Storm Damage Tree Cleanup

Clearing Up After a Stormy Weather: How to Deal With Damaged Trees

Particularly violent storms can unfortunately cause a great deal of damage to trees of all types and sizes. If you are wondering where to start after waking up and surveying the damage, we recommend taking the following steps:

1. Inspect Every Affected Tree – The first job you will need to attend to is to carefully inspect every tree that appears to have been damaged during the storm. However, before you do this up close, we advise taking a good look at each one from a safe distance, with binoculars if necessary. What you are looking for is any broken branches that could fall at any moment, as well as trees with split or torn trunks that could fall over without warning. Only perform close up inspections on those specimens you know to be structurally sound.
2. Contact Your Insurer – Having made a note of all the damage that you find, we suggest you get in touch with your insurer before proceeding any further with storm damage tree cleanup. It is important to establish what your policy does and does not cover before you start the cleanup work in earnest. You may find that your insurance covers damage to your home and any outbuildings you may have but not to your vehicles or to any other non-structural objects.
3. Take Care of Any Small Jobs Within Your Capabilities – If you are competent with a saw and sure that you are capable of taking care of some light pruning without professional assistance, you may wish to remove smaller damaged limbs by cutting back to the next lateral branch or to the trunk if necessary. However, if you have any doubts about your ability to do this safely, please call a professional tree surgeon and ask them to do it instead.
4. Find a Local Specialist to Help You – Once you have made a note of all damage that you find and taken care of any small jobs that are well within your capabilities, it’s time to call the experts. Your local tree surgeons will be able to take care of more severely damaged specimens, including felling and removal if required.

By following these simple steps, you will not only ensure that your land is cleared as quickly as possible, you will also give any mildly to moderately damaged trees the best possible chance of surviving and thriving in the future. For immediate help from a qualified and experienced tree surgeon in North East Scotland, don’t hesitate to call or email the team at Epic Tree Care.