Emergency Tree Removal: What to do after a storm.
Storms, with high winds and powerful gusts, can inflict significant pressure on trees, leading to broken branches, dangerous leaning, or complete uprooting. Fallen or precariously leaning trees present substantial hazards to both individuals and property, requiring immediate action. For homeowners and businesses with trees on their premises, understanding who to contact and the necessary post-storm procedures is crucial for ensuring a safe and efficient resolution. In our latest post, we outline some essential steps to take following storm damage, specifically regarding emergency tree removal.
Assess the Damage
Following a storm that has damaged trees, the first step is to assess the damage. Identify potential hazards, including unstable trees prone to further collapse, hanging branches that may fall, or weakened roots. This assessment also determines which trees require complete removal. Conducting a thorough post-storm evaluation will determine what decisions need to be taken regarding necessary work. It is crucial to perform this assessment during daylight hours and from a safe distance, avoiding any contact with downed power lines or unstable structures. Documenting the damage with photographs or videos can also be helpful for insurance claims.
What are the Immediate Risks?
After a storm, damaged trees can pose serious risks. They need quick evaluation and repair. Fallen, damaged, or broken trees can endanger individuals, cause property damage, prevent access, and cause electrical hazards. Addressing tree damage and any fallen tree removal as soon as possible is vital. This proactive approach reduces potential accidents, minimises property damage, and restores the safety of the affected outdoor environment. Knowing the risks of tree damage can help speed up the removal process.
Professional Assessment: Consult a Tree Surgeon
When in doubt, consulting a tree surgeon is the recommended course of action. Trees in bad condition can be unstable and hazardous, posing risks to individuals, property, and surrounding structures, and really require professional evaluation. A qualified tree surgeon can inspect the tree, assess the damage, and perform necessary removal or restoration work. Getting expert advice is best when faced with uncertainty, rather than attempting to do the work yourself.
Choosing a Dependable Tree Care Specialist
Choosing a reliable tree care specialist for post-storm tree removal is crucial for safe and efficient execution. A reputable specialist, like Hickson & Wardle, possesses the expertise, equipment, and training to accurately assess the situation and determine the safest removal approach. Do some research online and on review platforms like Google or Yell for customer feedback. Get in touch with them directly to see if they can help.
Preventative Tree Care for Future Storms
Proactive tree care is essential to prevent or reduce future storm damage. Techniques like crown thinning and tree crown reduction are frequently used. Crown thinning reduces wind resistance and minimises the strain by thinning branch tips. Tree crown reduction decreases end loading of branches, lowering the risk of breakage. These preventative measures ensure trees maintain balance, strength, and reduced vulnerability to high winds and storms. Choosing tree species that are naturally more resilient to severe weather patterns can significantly reduce the risk of storm-related damage. It’s also important to ensure that trees are planted in locations that allow for adequate root development, as strong root systems are crucial for stability during high winds.
Tree Cutting & Removal Service in North London
At Hickson & Wardle, we provide clients across London with a range of professional tree care services to minimise wind resistance and safely remove trees when necessary after storms, providing specialist tree care services including tree crown thinning, tree crown reduction, and crown lifting. We also have an emergency call-out service.
We are also highly trained and certified. If your trees have suffered serious damage, are leaning, or have completely fallen, we can provide safe and effective restoration or removal solutions. Get in touch with us today to find out more about our services and see how we can help you.