After a storm damages trees
The order matters: lines first, then the house, then the paperwork, then the debris.
1. Safety
- Treat any downed line as live; call OG&E or 911.
- Do not climb or cut a tree touching a line; only certified line-clearance workers may work within 10 feet of high-voltage lines (OG&E vegetation FAQ).
- When an act of nature drops trees on lines, OG&E cuts them to restore power, but disposing of the wood is the owner's job (OG&E vegetation FAQ, OG&E Vegetation Management).
2. Document before cleanup
- Photograph the tree, the damage and the stump before anything is cut, and keep every receipt for your insurer.
3. City debris rules
- Oklahoma City runs storm debris collection after some storms: limbs cut to 10 feet or less at the curb by 6 a.m. on your bulky-waste day, separate from regular bulky waste (OKC Storm Debris Collection).
- Norman lets owners remove storm-broken street-tree branches without Forester permission, but removing the whole tree still needs approval (Norman ordinance).
- Edmond, Moore, Yukon and Mustang use their regular bulk rules unless they announce a storm pickup; limits are on the city rules page.
4. Hiring after a storm
- Get a written price that says whether hauling and stump grinding are included
- Ask for proof of liability insurance
- Emergency work can cost 50-100% more than scheduled work (PermitDeck OKC tree service costs (Apr 2026))
- Avoid paying in full before the work is done (PermitDeck OKC tree service costs (Apr 2026))
- Check arborist credentials with ISA Find an Arborist
Planning for the next storm? The separate OKC Metro Storm Shelter Guide covers shelter costs, permits and registration (same independent publisher).
Checked Oct 23, 2026.
Newer guides: Tree trimming prices · Stump grinding cost · Where to take limbs
Last checked Oct 23, 2026.