While many plants die from disease or wither from lack of water or nutrients and fall to the earth and decompose, dying or unstable trees pose a greater risk to people and property nearby. There are many factors that can cause a tree to fall, such as internal decay or a disintegrating root system. This can damage your home, affect a neighbor’s property, hurt someone nearby, and leave you without clear recourse. For those looking for guidance, learn these three steps of what to do when your tree falls.
Take Stock of Property Damage and Present Risks
After making sure no one is hurt, assess the state of your property after the fall. Falling trees can, depending on their fall path, damage your roof, impact your siding, tear up sidewalks and driveways, and much more. If your home did sustain damage, and particularly if the tree struck your roof, stay on main levels in the meantime. If the tree hit a neighbor’s home, check in on them.
Be aware of potential hazards—a damaged power line is one notable example. Treat every power line as live and don’t try to clear anything yourself. If the damage is major and/or power lines crisscross your property, call 911 for outside assistance.
Call a Certified Arborist
Once the initial shock subsides, you should contact an arborist to plan the tree’s Once the initial shock subsides, you should contact an arborist to plan the tree’s removal. An arborist has years of experience planning how to remove each unique fallen tree and access to equipment that allows them to do so. Rather than risking further property damage and your own safety by removing it yourself or using an unqualified company, enlist an arborist’s comprehensive and insurance-backed tree removal services. With Sid Mourning Tree Service, you specifically benefit from expert tree removal and thorough lot clearing in the Austin, TX, area.
If There’s Damage, Contact Your Insurance Company
Another thing to do when your tree falls is involve your home insurance company in the tree removal process. Request a representative to come out to observe existing damage with the arborist present. This way, you can ensure your insurance covers the tree’s removal as well as follow-up home repair work. If your neighbor’s property sustains damage, dialogue with them about contacting their own insurance company to cover repairs. The only condition where you are liable for damages is if the fallen tree was showing marked signs of decay.