What to Do After Storm Damage
Recent storms in Upstate New York have left many homeowners dealing with the aftermath of severe weather. The high winds and heavy rains have caused significant damage to trees, leading to broken branches, uprooted trees, and hazardous debris scattered across properties. In the wake of these storms, it’s essential to understand the steps you need to take to address tree damage promptly and safely. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive approach to assessing and managing storm damage, ensuring the safety of your home and the health of your trees.
1. Assess the Damage
Visual Inspection
After a storm, your first priority should be to assess the extent of the damage to your trees. Begin with a thorough visual inspection of your property. Walk around and look for obvious signs of damage, such as:
Broken branches hanging precariously from trees.
Trees that have been uprooted or are leaning dangerously.
Large cracks or splits in the trunks of trees.
Fallen trees or branches that may be blocking pathways or driveways.
Safety First
While inspecting the damage, it's crucial to prioritize safety. Avoid approaching any trees that are near power lines or have fallen on structures, as these situations can be extremely hazardous. Always wear protective gear, such as gloves and a hard hat, to protect yourself from sharp branches and falling debris.
Evaluate Immediate Hazards
Identify and address any immediate hazards on your property. This includes removing small branches and debris from walkways and driveways to prevent accidents. For larger branches or trees that pose significant risks, it's best to call a professional arborist. At Plows Tree Service, we offer emergency response services to help you safely and efficiently deal with storm damage.
By taking these initial steps, you can ensure a safer environment while preparing for the next stages of storm damage management.
2. Document the Damage
Photographs and Notes
Once you have conducted an initial assessment and ensured your safety, it's important to document the damage thoroughly. This documentation will be crucial for insurance claims and for any future professional evaluations. Follow these steps to ensure you capture all necessary information:
Take Clear Photos: Use your smartphone or camera to take clear, detailed photos of all the damaged areas. Focus on capturing multiple angles of broken branches, uprooted trees, and any impact on structures or property.
Note Specific Details: Write down notes describing the damage. Include the date and time of the storm, the extent of the damage, and any immediate hazards you've identified. This written account will complement your photographic evidence.
Contacting Insurance
After documenting the damage, the next step is to contact your homeowners insurance company to report the incident. Here are some tips for this process:
Provide Detailed Information: When you contact your insurance company, be ready to provide them with the photos and notes you've taken. This detailed information will help expedite the claims process.
Understand Your Policy: Review your homeowners insurance policy to understand what types of storm damage are covered. Typically, damage to structures, debris removal, and sometimes tree replacement may be included, but it’s important to confirm the specifics with your insurer.
Follow Their Instructions: Follow the instructions provided by your insurance company for filing a claim. They may require additional documentation or assessments, so be prepared to comply with their requirements.
By thoroughly documenting the damage and promptly contacting your insurance company, you can ensure a smoother and more efficient process for getting the support and compensation you need to repair and restore your property.
3. Clear Immediate Hazards
Removing Debris
Once you have documented the damage and contacted your insurance company, the next step is to clear any immediate hazards from your property. This is an essential part of making your home safe and accessible again. Follow these guidelines:
Small Branches and Debris: Begin by safely removing small branches and debris from pathways, driveways, and other commonly used areas. Use gloves to protect your hands from splinters and sharp edges.
Proper Disposal: Ensure that all debris is disposed of properly. You can use yard waste bins or arrange for a debris removal service if the volume is substantial.
Professional Help
For larger or more hazardous debris, it's crucial to seek professional assistance. Attempting to handle large branches or fallen trees on your own can be dangerous. Here’s how professionals can help:
Safe Removal: Professionals have the training and equipment necessary to safely remove large branches and fallen trees without causing further damage to your property.
Efficient Cleanup: Professionals can efficiently clean up the debris, saving you time and effort.
Avoiding Electrical Hazards
Special caution is needed when dealing with trees and branches near power lines. Here are some important points to consider:
Stay Clear of Power Lines: Never attempt to remove debris that is in contact with or near power lines. This is extremely dangerous and should only be handled by utility companies or certified professionals.
Report to Utility Company: If you notice any trees or branches interfering with power lines, report it immediately to your utility company. They will prioritize these situations to restore safety and prevent outages.
By addressing immediate hazards promptly and with the right precautions, you can ensure a safer environment for you and your family while preparing for further restoration efforts.
4. Evaluate Tree Health
Signs of Irreparable Damage
After clearing immediate hazards, it's important to evaluate the health of your trees to determine which can be saved and which need to be removed. Here are some signs that a tree may not survive:
Split Trunks: Trees with trunks that are split down the middle or severely cracked are often beyond saving and pose a risk of falling.
Uprooted Trees: Trees that have been uprooted or have significant root damage are unlikely to recover.
Major Limb Damage: If a large portion of the tree's canopy is damaged or broken, the tree may not be able to sustain itself.
Professional Evaluation
For a thorough assessment, consider hiring a tree care professional. Here’s why professional help is beneficial:
Expertise: Tree care experts can accurately assess the extent of the damage and determine the tree's viability.
Safety: They can safely examine and handle damaged trees, especially those in precarious positions.
Salvageable Trees
Not all storm-damaged trees need to be removed. Here are some tips for caring for trees that can be saved:
Pruning Damaged Limbs: Carefully prune broken or damaged limbs to prevent further injury and encourage healthy growth. Professional pruning ensures the tree is trimmed correctly and safely.
Support Systems: For partially uprooted trees or those with minor structural damage, installing support systems like cables or braces can help stabilize the tree as it recovers.
Monitoring Health: Keep a close eye on the tree over the coming weeks and months. Look for signs of recovery, such as new growth, or further decline, such as wilting leaves or additional cracking.
Importance of Timely Action
Taking prompt action is crucial for the recovery of storm-damaged trees. Delays in addressing damage can lead to further decline and increased risks. By evaluating tree health and taking the necessary steps to either care for or remove damaged trees, you can enhance the safety and beauty of your property.
By following these guidelines and seeking professional help when needed, you can make informed decisions about the future of your storm-damaged trees, ensuring the safety and aesthetic value of your landscape.
5. What Insurance May or May Not Cover
Covered Damage
Understanding what your homeowners insurance may cover after a storm can help you manage the costs associated with tree damage. Typically, insurance policies cover certain types of damage, including:
Damage to Structures: If a tree falls and damages your home, garage, fence, or other structures, your insurance will likely cover the cost of repairs.
Debris Removal: Many policies include coverage for the removal of fallen trees and branches that block driveways or pose a hazard to the property.
Tree Replacement: Some policies may provide a limited amount for the replacement of trees lost in the storm, though this is often capped.
Exclusions and Limitations
While insurance can be a great help, there are also exclusions and limitations to be aware of:
Landscaping: Damage to landscaping, such as shrubs and flower beds, is often not covered unless the plants are specifically listed in your policy.
Neglect: If the insurance company determines that the damage was due to neglect or poor maintenance of the tree, they may deny the claim.
Non-Damage Removal: The cost to remove a tree that has fallen but did not cause any damage might not be covered unless it poses a hazard.
Reviewing Your Policy
It's crucial to review your individual insurance policy to understand the specific coverage and exclusions. Contact your insurance provider if you have questions about your coverage.
6. Determining Responsibility: Homeowner or Utility Company?
Tree Location and Ownership
The responsibility for tree damage and removal often depends on where the tree is located:
On Private Property: Trees located entirely on your property are typically your responsibility. This includes damage they may cause to your home or other structures on your property.
Boundary Trees: If a tree sits on the boundary between your property and a neighbor's, the responsibility may be shared. It's important to discuss this with your neighbor and potentially with your insurance companies.
Utility Company Responsibility
Trees near power lines or other utility structures can complicate responsibility:
Near Power Lines: Trees that interfere with power lines are generally the responsibility of the utility company. Do not attempt to handle these trees yourself; contact your utility provider to report the issue.
Utility Easements: If the tree is within a utility easement on your property, the utility company may have the right to trim or remove it to protect its infrastructure.
Reporting and Resolving Issues
To address trees near power lines or within utility easements, contact the utility company directly. They will prioritize safety and may send a crew to handle the situation.
By understanding insurance coverage and determining responsibility, you can effectively manage the financial and legal aspects of storm damage, ensuring a smoother recovery process.
7. Timing and Prioritization of Tree Services
During storm events, tree care companies can become extremely busy, responding to numerous calls for help. It's crucial to understand the prioritization process to manage your expectations effectively:
Immediate Hazards First: Tree companies prioritize life-and-death situations and immediate hazards, such as trees that threaten to fall on homes or power lines.
Property Access: They will also address trees blocking driveways or access routes to ensure you can move safely in and out of your property.
Non-Critical Damage: For trees that aren't posing immediate dangers or interfering with property access, there might be a delay before a professional can attend to your project.
To ensure you get the assistance you need, it's important to call a professional tree service as soon as possible after the storm. Being early in your request can help you secure a spot in their schedule once the most critical emergencies are handled.
Conclusion
Recapping the key steps to take after storm damage can help you ensure the safety and recovery of your property. Here’s a brief overview of what to do:
Assess the Damage: Conduct a thorough visual inspection to identify broken branches, leaning trees, and other hazards while prioritizing safety.
Document the Damage: Take clear photos and detailed notes, then contact your homeowners’ insurance to report the damage.
Clear Immediate Hazards: Remove small debris safely, and hire professionals for large or hazardous removals.
Evaluate Tree Health: Identify irreparable damage, and consider professional evaluation for trees that can potentially be saved.
Understand Insurance Coverage: Review your insurance policy to understand what is covered and what exclusions might apply.
Determine Responsibility: Identify whether the damaged tree is your responsibility or that of the utility company, especially if near power lines.
By following these steps, you can manage the aftermath of storm damage effectively and restore your property’s safety and beauty. If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact Plows Tree Service for expert help with tree care and storm damage recovery.
