest Service recommends for damage outside the safe window. Oak care details
City Debris Pickups
After big storms, the City of San Marcos has sometimes arranged extra curbside pickup of brush for homes inside city limits, with rules like keeping piles away from hydrants and mailboxes. The city announces these through its website and local news. Haul-off can also be part of the tree job. Brush disposal options
Storm Questions
Who pays if the neighbor's tree fell on my house?
In Texas, when a healthy tree falls in a storm, your own homeowner's policy usually handles the damage to your property. If the tree was obviously dead or dying and the owner knew it, they may be liable. This is general information, not legal advice. Neighbor tree questions
What if it happens late at night?
The phone line is staffed during the hours at the top of this page. Until then, keep everyone away from the tree, stay clear of lines, and use the first-hour checklist.
Can I cut it up myself?
Small limbs on the ground, yes, with care. Anything under tension, hung up in another tree, on a roof, or near a line is how people get hurt.