What To Do When Your Tree Falls

Trees can fall down for various reasons, whether it is due to old age or harsh weather it is important to know what to do when it happens.  It is important to know that it is natural for trees to die and eventually fall.  Some trees will show obvious signs of this, you can see the rot and decay without extensive research.  However other trees can look completely healthy and topple over without notice.  Above ground a tree may look fine, but below ground, the tree can be in bad shape with decomposing roots.  

Safety Comes First

When a tree has fallen over, your first priority should always be checking to make sure everyone is safe.  Once that everyone is accounted for, you can assess the situation for other dangerous situations such as downed power lines.  If the unfortunate circumstance has occurred that a tree has fallen on your home, there are a number of factors that determine just how bad it is.  Here is a quick checklist if you find yourself in this position: 

• Evacuate Immediately: If you are on a second or third story it is best to get to the main floor as quickly, and safely as possible.Make sure everyone is accounted for.
• Call for Help: You may be in a situation where the tree is blocking your exit from your home, call for help!  Emergency services if necessary along with an Arborist!
• Protect the Inside of Your Home: Roof damage may expose your home to weather elements.  Take steps to cover anything that could be damaged by moisture.  Then be sure to secure valuables and lock the doors.

Call an Arborist

After the scene is deemed safe, call a professional team and have them out to assess the situation.  Professionals are highly trained when it comes to working with equipment and complex tree situations.  They are knowledgeable when it comes to standard tree removal practices and have the experience necessary to get the job done right.  Good tree work done by trusted professionals is worth the additional expenses.  The price carries more than just the manual labor it comes with liability & insurance.  

Call Your Insurance
If your fallen tree has caused damage to your property or to a neighbor, you should get in contact with your insurance company.  Have the insurance adjuster out before any tree removal work begins.  The insurance adjuster will have to file their report for any claim work and need to observe the full extent of the damage.  If possible, kill two birds with one stone and have the arborist and the adjuster out at the same time.  

Prevent Trees From Falling

The best thing you can do when your tree is regularly conducting inspections on your trees.  This includes walking your property and looking for warning signs that your trees may be damaged.  Pruning your trees is another great measure to have done each year.  This allows your tree to get a trim of loose branches along with the ability to grow stronger!

Contact Elliott Tree Today!

If you have a tree down and are in need of having it removed do not hesitate to call us!  Our team has decades of experience to come out and access any situation and provide the proper care necessary.  Give us a call at  781-447-0045 or by filling out a contact form on our website.