The Gainesville area is known for its beautiful trees and rightfully so. But while these trees beautify our city throughout the year, they can quickly become an issue when a storm rolls through. So what do you do when a tree falls after a storm? How can you remove a fallen tree from your property? Discover the answers to these questions and more in our fallen tree removal guide!
Can I Remove a Tree Myself?
Like with many things, the answer to this question is technically yes, but it’s likely not the best idea. Fallen trees, especially after a hurricane, pose a huge injury risk to anyone who tries to remove them or is even near them. Furthermore, many nurses and doctors dread the days after a hurricane due to the significant increase in chainsaw injuries caused by people trying to remove trees by themselves.
So while removing a tree yourself is possible, we’d advise you to not put yourself in harm’s way. While there may be some things you can do to clean up your yard, tree removal is best left in the hands of a professional.
Dangers of a Fallen Tree
What exactly do you risk when you try to remove a fallen tree? Many of the hazards of a fallen tree are hidden, so you may not even be aware of the danger until it’s too late. Some of these risks include:
- Electrocution is one of the biggest risks associated with a fallen tree, especially after a hurricane. While the tree is falling, it may knock down power lines and have the wires caught in its branches or foliage, making it difficult to see these wires. If the wires are still live, you risk being electrocuted if you’re not careful. This is also a risk if the tree is in flood waters—the water may be live with electricity as well.
- We already mentioned the risk of chainsaw injury, but it’s worth it to mention it again. This is one of the most common injuries post-hurricane, and it can cause life-altering, if not life-threatening, damage.
- If the fallen tree is taller than you, you’re at risk for fallen branches. The fallen part of the tree is considered dead and can quickly become brittle. This means if you’re standing below it, you can end up getting hurt by a falling branch.
The dangers of a fallen tree cannot be overstated. In the US alone, 200 people die every year from hazardous trees—even professionals. The inherent danger of this job necessitates careful execution by skilled individuals.
5 Steps to Removing a Fallen Tree
If a tree has fallen on your home or property, we’re not asking you to do nothing about it. There are actually a few steps you can take to dispose of the fallen tree without doing it yourself.
1. Assess the Damage
One of the best ways to assist your insurance company and your tree removal professionals is by assessing the damage. You should do this inside, if possible. Due to the possibility of live wires from downed power lines, you want to stay safely inside until you’re sure there’s no electrocution risk.
If you’re sure the tree has fallen on your home, avoid entering any rooms or areas where it’s located. The roof is likely fragile from the fall and can cave in at any point until the tree is removed. If your entire home is impacted by the tree, you should find alternative accommodations for the time being.
Whenever you find a safe angle to assess the damage, take photos of what you see. Make note of any property damage and home damage. This could include your belongings and your car. If you or someone in your family was hurt during the fall, call 911 immediately to get them seen.
2. Contact Your Insurance Company
Depending on your insurance company, the tree removal and any property repairs may be covered under your policy. We’d recommend calling them before you begin repairs and clean up, so you know exactly what is covered and what’s out of pocket to help determine your next steps. Use the photos you took of the damage to file your claim.
3. Contact a Professional Tree Removal Service
With the damage assessed and your insurance figured out, it’s time to find a tree removal service. The first couple days after a hurricane are going to be a very busy time for tree removal companies; however, some, like Gaston’s Tree Removal, offer emergency tree removal services, getting you the help you need fast.
You may want to call a few companies to determine wait times, their qualifications, and compare prices. Of course, if you’re ever in need of an emergency tree service, our team at Gaston’s is happy to help you and your family recover after a storm!
4. Remove the Debris You Can
If you’re absolutely certain that your home was not impacted by downed power lines or flood waters, you can venture out to your yard to clean up the debris you can. From loose shingles to small branches, cleaning your yard up may help you feel a sense of normalcy after a storm. Be careful to avoid the area where the fallen tree is, and if you have other standing trees, be wary of loose branches that may not have fallen yet. Don’t worry about cleaning up the leaves—our team will help remove all tree debris after your removal!
5. Determine Next Steps to Keep Your Family Safe
Depending on the damage to your home, you may need to make some difficult decisions. If the tree is on your house, we’d recommend you find a hotel or someone to stay with until an inspector confirms your home is safe to live in. Be cautious driving after a hurricane as the roads may have hazards on them and the street lights may not be working.
If the tree fell on your car, you may need to also contact your auto insurance and figure out the next steps in either repairing or buying a new one.
Regardless of the next steps, take a moment to breathe and hold your loved ones tight. Storm prep and storm clean-up can be a stressful situation for everyone. It’s good to find a moment to appreciate the small blessings even in the midst of insurance claims and home repairs.
What If My Tree Fell in the Street?
If your tree fell in the street, you don’t have to do any of the steps we just went over unless you own the road. Public roads are the local government’s responsibility in Florida, so even if the tree came from your yard, they handle the clean-up and road repairs.
What If My Tree Fell on My Neighbor’s Property?
If a tree from your yard falls on your neighbor’s property, Florida law says you are not responsible for the repairs in most cases. This is considered an “act of God,” so liability does not fall on you unless your neighbor can prove your tree was dying or diseased and you didn’t take care of it before the storm. Otherwise, your neighbor’s home insurance should cover the damage caused by the tree.
We Protect You & Your Home with Our Tree Removal Services
When a tree falls, we hear the call. You should be focused on your family—let us handle the tree removal and clean-up. We’ve been serving the North Central Florida community for over 50 years, so we’ve seen our fair share of hurricanes. Whether you want to prepare your tree before the storm or need it removed afterward, Gaston’s Tree Removal has you covered!