Storm Tree Removal Essential Tips for Dealing With Fallen Trees

When storm damage occurs, homeowners may need to act quickly. This is especially important if trees have already fallen or are at risk of losing.

Homeowners insurance often covers damage from a failed tree or branches. However, a certified arborist can help the tree recover and prevent future failure.

Assess the Damage

After the initial shock of a fallen tree subsides, homeowners will want to clean up the mess and assess the damage. This process begins by ensuring that everyone is safe inside the home and determining whether or not the fallen tree hit any power lines. If it did, it is important to evacuate the area immediately, call the power company and contact experts in storm tree removal Orlando FL.

Once the danger has passed, property owners should take pictures of the damage and any impacted personal belongings. This will help homeowners build a case with their insurance companies. Covering any openings caused by the fallen tree with tarps is also important.

Next, looking up at the branches and limbs that sustained storm damage is important. If a significant amount of the canopy is missing leaves, this could be a sign that the tree has internal decay and will need to be removed. In addition, it is essential to inspect the damage for cracks in the trunk and root systems of the tree.

Identify the Source of the Debris

As winter ends and the harsh weather moves on, homeowners should carefully inspect their property for storm damage. Severe wind, rain, and snow have all the potential to uproot trees and cause damage.

The first step in dealing with storm-damaged trees is to survey the damage to the safety of your home. This will help you identify any problems requiring immediate attention, such as electrical lines entangled in the branches or other structural damage to your property.

You should also look around from the ground to see if the falling tree has left any limbs or other debris behind. If these have, be sure to treat them as live power lines. Each year, people are severely injured or even killed trying to trim trees or move debris that has come into contact with power lines. All wires carry a residual electrical charge that can cause a fatal shock if touched, even if dead.

Clear the Area

When dealing with storm damage, it’s important to move quickly. The longer that tree debris remains on your property, the more difficult and costly it will be to clear away.

The first thing to do is clear the area of the fallen tree – if there are power lines involved, call the utility company immediately. Then, look around to see if the fall has impacted other trees and examine any damage to structures, vehicles or landscaping.

If the fallen tree was located on public property, in a park or another general area, contact the appropriate local agency to handle removal. You mustn’t try to remove a public tree alone, as this could result in serious injuries.

Also, be sure to check your insurance coverage; in many cases, fallen public trees are covered by homeowners’ policies. This could save you thousands of dollars. Preventive steps like proper pruning and regular watering can help keep trees healthy and prevent them from falling during storms.

Remove the Debris

Depending on the area’s size and the damage’s extent, you can clean up small branches that fell during the storm without calling a professional. This is especially true if the tree has not sustained major structural damage, such as uprooted or tilted significantly.

Remember, however, that trees in public areas and parks are almost always the municipality’s responsibility unless they are on your property. So, if you notice a fallen tree or branch that appears on someone else’s land, call your municipal offices to identify who is responsible for removing the debris.

There will also be a lot of small debris that can’t be avoided during storm cleanup, like branches, twigs, and leaves/needles. A bow rake and a shovel can save time and effort by quickly clearing the bulk of this debris. This will leave you with a pile of wood chips that can be used for firewood later.