Windward Emergency Fallen Pine Removal
Windward is one of Alpharetta's largest planned communities, built around Lake Windward with heavily wooded lots. Tall loblolly pines are common, and they are the trees most likely to come down in summer thunderstorms and tropical remnants, often after days of rain soften the clay.
This guide covers what to do when a pine falls, and how to reduce the risk from the ones still standing.
Why pines fall
Pines grow tall with relatively small crowns and can have shallow root plates in compacted or saturated soil. Construction damage to roots, root rot, bark beetle attack and lightning strikes weaken them further. Wind on a soaked root plate can uproot a pine that looked healthy.
Emergency steps
Keep people away from the tree and anything it is touching. If it is on a line, call the utility and stay at least 30 feet away. If it is on the house, follow the tree-on-roof steps: safety, documentation, insurer, then removal. Pines lying across driveways or yards with no structure involved can usually wait for a scheduled crew, which costs less than an emergency call.
City permit and HOA
Windward properties are inside the City of Alpharetta, so UDC §3.2.4 applies. The City issues permits for removal of dead, damaged or diseased trees; take photos of the fallen or damaged tree and contact the City Arborist about emergencies. Windward's HOA may have rules on tree removal and replanting in yards and common areas; check before removing standing trees.
Costs
Published 2026 estimates put pine removal at about $250–$1,500 for a standing tree, while a fallen tree in an open area can be much cheaper because no climbing is needed. Emergency work near structures, crane use and after-hours response cost more. Stump grinding is often separate.
Reducing risk
Have tall pines near the house looked at after major storms or if you see resin streaming from many small holes, browning needles, cracks or heaving soil. Removing a hazardous pine before it falls is usually cheaper than emergency removal. Replanting with species suited to the space keeps the lot's tree density up.
Published tree service cost estimates
| Service | Published range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Tree removal, up to 30 ft | $150–$450 | Angi 2026 |
| Tree removal, 30–60 ft | $450–$1,200 | Angi 2026 |
| Tree removal, 60–80 ft | $800–$1,500 | Angi 2026 |
| Tree removal, over 80 ft | $1,000–$2,000+ | Angi 2026 |
| Pine tree removal | $250–$1,500 | Angi 2026 |
| Stump grinding | $120–$400 per stump (about $2–$5 per inch of diameter) | Angi 2026 |
| Tree trimming, 25–50 ft tree | $150–$800 | Angi 2026 |
| Crane service when needed | about $500, or $250–$600 per day | Angi 2026 |
| Arborist report (where a municipality requires one) | about $860 average | Angi 2026 |
Sources: Angi: Tree removal cost (2026); Angi: Stump grinding cost (2026); Angi: Tree trimming cost (2026). Figures are published national or regional estimates compiled by those sites, labeled as estimates; they are not quotes and not prices from any provider on this site. Alpharetta's tree removal permit application has no submission fee according to the City's instructions; arborist reports and replanting are separate costs.
Local rules and code references
- City of Alpharetta UDC §3.2.4, permit for non-development activity (Municode): a tree removal permit is required except for routine pruning and exemptions; the application needs the reason and a sketch or photo identifying size and species; specimen trees need a risk assessment by a qualified professional; complete applications are decided within 10 working days; permits are issued for dead, damaged or diseased trees and for non-specimen trees if minimum density is maintained.
- City of Alpharetta UDC §3.2, Tree Conservation, Landscape, and Buffer Requirements (Municode): defines specimen trees by species and trunk diameter (for example 30 inches for pines, 24 inches for most other overstory genera, 8 inches for understory trees) and sets tree protection and density rules.
- City of Alpharetta Guidance Document for UDC Article III §3.2: tree density standard of 130 inches per acre (SDF − EDF = RDF), specimen tree health assessment at ISA Level 2 or higher, and tree care under ANSI A300 standards.
- City of Alpharetta Online Tree Removal Permit Application Instructions: how to apply through the City's online permit portal under the Tree Permits category.
Code text and department procedures change; confirm current requirements with the jurisdiction before work starts.
Frequently asked questions
- What should I do if a pine falls in my Windward yard?
- Keep people away, call the utility if lines are involved, document the damage, contact your insurer if a structure is hit, and schedule removal.
- Is Windward in the City of Alpharetta?
- Yes, Windward is inside Alpharetta city limits, so the City's UDC §3.2 tree rules apply.
- Can I remove a dead tree in Alpharetta without a permit?
- A permit is still required, but UDC §3.2.4 directs the City to issue permits for removing dead, substantially injured, damaged or diseased trees.
- How much does it cost to remove a fallen pine?
- Costs depend on size and what it hit; a fallen tree in an open area can cost far less than removing a standing pine, published at $250–$1,500.
- Why do pines fall in storms?
- Tall trunks, small root plates in saturated clay, root damage, rot, bark beetles and lightning all make pines vulnerable.
- Does the Windward HOA need to approve tree removal?
- HOA rules may apply, especially for standing trees and replanting; check with the HOA.
Related local guides
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