Storms in Sydney often leave significant damage in their wake, including fallen tree. Whether it is a large tree obstructing your driveway or a smaller one precariously leaning near your home, dealing with storm-damaged trees can be both stressful and hazardous.
This guide outlines the steps you should take to ensure your safety and avoid further damage when removing a fallen tree.
1. Don’t Take the DIY Route
It may be tempting to handle a fallen tree yourself, but attempting removal without the proper tools or expertise is highly dangerous. A fallen tree, particularly large ones, can behave unpredictably. They may be tangled with electrical wires, have branches under tension, or rest on unstable surfaces.
For these reasons, it’s best not to take the DIY route. Handling a chainsaw or attempting to move heavy tree debris without professional help could lead to severe injury or even death.
A tree removal professional, especially one experienced with tree removal in Sydney, will have the right tools and skills to assess the situation and remove the tree safely. Hiring tree services in Sydney not only ensures your safety but also minimizes the risk of further damage to your property.
2. Contact Your Insurance Provider
Once safety is ensured, promptly contact your insurance provider. Depending on your home insurance policy, the cost of tree removal may be covered, especially if the tree has fallen onto insured structures such as your home or fence. Reviewing your policy will clarify what is included.
Take clear photographs of the damage from multiple angles to assist your insurer in assessing the situation and processing your claim. Some policies may cover tree removal costs, while others may only cover the damage caused by the tree. Check with your provider whether specific tree services in Sydney must be used for the removal.
3. Fallen Tree Removal May Not Always Be Necessary
Not a damaged or fallen tree requires full removal. In some cases, only parts of the tree may be affected. A professional arborist can assess whether the tree can be saved through pruning or if full removal is required.
This evaluation should always be carried out by a professional. They will inspect the roots, trunk, and branches to determine whether the tree poses any immediate danger. If the tree remains structurally sound, trimming or bracing might be sufficient to allow it to grow safely.
Hiring a qualified tree service in Sydney for this assessment can save you the cost of removing the entire tree and help your garden recover more quickly.
4. Act Promptly
Swift action is crucial when dealing with a fallen tree. The longer a tree remains on your property, the greater the potential for further damage. For example, a tree resting on your roof could lead to additional structural damage or water ingress during future storms. Likewise, trees leaning on power lines or fences present immediate hazards if left unattended.
Acting quickly also ensures that your insurance claim is processed efficiently and allows tree removal professionals to begin work promptly. Delays could complicate the removal process, particularly if the tree becomes more entangled with structures or further storms exacerbate the situation.
It is advisable to contact emergency tree removal services as soon as possible, especially if there is a risk to life or property.
5. Prevent Future Storm Damage to Trees
Although it is impossible to predict exactly when a tree will fall, there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of storm-related damage. Consider the following preventative measures:
- Regular Tree Maintenance: Hiring professional tree services in Sydney to regularly inspect and maintain your trees can help identify any weak or compromised trees before they become a problem. This includes trimming overgrown branches, removing dead wood, and checking for disease.
- Tree Health Inspections: Trees weakened by disease, pests, or age are more likely to fall during storms. An arborist can perform regular health checks to ensure your trees remain strong.
- Strategic Pruning: Reducing a tree’s wind resistance through regular pruning decreases the chance of it being uprooted in high winds.
By investing in preventative tree care, you can minimise the risk of storm-related damage and keep both your property and trees safe.
Conclusion
A fallen tree after a storm is an unfortunate reality in many parts of Sydney, but knowing how to safely remove a fallen tree can make all the difference. Remember, don’t attempt to handle tree removal on your own – it’s dangerous and often complicated.
Contact your insurance provider to check for coverage, and hire professional tree services in Sydney to handle the job efficiently. In some cases, tree removal may not even be necessary, so always get an expert assessment before taking any drastic measures.
Acting swiftly and investing in preventive tree care can protect your property and give you peace of mind when the next storm rolls through.
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