Emergency Tree Removal: What to Do After a Storm

Severe storms, hurricanes, or high winds can cause significant damage to your trees, and sometimes even cause them to fall. While trees are an essential part of your landscape, they can quickly become dangerous after a storm. If you find yourself dealing with fallen trees, damaged limbs, or uprooted trees, it’s important to know the proper steps to take to ensure safety and prevent further damage. This guide will help you understand what to do in the aftermath of a storm and why emergency tree removal is essential for the safety of your property and family.

1. Assess the Situation from a Safe Distance

The First Step: The first thing to do after a storm is to stay safe. Never attempt to approach a tree that has fallen or is leaning precariously, as it could still pose a significant risk. Look for hazards like downed power lines, sharp branches, or unstable tree trunks. If you see any downed power lines, it’s crucial to stay far away and call your local utility company immediately.

Do not try to move or cut any trees yourself, especially if they are close to electrical lines. Wait until a professional tree removal service can assess the situation.

2. Check for Property Damage and Structural Threats

Look for Immediate Damage: Once you’ve ensured your safety, begin checking your property for any damage caused by fallen trees or branches. Focus on potential damage to your:

• Roof: Check if large branches have fallen onto your roof or if a tree has crashed through your home. Assess whether the damage is immediate or if there are potential risks, such as broken roofing materials or compromised structural integrity.
• Driveways, Walkways, and Landscaping: Look for any fallen branches that might obstruct walkways, driveways, or vehicles. Fallen trees can create hazardous conditions in these areas, especially if they are blocking access to your home.
• Fencing and Other Structures: If a tree has fallen onto a fence, shed, or any other structure, assess the damage. This can help you prioritize which areas need immediate attention.

3. Call a Professional Tree Removal Service

Why Professional Help is Crucial: While you might feel the urge to remove a fallen tree yourself, this can be extremely dangerous. Removing trees requires specialized equipment, skills, and knowledge, especially if the tree is near power lines or is too large to handle alone.

A professional tree removal service, like Southeastern Tree Removal, will have the expertise and equipment to safely and efficiently remove fallen or hazardous trees without causing further damage. Additionally, professional arborists will be able to identify hidden hazards such as structural weaknesses in the tree or its roots, ensuring that all risks are addressed.

Emergency tree removal typically involves:

• Fallen Tree Removal: If a tree has fallen across your roof, driveway, or yard, it needs to be removed quickly and safely. Professionals will use the right tools and techniques to cut and remove the tree.
• Trimming Broken or Hanging Branches: A storm can cause branches to break off or become unstable, posing a risk of falling. Professional tree services will trim these branches and prevent them from falling further.
• Stump Removal: After removing the tree, a stump might remain. Professionals can remove or grind the stump to avoid further damage to your landscape.

4. Understand the Risks of Delaying Tree Removal

The Danger of Waiting: After a storm, some homeowners may think it’s okay to delay tree removal until things settle down. However, delaying this process can cause further damage or even pose a threat to your safety.

• Worsening Damage: A fallen tree or broken branches can cause additional damage to your property if left unattended. Water can leak into your home through a broken roof, causing mold and long-term structural issues.
• Increased Hazard: Unstable trees or branches can become more dangerous over time. High winds can cause further branches to break, or the tree may shift, creating new hazards.
• Injury Risk: Attempting to handle the situation yourself could result in injury. Tree removal requires the right skills and equipment to avoid accidents, including chainsaw use and proper handling of large, heavy limbs.

5. Insurance Claims and Documentation

Document the Damage: Once you’ve ensured safety, take photos of the damage caused by the storm. These photos will be crucial if you plan to file an insurance claim. Documenting the damage as soon as possible will help your insurance company understand the extent of the damage and expedite your claim process.

If you have homeowner’s insurance, your policy may cover tree removal costs, but there are typically stipulations such as:

• The tree must be on your property.
• The tree must be causing damage to your home or other structures.
• There may be limits to how much insurance will cover for tree removal.

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to review your policy and file a claim if necessary.

6. Storm Clean-Up and Debris Removal

Clearing the Aftermath: Once the tree has been removed, the cleanup process begins. Large amounts of debris such as branches, leaves, and logs can accumulate in your yard, making it difficult to navigate. Professional tree removal companies often offer storm cleanup services, which include:

• Debris Removal: They will safely remove fallen branches, broken limbs, and other debris from your property to prevent further hazards.
• Wood Disposal or Chipping: If the tree has fallen in an area that you need cleared for other purposes, the professionals can handle the removal of logs or even offer wood chipping services for mulch.
• Landscaping Restoration: After the storm, your landscape may need some attention. Professional tree services can help restore your yard and maintain the aesthetic appeal of your property.

7. Prevent Future Storm Damage with Regular Tree Maintenance

Plan Ahead: Once the emergency situation is handled, take steps to prevent future tree-related damage during storms. Regular tree maintenance, such as pruning, trimming, and root care, can significantly reduce the risk of storm damage. A certified arborist can inspect your trees for signs of disease, instability, or overcrowding and provide recommendations for keeping your trees healthy and safe.

Emergency tree removal after a storm is crucial to keeping your property and family safe. After the storm passes, your first priority should be assessing the damage and contacting a professional tree care service to handle the dangerous task of tree removal. By acting quickly and calling in experts, you can minimize the damage to your home and ensure that your property is safe and secure.

Southeastern Tree Removal is here to help you with storm damage cleanup, tree removal, and other emergency tree services. Contact us for fast, professional service to deal with any tree-related issues after a storm in Columbia, SC, and surrounding areas.