There's a big broken branch hung up in my tree in Shelbyville, Indiana — what should I do?

There's a big broken branch hung up in my tree in Shelbyville

A branch broken but not down, caught in the limbs below it, often hanging vertically with its leaves pointing the wrong way. A pale torn face where it separated, and sometimes a long strip of bark peeled down the trunk from the break point. Leaves on that branch wilting or browning while the rest of the tree stays green. It may shift slightly in wind, or drop a few inches at a time over several days.

Call tonight

If it’s on the house or across the only way out right now, call (317) 555-0142

5 crews near Shelbyville · Free estimate · No obligation

The branch is no longer attached to anything structural — it is resting on whatever caught it, held by friction and the shape of a fork rather than by wood fiber. That is what makes this one different from everything else on this list: there is no gradual decline, no symptom to monitor, and no reliable relationship between wind and when it comes down. A hanger can sit motionless for a week and release on a still morning simply because the leaves dried out and the balance changed. The trade name for it is a widowmaker, and that is not a figure of speech.

What this usually costs in Shelbyville

This is normally a storm damage cleanup job, which around here runs $400 to $4,000 depending on size and access. Treat that as a range, not a quote — nobody can price it without seeing it.

What to have ready when they call

A photo with the house in frame, so they can judge the scale
Roughly how far it is from the house, the fence or the drive
Whether a truck can get into the yard
Whether there are power lines anywhere near it
Whether anyone is using the rooms underneath

Crews taking after-hours calls near Shelbyville

Sorted by distance

Where this comes from. 5 real tree services Google lists as operating here. Ratings, review counts, hours and photos are Google’s, not ours. The quote on each card is that company’s review closest to its own average — not its best one.

Photo author: sally wilburn

Arbor Tree Company

5067 W US Hwy 40, Greenfield, IN 46140

4.323

Tree Removal
Tree Trimming
Stump Grinding
+2

“This company is very courteous and friendly. They are prompt and fast at what they do. I had three large silver lead maples trimmed, seven dead ash…”
Zach Bailey · 7 years ago · Google

Black Cherry Tree Service

4035 E Stop 11 Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46237

4.894

Tree Removal
Tree Trimming
Stump Grinding
+2

“They were 1 of 3 tree companies (highly regarded) I called for estimates after a storm took down a huge limb in our backyard. 1 never called back, 1…”
Wendy Foley · 3 years ago · Google

Stewarts Tree Service: Est 1980

1917 S Franklin Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46239

4.7122

Tree Removal
Tree Trimming
Stump Grinding
+2

“Larry showed up in the morning and gave me an estimate that was fair. His crew was showed up, same day, and knocked out the job in a couple hours…”
Rick Oncale · 3 months ago · Google

We Care Tree Service

385 S Franklin Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46219

4.9102

Tree Removal
Tree Trimming
Stump Grinding
+3

“Paul came out for an estimate. Later same week,Paul and his crew of 6 worked hard and did a complete pruning and shape up of my 30yearold oak. The…”
Steve Worden · 7 months ago · Google

Airbourne Tree Service Inc.

8909 Chitwood Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46227

4.932

Tree Removal
Tree Trimming
Stump Grinding
+2

“If you need a fast, reliable, and AFFORDABLE tree services, I highly recommend speaking with Paul at Airbourne Tree Services. Paul came and gave me a…”
Desiree Kirk · a year ago · Google

Distance measured from Shelbyville.