Tree maintenance is an integral part of ensuring the trees in your compound remain healthy throughout the year. Unfortunately, many homeowners neglect this with unforeseen consequences. An overgrown tree not only messes up your landscape appeal but can also pose a safety hazard to you, pedestrians, and your property. This blog post guides you on what to do if you ever encounter a fallen tree on your home or property.
What could cause a tree to fall?
Various scenarios may cause a tree to fall on your house. Some of the more common ones include:
Old age
As trees grow old, their roots become weak and lose the ability to hold firm under the soil. This significantly undermines their stability, exposing them to the risk of falling with the slightest trigger. In the event of relatively strong winds, a tree weakened by age is likely to be toppled over.
Tree disease
Tree diseases weaken trees and make them more vulnerable to falling with little or no warning. One of the most common causes of this vulnerability in mature trees is root rot, which occurs when moisture accumulates below ground level and penetrates deep into the roots. An infestation of borers also makes trees more vulnerable to falling.
Heavy or excess weight on branches
Trees have a specific load, and when this threshold is breached due to the addition of too much weight, they become prone to falling. This can happen with the weight is something minor, such as bird’s nests or an accumulation of leaves. However, it can also occur in more extreme scenarios where branches are weighed down by heavy objects hanging on them, e.g., advertising banners and nets full of construction debris.
Harsh weather conditions
Storms, strong winds, and other extreme weather events can also cause trees to fall on your house. With this in mind, it’s always advisable to have the necessary tree maintenance done regularly to prepare for these types of scenarios. If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, it’s always advisable to cut down trees that are in close proximity to your home in order to prevent the possibility of the tree falling and damaging your home.
Human Activity
People are also responsible for many of the incidents where trees fall on houses. This can happen when cutting down a tree. A simple mistake is all that is needed to send the tree tumbling down in the wrong direction. If you are inexperienced with tree cutting or tree trimming, please call a professional!
What should I do if a tree falls on my house?
A tree falling on your house is an emergency that should be handled with care to avoid casualties. If you ever find yourself in such a situation, remember to do the following:
Evacuate immediately
The first thing that should be on your mind is your safety and that of your household. Confirm that everyone is safe and come up with an evacuation plan as soon as possible to get everyone away from the site. This will include your loved ones and pets inside the house.
Call 911
Once you’re safe, call the emergency services to deal with the fallen tree. They will send a crew with specialized tools and equipment needed to safely remove the tree and debris from your property.
Contact your insurance provider
Contacting your insurance company is also necessary for this scenario. This will enable them to handle settling claims and repairs, which could be very costly depending on what was affected by the fallen tree.
How can a tree removal company help?
Tree removal companies are one of the first services that should come to mind when a tree falls on your house. Expect the following when you contact a tree remover:
Provide emergency help
Upon arrival, they will immediately begin removing the fallen tree by cutting it up and carting it off. They have special equipment that allows them to do this safely and efficiently.
Provide manual labor
Depending on how large or heavy your fallen tree is, you might need an extra workforce for its removal. Tree removal companies usually have enough muscle to help you out in this regard.
Log clear up services
Once they’re done removing the fallen tree, they will also remove all leftover debris lying around your property or household. This is a very tedious process that takes time and effort to complete. It entails cutting up all remaining parts of the tree and piling them in a designated area for later disposal.
How can I prevent falling trees on my house?
There are a couple of things you can do to avoid the risk of trees falling into your compound. Remember to:
Cut down old trees
Old and weak trees pose a high risk of falling during harsh weather conditions like strong winds and storms. It’s best to get rid of them as soon as possible rather than wait for the worst to happen.
Trim overgrown branches
Overgrown branches are also a hazard that can strike at any time. They can weigh down the entire tree when they become too heavy, which is another reason why it’s vital to have them pruned on schedule.
Schedule tree inspection
Inspection of your trees from time to time is also a crucial part of the maintenance process. You should contact a tree removal company to conduct a thorough inspection of the trees in your compound to determine the state of their health. This will reveal any hidden risks. You will also benefit from expert advice on how to prevent future risks.
Call Arbor City Tree Care for Tree Removal!
If you are worried about the state of the trees around your house, it may be time to contact a tree removal Vancouver WA service. At Abor City Tree Care, we have experienced tree professionals who will inspect and provide an immediate solution to your problems. Give us a call for a quote anytime you need tree care.