At some point or another, a tree is going to fall. Each year, trees fall due to old age or storms. If you have a tree on or near your property, it is an issue you may be faced to deal with at some point.

Some trees are rather obvious that they are in danger of falling. By simply looking at a tree with a lot of rot and damage, it becomes apparent that it will eventually fall. However, healthy trees are at just as much risk of falling. Many trees may look perfectly fine from up above. However, below the surface, things could be in the danger zone. Dead root systems affect the stability of a tree and cause the tree to lose its strength very quickly. These types of trees are in a precarious situation when a strong storm blows in.

What To Do When A Tree Falls

One of the first things you will need to do is ensure that everyone is safe. After this, it is time to check for any dangerous situations, such as downed power lines. If you should see anything that may be dangerous, get in touch with that particular utility company and stay in place. It is essential to consider any wire laying on the ground as live and dangerous. Wait for the proper utilities to arrive and address the situation. If you are in need of a tree surgeon but not sure of the facilities you have in your local area you can find out by doing a Google search, just type in tree surgeons near me or tree surgeons and your location. For example, if you are in Hampshire then type something like ‘Hampshire tree surgeon‘.

If a tree should fall on your house, there are a number of factors that will determine exactly how bad the situation is. There are some issues that will need to be addressed as soon as possible in order to keep the family safe, while others will be fine to wait on.

Evacuation – If you are on an upper layer of the house, it is best to get to the main floor as soon as possible. Once together, ensure everyone is safe and accounted for.

Call for Assistance – In some instances, a tree may block evacuation from the home, in which case you will need to call for help.

Protecting The Contents Of Your Home – Damage to the roof of the home may expose parts of the house to the elements. Try to take measures that will protect as much as possible from moisture. Be sure to secure as many valuables as possible and lock the doors before leaving.

Call In An Expert

Once the area has been deemed safe, you will want to call in a Certified Arborist to assess the damage. Arborists have been trained to deal with these situations and speciality equipment. They are experts in the removal of trees and have the experience and expertise to do it right the first time. Always remember that it is better to find a professional that has experience is always going to be better. The prices should include them having Workers compensation and liability insurance. In addition, they should come well equipped with the necessary equipment such as loaders and cranes. If an initial estimate seems as though it is rather high, do not be afraid to ask what is included. In some cases, you may be receiving much more than would have been offered by a less expensive company.

Contact Your Insurance Company

If your home or property has been damaged by a tree, be sure to get in touch with your insurance company. You will want to make sure the adjuster arrives before any removal work has started. The adjuster will need to have their report filed for a claim and observe the amount of damage to the property. If possible, try to have both the arborist and adjuster on the property at the same time.

In many cases, homeowners insurance will cover the damage to your home from the tree. In addition, insurance covers the cost of tree removal as well.