You may not notice or spend much time thinking about the trees on your property until an emergency arises. At that point, trees quickly become a major safety concern, damaging your property and posing a range of other threats.
How you respond to a tree emergency can significantly impact the outcomes of this event. Limbwalkers Tree & Crane Service, offering professional tree services in Hickory, NC, shares what to do during a tree emergency.
What Constitutes a Tree Emergency?
A tree emergency is any event involving a tree that poses a hazard to people or property. Mature trees often weigh over 1,000 pounds. When they fall unexpectedly or even when large branches break off, they can quickly cause extensive damage and lead to serious safety risks.
Any of the following events might constitute an urgent response:
- Uprooted or fallen trees
- Trees or branches that have fallen on structures
- Trees or branches that are touching or have fallen on power lines
- Trees that pose an imminent risk of falling
If you aren’t sure whether your situation would be considered an emergency, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local tree company for assistance. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
How To Respond to a Tree Emergency
When a tree unexpectedly falls on your property or power lines, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Generally, these are the steps you should take during a tree emergency:
- Get to safety: If you and your family are in imminent danger, get to a safe area. This might mean going to a neighbor’s house. Stay far away from the tree and any hazards it is touching; you do not need to inspect the damage at this point.
- Notify the utility company: If the tree emergency involves power lines, notify your utility company immediately. They can cut the power to those lines and prevent the risk of electrocution.
- Take photos from a safe distance: If you can safely do so, take photos of the damage that you can turn in to your insurance company. Try to document the damage before any mitigation efforts.
- Call tree experts: Many tree companies have 24/7 availability to respond to tree emergencies. Call one as soon as possible to address the damage.
How Do Tree Companies Help After a Tree Emergency?
Professional tree companies can arrive at your property promptly after an emergency, secure the area, and safely remove the downed trees or branches. They can inspect the surrounding trees for residual damage and alert you to any other potential safety risks.
After removing all debris, they can implement restoration measures to attempt to salvage other damaged trees. If this is not possible, you might need to discuss replanting.
Seek Professional Assistance From Limbwalkers
At Limbwalkers Tree & Crane Service, we regularly respond to tree emergencies throughout Hickory, NC, and surrounding areas. Our team of certified arborists can help you save a dying tree, prevent future tree hazards, and restore your property to safety.
Call 828-413-7227 for 24/7 emergency services or to request an estimate.
