Storm and fallen tree removal in Columbus
When a tree is already on the house, the fence or the line.
Storm jobs are a different kind of tree work. The tree is already loaded against something, a roof, a car, a fence or a line, and taking the weight off safely matters more than speed. Columbus has had several of these weeks in recent years.
Recent storms around Columbus
- February 2019. The city suspended its paid Tree for Fee pickup after widespread storm damage and let residents put trees, cut in 4-foot lengths, at the curb free through March 1.
- March 3, 2019. The tornado that killed 23 people in Lee County, Alabama crossed into Muscogee County at EF1 strength, downing numerous trees, and reached low-end EF3 between Barin and Fortson. The city reported trees and power lines down throughout Columbus, the north side hit hardest, and estimated four to six weeks for citywide cleanup.
- April 2025. After damaging storms in the Midland area, free curbside collection of large tree debris ran from April 9 to May 31 for residential customers, with debris cut to four feet or less.
Lines first
Georgia Power says to treat any downed line as live and report it. After a storm it clears trees interfering with its lines, but vegetation debris cleanup is the property owner's responsibility. That is usually where a private tree contractor comes in.
What storm work costs
| Job | Lawn Love, Oct 2026 (national) |
|---|---|
| Emergency removal | $450 to $3,000 |
| Tree already on the ground | $90 to $300 |
| Hauling debris | $100 to $200 |
Lawn Love's emergency range is far wider than its figure for a tree already lying in open ground, and a quote will depend on what the tree is resting on.
The curb after a storm
In each of the storms above the city made a temporary exception to its normal rules, announced after the storm. Normally, cut trees go through the paid Tree for Fee pickup and contractors haul their own debris. Watch for a city announcement, and if there is a free collection window, cut to the length it names and keep piles clear of lines and fixed objects. See limb pickup and Tree for Fee.
While you wait
- Stay out from under it. A hung limb or split trunk can shift without warning.
- Photograph the damage before anything is moved, for your insurer.
- Report lines to the utility, and keep everyone away from them.
Common questions
Will Columbus pick up storm debris for free?
Sometimes, for a set window after a major storm. In 2019 and in April 2025 the city suspended Tree for Fee charges temporarily and set length rules (four feet or less). Outside those windows, normal fees apply.
Who removes a tree that fell on a power line?
Georgia Power says to treat a downed line as live and report it; it clears trees interfering with its lines after storms, but the property owner is responsible for the debris.
Get help with a fallen tree
Phone us, or use the form, and a contractor based near Columbus will arrange to see the tree and give you a number. Nothing is charged for that.
If the voicemail picks up, say your street, what kind of tree it is, and whether it's still standing or already down.