A Guide To Proper Storm Damage Tree Cleanup
In Australia, extremely strong and violent storms can strike anytime and anywhere, leaving a trail of destruction to homes and landscapes. This is why it is important to keep your trees and yard well-tended. However, even burly tree branches can become dangerous under severe weather. Although regular tree care and maintenance will lower the risks of storm damage, it does not prevent it. So, you also need to know how to clean up after a storm safely and effectively. Never leave your yard and trees in disarray to avoid accidents and other imminent dangers your storm-damaged trees will cause. Storm damage tree cleanup can be a long and gruelling task, depending on the severity of the storm. It can also be dangerous, especially if your tree is threatening to fall into power lines, properties, and people below them. If you are not certain you can perform the job safely and correctly, it’s better to hire some help. However, if you’d like to accept the challenge, below is a guide on how to properly do a storm damage tree cleanup.
1. Wait For The Storm To Clear
It’s never a good idea to approach your yard during a storm. As much as possible, keep your family under the shelter of your house to avoid getting hit by falling branches and other debris. You should begin the cleanup process after the storm has passed and it’s safe to go outdoors again. And, if there is ice or snow, wait until it completely melts before tidying up.
2. Survey The Area
After the storm has passed, survey the aftermath and potential hazards lurking in your yard. Assess the area thoroughly to see the full extent of the damage and to identify where you can start. Check if there are broken windows, fallen trees, water pooling, and damages to utility lines, roofs, and concrete surfaces. Do not touch anything right away. You need to carefully plan your next course of action to ensure your own safety. It will also be helpful to take photos of the damages for your home insurance claim. If the damages are too big or too dangerous for you to tackle by yourself, call a professional arborist to clear your trees and yard.
3. Evaluate Tree Damage
Trees pose a safety risk after being subjected to a heavy storm. It is not uncommon for you to see large fallen branches, split tree trunks, or broken branches. Before jumping into action, check how much of your tree has been damaged and if there’s a possibility that it will fall at any moment. The last thing you want is to get hit by a big fallen branch or tree trunk while cleaning your yard. Also, find out if your tree has some branches hanging on any power lines. Do not touch the tree because it might be charged. Call your electric company first and have them assess the situation. Attempting to move dangerous branches could lead to further property destruction, serious injuries, and other costly consequences.
4. Put Safety First
Cleaning up after a storm is not a backbreaking job you can’t take lightly. Your strength is not the only measure of success, but also how you will be able to keep yourself safe during the process. To avoid getting hurt, be sure to wear the proper protective gear. To begin, you need a helmet, working gloves, steel-toe shoes, and goggles. If you need to climb your tree, you will also need a tree climbing harness, climbing rope, and climbing spikes. Remember that your gear is your final defence from dangerous debris and tree climbing accidents, so you need to protect yourself as much as you can. If the job is too dangerous for you to tackle, best to delegate the job to someone who has the right training, experience, and expertise to face the looming dangers of a storm-damaged landscape.
5. Clear The Debris
When you’re confident that it’s safe to stand under your tree again, you can start clearing the debris. Clear out fallen leaves, twigs, and similar litters from the ground. With the right tree trimming tools, you can also begin removing smaller damaged branches that are within reach. Just make sure that there are no major structural damages to your tree. Aside from fallen tree parts, you should also clean up anything that might cause injuries such as broken glass and lawn ornaments. Be careful in picking up tiny and dangerous pieces. Start cleaning from the road and walkways where there is most traffic. Dispose of all debris properly after your done cleaning. You can use dry branches for firewood or turn them into wood chips or mulch to beautify your lawn.
6. Get Some Help
Cleaning up a small yard with manageable-sized trees might not be too difficult for you to handle on your own. With the right tools and safety practices, you will be able to accomplish the task without hurting yourself or causing any damage to your property. However, if you’re dealing with large storm-damaged trees that have become a threat to important structures and dangerous utility lines, it’s highly recommended to call a professional. Never risk your safety to perform a job you are not properly trained to handle.
If you want reliable and trained people to help you with a storm damage tree cleanup, contact Tall Timbers Tree Services. Our professional arborists are highly trained and qualified to perform all types of tree work, including landscape inspections, tree pruning, and tree removals. With our tree experts, you can rest easy knowing the task is handled correctly and safely. Call us today on 0414 627 627.