Publican Scott Bailey said it was a sad day to see the tree come down and it was a stroke of luck that no one was hurt.

"We were just so fortunate it landed where it did," he said.

"We were very, very lucky that people cleared themselves from the beer garden just prior to the tree coming down.

"Just ahead of a busy weekend, it probably came down at the quietest time."

The impact of the tree falling caused some damage to the restaurant, and minor damage to a car in the car park, which was able to be driven away.

"It pretty much came down in slow motion," Mr Bailey said.

"We lost power for a little bit because it clipped a couple of power lines on the way down."

Mr Bailey said he wanted to remind residents the pub will still be open for business, but the restaurant will be closed for lunch today while they get some of the debris removed.

"Hopefully we will be open for dinner and the rest of the weekend," he said.

"The SES have been out and have been assisting us and we're getting arborist out this afternoon to help clean it up.

"It's a pretty big job, but they're bringing a crane truck out and the locals are helping out as well."

Mr Bailey added that the tree had been "a bit of a landmark for the old place".

"The tree has been at Moonan Flat since the pub opened," he added.

It's believed the tree was planted in the early 60s after being given to the pub by the forestry workers when they were planting pines on the Barrington Tops, although some claim the tree has been around for 100 years or longer.

The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting snow and very strong winds for the Barrington Tops with the winds predicted to persist into the weekend.

Hunter Valley Police have issued a safety warning, reminding residents that while Barrington Tops Forest Road (Gloucester to Scone) is currently open, visitors are advised to exercise extreme care when driving in these conditions.