A tree fell on my property. What do I do now?
Did you know that North Carolina is fortunate to have a great diversity of woody plant species in its extensive forests. NC is home to 655 species of trees, shrubs, subshrubs, and woody vines.
It has been said that spending time around trees and looking at them reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and improves mood. But, when a tree falls on or near your home or on your property, it can have the opposite effect. So, what should be your first response to a fallen tree?
Here are 5 next steps after a tree falls in your yard:
1. Assess the damage from a distance
As soon as it is safe to do so, asses the situation and damage. Make sure to do so from a distance.
If a tree fell on your home, you should evacuate. It doesn't matter if you do not see any immediate damage. Wind and rain can push on the fallen tree and puncture a hole in your roof or ceiling (or worse).
Ensure everyone around you is safe. Portions of the tree may have fallen in your neighbors yard, in the road, etc. You may need or want to call emergency officials, if anyone is hurt.
If the power went out or your room/home shook, assume the tree hit a power line, at minimum.
Never go near a downed powerline.
Determine if you need a home inspector to come out to inspect the home and foundation.
2. Secure your home
Don't forget to focus on safety. Wait for any inclement weather to pass before beginning to secure your home.
If you need to leave the home, lock your doors and windows before leaving.
Remove any valuables.
Place boards over any holes in your walls or over broken windows.
3. Call your insurance company
Depending on the damage to your home or property (or maybe there is no property damage), you will want to contact your insurance company as soon as possible.
Include as many details as you have. Itemize your damaged belongings. If asked to do so, include photographs of the damage.
Ask what next steps are regarding your claim.
4. Call a professional tree service company to remove the tree
Do not try to remove the tree. Call in the professionals. Climbing trees, operating heavy equipment, handling large tree branches or trees can often be dangerous.
Contacting a tree service or tree removal professional as soon as possible to expedite the removal process. We will want to know where the tree is, how large the tree is, and will ask questions to asses the situation.
Our experienced team will work to keep your home and property safe during removal. Our team is trusted for emergency tree services, which are offered 24/7.
5. Are there other trees on your property that may need to be removed to prevent failure?
When a tree develops problems, it is often difficult to decide when to remove it. Sometimes the signs that a tree needs to be removed are obvious. But, at times they aren’t so obvious. This means you’ll need an expert to diagnose your tree.
If the tree requires removal, you’ll almost always need to hire a professional. DIY tree removal might be possible with small healthy trees, but removing large, unhealthy or dying trees poses a significantly higher safety risk.
So, what should you look for?
- The tree is just too close for comfort
- The tree is dead
- The tree trunk is hollow
- It appears to you that the tree might fall
- The tree is preventing your lawn from growing
- There are a growing number of dead or dying tree branches
- Storm damage
Read more about these 7 signs that a tree may need to be removed from your property HERE.
Contact Us
Earnest Tree Service and Landscaping can trim, treat and remove trees on your residential or commercial property. We also offer stump grinding services to eliminate safety hazards on your land.
Our team can provide you with a FREE estimate to provide recommendations for your tree service or landscaping needs.
To schedule your free estimate, Call 704-682-3355 or complete our Contact Us Form HERE.
We are also trusted for emergency tree services, which are offered 24/7. Call us when you have a tree issue that needs to be addressed immediately. Learn more HERE.
