This is one of those situations where knowing what to do before it happens makes a real difference. A tree through your roof in the middle of a storm is not the time to be figuring out who to call or what steps to take. Here’s what to do if it happens to you.
Stay Inside and Stay Away From the Tree
If a tree comes down on your house during an active storm, don’t go outside. Don’t try to assess the damage. Don’t try to move anything. The storm is still happening and there may be other trees that are compromised. A second failure during an active storm is a real possibility and going outside puts you in the path of it.
Stay inside, stay away from the area where the tree came down and wait until the storm has passed and conditions are safe before you do anything else.
Check for Immediate Hazards Before You Go Outside
Once the storm passes, before you go outside check for a few things. Are there any downed power lines near the tree or anywhere on your property? If you can see lines down from inside the house don’t go near them. Call the utility company first and wait until they confirm the lines are safe.
Is the tree still moving or shifting? A tree that came down on a structure isn’t always fully settled. If there’s any movement or instability wait until you’re sure it’s not going to shift further before you get close to it.
Document Everything Before Anyone Touches It
Once it’s safe to go outside, document everything before any cleanup or removal starts. Take photos and video of the tree, the damage, where the tree was rooted, what it hit and the surrounding area. Get as much documentation as you can from multiple angles.
This documentation matters for your insurance claim. The more thorough it is the easier the process tends to be. Don’t let anyone start cutting or moving anything until you’ve got it fully documented.
Call Your Insurance Company Before You Call a Tree Crew
Call your insurance company and report the claim before you hire anyone to remove the tree. Some policies require pre-approval before covered work begins. Skipping that step can create problems with your claim that are hard to undo later.
Ask specifically whether you need approval before the tree is removed and whether there are any steps you need to take to protect the property from further damage in the meantime. Covering a hole in the roof with a tarp to prevent additional water damage is generally covered and usually something you’re expected to do. Keep all receipts for anything you spend on emergency protection.
Finding a Crew After a Storm
After a major storm hits Spring Hill every tree company in the area is getting calls at once. Response times stretch and your options narrow fast. This is the situation you want to avoid by dealing with problem trees before storm season.
If you’re in it, call around and be patient. Ask for proof of insurance from anyone you hire. Storm damage situations attract crews from out of the area who aren’t licensed or insured and the aftermath of hiring one of them can be worse than the original damage.
What the Removal Actually Involves
A tree that’s come down on a structure is a more complicated removal than a tree in an open yard. The tree may be partially supported by the structure it fell on which affects how it needs to be cut and removed. Taking it off the wrong way can cause additional damage to the roof or walls. A crew that does this regularly knows how to assess the situation and remove the tree without making things worse.
Once the tree is off the structure the hole in the roof needs to be addressed quickly to prevent water damage. That’s a separate contractor from the tree crew but the two jobs often need to be coordinated so one doesn’t get in the way of the other.
If you’ve got a tree down on your property after a storm and you need it dealt with, emergency tree removal in Spring Hill is something Spring Hill Tree Specialists handles. Free estimates on all work.