11 Nov Emergency Tree Removal: What to Do When a Tree Falls on Your Property
It’s every homeowner’s nightmare—a storm rolls through, and you wake up to find a tree has fallen on your property. Maybe it’s blocking the driveway, leaning precariously on your house, or has crashed through your fence. In moments like these, panic can quickly set in, leaving you overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next.
The good news is that there are steps you can take to deal with this unexpected situation safely and effectively. This blog will guide you through what to do if a tree falls on your property, from the first assessment to making sure you prevent this kind of accident in the future.
By the end of this post, you’ll be well-prepared to handle a fallen tree emergency, knowing exactly how to stay safe, who to call, and how to keep your property protected from future incidents.
Assessing the situation
When a tree falls on your property, the very first thing you need to do is stay calm and assess the situation carefully. It can be shocking to see such damage, but keeping a cool head is essential to avoid further dangers.
After the initial shock, take a moment to examine the surrounding area and identify any immediate risks. These might include electrical hazards, structural damage, or even obstacles that prevent you from leaving the house. Understanding the extent of the issue is key to managing the emergency safely.
Start by answering these questions:
- Is everyone safe? Make sure everyone in your household is unharmed and away from potential danger zones.
- Are there any power lines down? If a tree has brought down power lines, this is an immediate and serious hazard. Stay at least 10 metres away and call your local power company.
- Is your home damaged? Look for visible damage to your roof, windows, or other structures. If you suspect structural instability, evacuate and seek professional assistance.
Assessing the situation thoroughly helps you determine what steps to take next and how urgently you need help.
Identifying immediate risks
During any tree emergency, your safety and that of your family come first. Here are some immediate risks to consider:
Downed power lines
If a tree has taken down power lines, this is a serious hazard. Stay away from the area and do not attempt to handle anything near the wires. Contact your local power company immediately. Downed power lines can carry a deadly charge even if they seem inactive, so it’s critical to maintain a safe distance of at least 10 meters. If the power lines have fallen across your home or yard, do not enter the area until utility professionals confirm it is safe.
Structural damage
Check whether the tree has caused damage to your home, such as a hole in the roof or smashed windows. If the structure looks unstable, it’s better to vacate the house until professionals have assessed it.
Even seemingly minor damage can compromise the safety of your home, leading to further issues if not addressed. For instance, a hole in the roof can lead to water ingress, which can weaken ceilings and walls, creating further hazards over time.
Blocked access
A tree blocking a driveway or access road can make it difficult for emergency vehicles to reach you, if needed. This is particularly concerning if someone in your home has a medical condition or if there is a need for emergency services. Clearing this access quickly should be a priority, but it must be done by professionals to avoid injury or additional damage.
Immediate dangers should be dealt with carefully, always erring on the side of caution. If you feel unsafe at any point, vacate your home until the necessary professionals have addressed the situation. Avoid any hasty actions that could put you or your family in harm’s way, such as attempting to move large branches or clearing debris on your own.
It’s crucial to remember that trying to fix a fallen tree by yourself is extremely dangerous, especially if you’re dealing with heavy branches, unstable trunks, or electrical risks. Instead, contacting emergency tree removal services is often the best course of action to ensure everyone’s safety. The experts have the skills, tools, and knowledge to assess and resolve the situation efficiently, keeping both you and your property out of harm’s way.
Hiring emergency tree removal services
Once you’ve assessed the risks and ensured everyone is safe, the next step is to contact a professional emergency tree removal service. Attempting to remove a tree on your own, especially without the right equipment or training, is a risk not worth taking.
Here are a few reasons why it’s best to call in the experts:
- Safety: Professional teams have the training to safely cut and remove trees without causing harm to people or further damage to property.
- Expertise: Tree removal experts can quickly evaluate the situation and decide the safest approach for removing the tree.
- Specialised Equipment: Removing large trees often requires heavy-duty equipment, such as chainsaws, cranes, and protective gear, which are not typically available to homeowners.
- Insurance and Liability: Professional services are usually insured, which means that any accidents or additional damage are covered, giving you peace of mind.
Hiring professionals will ensure the job is done safely, reducing your risk of injury or property damage. Look for a trusted emergency service that can arrive promptly and handle the situation effectively.
What to look for in a reliable service
When choosing an emergency tree removal service, it’s important to select a company you can trust, especially during an emergency. Here are key factors to consider:
- Licensed and insured: Make sure the service is fully licensed and has adequate insurance coverage. This protects you from liability if an accident occurs during the removal process.
- 24/7 availability: Emergencies can happen at any time, so it’s important to choose a service that offers round-the-clock assistance.
- Experience and reviews: Look for a company with years of experience in emergency tree removal and positive customer testimonials that reflect their quality of work.
- Response time: During an emergency, time is of the essence. Choose a service that guarantees a quick response to minimise the risk of further damage.
- Proper equipment: The company should have the right tools and equipment for the job, including cranes, chainsaws, safety gear, and rigging equipment to handle large trees.
TTS Tree Surgery, for instance, is fully licensed, insured, and available 24/7 to handle emergencies whenever they occur. Our team has the right mix of expertise, experience, and equipment to handle any emergency, ensuring your safety and the safety of your property.
Preventing future tree emergencies
While some tree falls are completely unpredictable, there are measures you can take to prevent future emergencies. Here are some tips for keeping your property safe:
Regular inspections
Have a professional arborist inspect your trees at least once a year. They can identify potential problems, such as disease, rot, or structural weaknesses. Early detection can save you from major problems down the line.
Trimming and pruning
Regularly trimming branches reduces the chance of weak limbs breaking during a storm. Keeping your trees well-pruned helps maintain their structural integrity. Consider professional pruning to ensure it’s done safely and correctly.
Watch for signs of trouble
Look out for signs of tree distress, like splitting bark, leaning trunks, dead branches, or fungal growth. Addressing these issues early on can prevent future disasters. If you notice mushrooms growing at the base of a tree, or if a tree is leaning more than usual, it might be time to call in a specialist.
Choose the right trees
When planting new trees, consider species that are well-suited to your climate and location. Some trees are more vulnerable to storm damage, while others are more resistant. Consulting with an arborist can help you choose wisely.
Soil management
The health of your soil affects tree stability. Ensuring that the soil around your trees is well-drained and healthy helps roots anchor the tree more effectively, reducing the risk of falls during strong winds.By taking these precautions, you can greatly reduce the risk of a tree falling unexpectedly and causing damage to your property. Proactive care is always better than reactive measures.
Final thoughts on handling fallen tree emergencies
A fallen tree can be dangerous and stressful, but knowing how to respond can make all the difference. From assessing immediate risks to hiring a reliable tree removal service, acting quickly and wisely will help you regain control of the situation and keep your family safe. Remember, TTS Tree Surgery is here to help when disaster strikes.
Our expert team is ready 24/7 to provide safe and effective emergency tree removal services.If you’ve recently had a close call or want to take proactive steps to protect your home, contact us today. Don’t wait for the next storm—let’s make sure your property is safe and sound.
Get in touch with TTS Tree Surgery now for a free consultation. Let’s make your property safer, together.