Here in South-East Queensland, we’re no strangers to wild weather. However, you may not have been confronted with a fallen tree after a severe storm before. Fallen trees can pose significant safety risks, especially if a tree has fallen on your house or powerlines. So, what steps should you take if you find yourself in this situation and just how do you safely remove a tree?
Let’s take a closer look at what to do and more importantly, what not to do.
1. Decide If It’s An Emergency
Before you do anything, you’ll need to visually assess the situation and determine if it’s an emergency, making sure you do so from a safe distance. Ask these questions:
- Has the tree fallen onto or damaged powerlines?
- Has the tree fallen onto a house?
- Is anyone trapped?
- Is the tree obstructing an essential service?
- Does the tree pose an immediate threat to anyone around it?
- Is the tree blocking a road?
If you decide that it is indeed an emergency – you will need to contact emergency services – SES here in Queensland on 132 500 if it’s non-life threatening, or 000 if it is life threatening. Do not attempt to move, clear or indeed go anywhere near the tree, as doing so can be highly dangerous.
2. Assess The Situation
If it is not an emergency and there is no threat of injury or damage, you will need to determine who the tree belongs to, so that you can determine responsibility and next steps. Where did the tree fall from? From whose property? Where has the tree landed? What if anything, has been damaged? If it is your tree you are responsible for any damage. However it may be your neighbour’s tree, or it could be the local council you need to call. You may wish to take photos at this stage so you have a record.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
If it is your tree or you have damages to your property as a result of a fallen tree, you will need to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. The insurance company will determine liability and whether they will cover any damages or if you are responsible for them yourself. Your insurance company may have preferred Arborists they want you to use, if you have a local trusted Arborist you would prefer to use, be sure to clear it with your insurance company before organising any work to be done if it is not an emergency situation.
4. Contact Your Trusted Arborist
Removing fallen trees can be extremely dangerous and requires significant skill, experience, tools and equipment to be done safely. Do not attempt to remove a fallen tree yourself. Your Arborist will expertly assess the situation and swiftly take the steps required to repair damage, prevent further damage or remove the tree, while keeping people and property safe. Acting quickly will give the tree the best chance possible of surviving, or at the very least prevent more damage or injuries from happening.
5. Prevent Future Storm Damage
Give your trees the best chance in the next severe storm by keeping them healthy and strong. Have your trees regularly inspected and cared for by a qualified Arborist, who will help keep your trees in great shape and prepared for the next storm season.
Need A Fallen Tree Removed Fast?
Call Aussie Tree Solutions for a free quote on our 24/7 emergency tree removal service. Our team of professionals are highly experienced in storm clean ups and removing dangerous trees. Let us take care of removing your tree safely and quickly, for your total peace of mind.