When a tree falls, the most important consideration is safety. Trees can topple due to storms, deterioration, or decay, often leading to unforeseen incidents. Begin by making sure everyone, including pets, in the vicinity is safe.
If the fallen tree poses a hazard that may result in a fire outbreak or electrical accidents, you should contact the police or fire department to report the fallen tree. These professionals are emergency team members who are trained to handle such situations and assess the risks.
This article gives you an insight into what you should do in case your tree or trees fall.
Your utility company
If a tree falls on the power line in your neighborhood, you should call your utility company. Tree falls on power lines are the most dangerous as they pose the risk of electric hazards due to the downed power lines. You should always assume that the lines are live.
Ensure you keep a safe distance. Don’t attempt to remove any portion of the tree or even walk or drive close to it. Contact the power company and let them know about the tree. They’ll involve their certified line clearance experts in removing the tree and fixing the possible power outages at no cost to you. If the remnants of the tree are on your property, you’ll be responsible for the clean-up after the removal.
Your insurance company
If a tree falls on your home or other structures as a result of a storm, wind, or unforeseen instances, you should file a claim with your homeowner’s insurance company.
Most insurance policies will cover the damage to your home and properties especially if the tree’s falling wasn’t due to negligence on your part.
If a tree is dead or has fallen due to neglect, then your insurance company might not cover the removal.
Property owner
If a tree falls on the ground in your yard without posing any hazard, you will be responsible for removing such a tree. The maintenance of trees is the responsibility of the owner. If a tree dies, it is up to the owner to get it removed before it falls over.
You should call a Certified Arborist and have them assess the situation. Arborists are highly trained when it comes to working with equipment and complex tree situations. They are also knowledgeable, understand standard tree removal practices, and have the necessary experience to get the job done right.
The cost of removing a fallen tree is very low compared to that of a standing tree, so you can be sure of getting a cheaper tree removal.
Fallen tree removal cost
It costs an average of $622 to remove a fallen tree. The cost range of removing a fallen tree by the removal companies is from $150 to $1,900.
Fallen tree removal cost is generally about 50% cheaper than a tree of the same size that is standing. The huge price drop is because the work of getting the tree to the ground is already done.
The factors that affect the costs of the fallen tree are size, spread, and location.
The bigger the tree, the more it will cost, but access by heavy machinery makes a big difference to the cost. A 30ft. tree in a backyard with poor access will cost double for the same size tree in a front yard. Better access means a quicker and cheaper job.
What if my tree falls on the neighbor's property?
When your tree falls due to natural causes and damages your neighbor’s property, their insurance company should cover the damage.
On the other hand, if the tree was clearly dead or dying or somehow unhealthy without you fixing it, you will be responsible for the damage.
In these cases, you are liable for the damage and your insurance company will have to pay for the damages.
As a homeowner, you have the responsibility to take steps to prevent damage from dying, diseased, or unstable trees on your property or that of your neighbors.
What if there's a downed tree on the road?
Road maintenance is the responsibility of the government. The state is responsible for state roads, the county is responsible for county roads and towns are responsible for town roads. In cities, all roads are maintained by the local government.
Depending on where you live, you need to figure out who is responsible for the road maintenance. It could be the responsibility of the local municipality or the state.
If a tree falls down on the road, whoever manages the road clears it. Most main thoroughfares are state roads, meaning the state Department of Transportation is responsible for getting such trees off the street. Town roads are usually smaller side roads.
How to save money on fallen tree removal services
If you don’t want to spend a ton of money on removing a fallen tree, you can consider the following tips:
- Do not be in a rush: Once the tree is not in a dangerous position, you should not call the tree company for emergency removal. Emergency tree removal services will cost twice or thrice the actual cost.
- Get multiple quotes: Since the tree is now down, you should expect a cheap removal compared to a standing tree. Get up to 3 quotes from different companies and go with the cheapest and best service.
- Sell the firewood: A cubic meter split of firewood goes for about $100. You can put the wood up for sale after the cutting.
- Offer to handle the clean-up: You can organize a cleanup where you can leave the tree on the nature strip and the council will remove it for free.
Can I remove a fallen tree?
Prevention First! If you have a tree in your yard that’s rotting or diseased, it’s best to remove it before it falls to avoid damage. Once it falls, you need to look for a way to remove it either by yourself or by calling a tree removal company.
Whether it falls on your property or if it lands in your neighbor’s yard, the responsibility is yours.
If the tree has fallen in a safe place without posing any danger, you may consider DIY removal.
How to remove a fallen tree
Follow the steps below to remove the fallen tree in your yard if you are a DIYer.
Step 1: Get the right equipment that you are comfortable with. Also, consider personal protective equipment such as rubber gloves and eye goggles.
Step 2: Start by removing the branches from the trunk one after the other.
Step 3: Break up the trunk into smaller, more manageable pieces.
Step 4: Either give the wood away as firewood, have it hauled away, or store it in a safe location.
Fallen tree removal service near me
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