Howling wind, heavy snow, and ice are common in the colder months, and any of these conditions can prove to be dangerous. One potential situation that could occur as the result of a strong winter storm is that a tree could fall on your property. You may be wondering what to do if you ever find yourself in this predicament.

Safety Comes First

Your safety should always be the main priority. The first thing you must do is assess the situation from a safe distance. If a utility line is down, you’ll have to assume that it’s live. To stay safe, avoid touching the tree or the line. Keep a safe distance from the area and avoid getting too close. If there’s water nearby, that water could be electrified. Call the utility company immediately. A call to the local authorities is also a smart idea so that they can send personnel who can help keep the area clear.

If a tree has come down on part of your home, it is important to evacuate the area and wait until the proper authorities state that it is safe to enter again. You will also need to make a call to your insurance company to start the claim process.

When a tree falls due to severe winter conditions, it’s not only an immediate hazard but also a potential ongoing risk to your property. The importance of a swift, professional response cannot be overstated. After ensuring your own safety and contacting necessary authorities and your insurance provider, the next steps involve dealing with the aftermath effectively.

Assessing the Damage

Once it’s safe, a thorough assessment of the damage is crucial. This involves more than just looking at the fallen tree—it’s about understanding the impact on your property’s structure and the surrounding area. Check for any damage to your home’s roof, walls, and foundation. Sometimes, the damage isn’t visible immediately. It might be a good idea to consult with a building inspector or a structural engineer if the tree has impacted your home significantly.

Insurance Claims

Navigating insurance claims can be daunting. Document everything meticulously. Take photographs of the damage from various angles and make detailed notes. These documents will be invaluable when you file your insurance claim. Be sure to keep all receipts related to any work done, including temporary repairs.

Preventing Future Incidents

This is also an opportune moment to think about preventative measures. Consult with arborists about the health of other trees on your property. They can assess whether other trees are at risk of falling and advise on any pruning or tree care needed to minimize future risks. This not only protects your property but also helps maintain the health of your trees.

Engaging with Professionals

Hiring professionals does more than just clear the immediate danger. They can also provide insights into the health of your remaining trees and landscape. Experienced arborists and tree service companies can offer advice on how to nurture your property’s green space effectively, which can enhance your property’s value and aesthetic appeal while ensuring safety.

By taking these steps, you ensure that your property recovers from the winter storm damage with as little lasting impact as possible. And remember, when dealing with fallen trees and high-risk situations, professional expertise is not just a convenience—it’s a necessity.

Call a Professional

It may seem like cutting apart a tree would be simple work once the tree is already down, but this isn’t always the case. Chain saws and manually operated saws can be very dangerous to use, and you can’t always predict what will happen when you’ve made cuts in tree trunks and branches. For a regular person, getting on a ladder with a sharp object is not a good idea.

A trusted tree service will have skilled staff members that have the proper training and expertise necessary to handle this type of work safely and efficiently. Experts will do their best to prevent any additional damage to your landscaping and will be especially careful if any limbs are close to your vehicles or other structures on your property.

A possible scenario is that a large branch comes down, but the rest of the tree remains intact. In this case, removing the damaged portion of the tree will give it a chance to thrive.

Contact Us

Large trees that come down in winter storms pose major risks. Your best bet is to call for professional help. Reach out to our team at Nationwide Tree Service for tree removal services. We also offer lot clearing, stump removal, tree trimming, and commercial tree services.