Emergency Tree Services: What to Do When a Storm Strikes

Severe storms can be a major threat to the health and safety of your trees and property. High winds, heavy rain, hail, and lightning can all cause significant damage to trees, leading to fallen branches, uprooted trees, or broken trunks. When a storm strikes, it's essential to know what to do to ensure the safety of your home, family, and surrounding property. Emergency tree services play a critical role in addressing these issues, and understanding how to handle the situation can help minimize damage and prevent dangerous situations. In this article, we’ll guide you on how to respond when a storm strikes and how professional tree care services can help.

1. Stay Safe: Prioritize Safety First

During a storm, your safety should be the top priority. If you suspect your trees may be damaged or at risk of falling, it’s important to take immediate steps to protect yourself, your family, and your property. Stay indoors and away from windows, as falling branches or debris could cause serious injury. Avoid standing near trees or power lines, as they can become unstable during storms. If you need to evacuate, follow local safety guidelines and head to a designated safe area.

2. Inspect Your Property After the Storm

Once the storm has passed, it’s time to carefully assess the damage to your trees. Take note of any fallen branches, split or leaning trees, and any debris that may have landed on your property. Avoid attempting to assess or remove the damage immediately, especially if power lines or other hazards are involved. Look for:

• Fallen branches or tree limbs
• Trees that have fallen or leaned significantly
• Broken or split trunks
• Power lines that may be entangled with trees or branches

If you notice any of these issues, it’s important to contact a professional tree service immediately. Keep a safe distance from fallen trees and branches, as they can still pose risks such as further collapse or electrical hazards.

3. Call an Emergency Tree Service Provider

If your tree has been severely damaged or fallen during a storm, contacting a certified arborist or emergency tree service provider is crucial. These professionals have the experience, tools, and knowledge to safely remove fallen trees, branches, and debris from your property. Additionally, they can assess the health of your remaining trees to determine if there’s any risk of further damage or potential hazards.

When choosing an emergency tree service provider, look for the following:

• 24/7 Availability: Storm damage doesn’t always occur during normal business hours, so it’s important to choose a provider that offers emergency services at any time.
• Certified Arborists: Certified professionals will ensure that tree removal and care are handled safely and effectively.
• Insurance: Ensure that the company has liability insurance to cover any potential damages during the removal process.

4. Assess and Address Power Line Hazards

After a storm, one of the most serious risks associated with damaged trees is the potential for power line issues. Fallen trees or branches that make contact with power lines can cause power outages, fires, and electrocution hazards. It is critical that you stay clear of any downed power lines and avoid touching anything that might be in contact with them.

Contact your local utility company immediately to report power line damage. Do not attempt to handle or remove branches that are tangled in power lines—only trained professionals should handle these situations. Emergency tree services can assist in safely removing damaged branches, but they will typically coordinate with utility companies to address power line hazards.

5. Temporary Solutions and Clean-Up

In some cases, your tree care professional may need to take temporary steps to stabilize a tree or remove immediate hazards after the storm. This could include:

• Bracing leaning trees: If a tree is leaning dangerously but is still standing, a professional can provide temporary bracing to prevent further tilting or collapse.
• Removing fallen limbs: If large branches have fallen and obstructed driveways or pathways, emergency tree services can safely remove them to prevent further accidents or property damage.
• Clearing debris: While large tree removal is typically a priority, smaller debris removal can help reduce trip hazards and allow you to return to your daily routine more quickly.

6. Follow-Up and Long-Term Tree Care

Once immediate hazards have been addressed, it’s essential to follow up with long-term tree care. Storm damage can sometimes weaken trees, leaving them more susceptible to diseases, pests, or further damage in future storms. A professional arborist can conduct a thorough inspection to evaluate the overall health of your trees and recommend the best course of action. Some steps they may suggest include:

• Pruning or trimming: Removing damaged or weakened branches to improve the structure of the tree and prevent further risks.
• Tree removal: If a tree is severely damaged and poses a future risk, removal may be the best option to ensure safety.
• Soil and root health check: Storms can sometimes damage the roots or soil surrounding a tree, so checking for structural issues and addressing them early is crucial.

7. Tree Protection for Future Storms

Once your trees have recovered from storm damage, consider implementing preventive measures to protect them during future storms. Regular tree maintenance, such as pruning, removing dead branches, and ensuring proper root health, can reduce the likelihood of storm damage. Consulting with an arborist can help you identify any weaknesses in your trees and ensure they are better equipped to withstand extreme weather conditions.

Storms can cause severe damage to your trees and landscape, but quick action and professional tree care services can help minimize the impact. By prioritizing safety, assessing damage after the storm, and contacting an emergency tree service provider, you can address immediate risks and prevent further harm to your property. Don’t hesitate to call in a certified arborist for expert tree removal, tree pruning, and long-term care. With the right help, your trees can recover and be better prepared for future storms.

For fast, reliable emergency tree services in Champaign, contact Champaign Tree Squad. Our certified arborists are available 24/7 to assist with storm damage cleanup, tree removal, and more. Stay safe and let us handle the rest!