Top 7 Tips for Safe Storm Damage Tree Removal

According to FirstStreet.org, Maple Valley, WA, has a “Minimal Wind Factor,” meaning the likelihood of severe storm winds or hurricanes affecting the area is “very low.”

However, that doesn’t mean the city is 100% safe from storms; they can still occur. When they do, they can wreak havoc on the trees on your property, resulting in safety risks.

For those reasons, you must know what to do for safe storm damage tree removal.

In this guide, the experts at P’n’D Logging and Tree Service will discuss how to deal with storm-related tree hazards safely.

1. Don’t Go Outside Until Authorities Say It’s Safe

Even if the storm seems to have passed, please avoid inspecting your tree immediately. Instead, check local weather safety updates on the TV, radio, or those issued by Maple Valley Government. If you haven’t yet, sign up for emergency alerts through the King County Alert system.

Only go outside when the local authorities say it’s safe.

2. Wear Protective Safety Gear

Even if the local authorities say it’s safe to go outside following a storm, you should still practice caution and don protective gear. Wear the following to help protect yourself from potential injuries:

Rubber gloves
Sturdy, non-slip boots
A hard hat or helmet

Keep your phone with you in case you need to call for emergency help. Also, bring a flashlight and binoculars for safe tree damage assessment.

3. Check for Electrical Hazards

As Ready.gov recommends, watch for and report fallen power lines and trees immediately during and after storms.

A good enough reason is that electricity and trees don’t always mix. After all, live trees conduct electricity because they contain water and sap. By touching live trees, electricity can pass through you to the ground.

So, keep your distance and survey the area around the tree with your flashlight and binoculars. Let your local electricity company know if you see any downed power lines nearby. Then, go back into the house, switch off, and unplug all electrical appliances until the utility company tells you it’s safe.

4. Inspect the Tree Damage From a Safe Distance

If you don’t see any downed power line, stay where you are (a safe distance away) and direct your flashlight and binoculars to the tree. Look for the following signs of storm damage:

Fallen branches
Branches that hang in an odd way
Cracked or splintered branches
Leaning

Even if unnaturally hanging, cracked, or splintered branches haven’t fallen yet, they likely will soon, making them a danger to people, animals, and property. Significant leaning is even more hazardous, as it can indicate a damaged tree root system and is in danger of becoming uprooted. In these cases, your safest bet is to contact a reliable tree service in Maple Valley, WA, such as P’n’D Logging and Tree Service.

5. Photograph the Damage From Afar

Your Maple Valley homeowners insurance policy may cover tree-related storm damages to your property. For instance, it may cover tree-damaged property repairs or replacements. If the tree is so damaged you can no longer save it, your policy may also pay for its removal.

You’d need to prove your tree has damaged your property, so take as many photographs and videos of the event as possible. Use your phone or camera’s zoom functionalities so you don’t have to go too near the tree and put yourself at a safety risk.

Next, contact your insurance provider about your policy’s tree-related damage coverage. If it provides coverage, ask if they have specific tree removal services you must hire. If they say it’s at your discretion, please choose a licensed, bonded, highly experienced tree removal company like P’n’D Logging and Tree Service.

At P’n’D Logging and Tree Service, we work with insurers on tree-related damage and removal claims.

6. Hire an Emergency Tree Removal Service

The safest way to deal with storm damage tree removal is to let experts handle the job. Here are some reasons why enlisting professional tree-cutting and removal services is always better and safer.

Expertise That Makes Tree Removal Safe and Timely

Tree-cutting and removal experts provide 24/7 emergency services to help with your storm and tree-related woes at any time of the day. They are also highly experienced in using powerful equipment, such as crane trucks, to deal with the aftermath of storms. Crane trucks allow them to lift downed trees and transport them safely.

Provides Comprehensive Tree Assessment

Storm-damaged trees don’t always require complete removal, such as if they only sustained damage to one or more branches. For this reason, you can expect experienced and reputable professionals to conduct a careful tree assessment to determine if:

It’s still salvageable with first-aid measures
It can still survive (e.g., it still has over half of its branches)
It can recover depending on the number of primary branches lost

If the tree experts determine your tree can still “heal,” they’ll take the necessary steps to help it recover. For example, they’ll remove broken (but still attached) branches to reduce the risk of decay. They may also cut back larger damaged branches to the trunk or main limb to minimize more accidental damage and future safety risks.

7. Implement Post-Storm Tree Care

You can help your storm-damaged tree become healthier by fixing any torn bark. Use a chisel to smooth away jagged areas. Then, regularly inspect your tree, especially its “new wounds,” for signs of decay and infestation.

You should also partner with a tree service for timely tree pruning and trimming. If done correctly, pruning and trimming can help keep your trees healthy and beautiful and less likely to become dangerous during storms.

Stay Safe With Professional Storm Damage Tree Removal

Remember: As beautiful as trees are, they can be dangerous during and immediately after storms. So, for peace of mind and safety, follow these tips for safe storm damage tree removal.

If you need emergency help with a damaged or fallen tree on your Maple Valley, WA, property, P’n’D Logging and Tree Service is ready to help 24/7. We’re a family-owned and operated tree service and removal company that has served Greater Puget Sound since 1977. You can also rest assured that we’re a fully licensed, insured, and bonded company.