What to do if a tree falls on your house
West Atlanta Tree • August 30, 2021
Tree Damage to your home - what you should know
It's no fun when a tree falls onto your property. In fact, it can be quite frightening at times. We are aware of the situation. That's why we've compiled a list of useful hints for dealing with a downed tree.
YOUR SAFETY IS YOUR FIRST PRIORITY
- In the event that someone is hurt, call 911.
- Contact the local power company as soon as possible if there are any damaged power lines or electrical risks.
- If you smell gas, get out of your house right away. Contact your local gas company to examine for a probable leak once you've gotten a safe distance away from your property.
ONCE YOU ARE SAFE
- When it's safe to do so, contact your insurance company to start your claim.
- Hire a reputable contractor to assess your home for damage, safety, and needed repairs. When there is no visible serious damage to the residence or other property buildings, we advocate doing so.
- Contact us, West Atlanta Tree. First we will review the situation to make sure we safely remove the tree from your house. We will then cut down any trees (or pieces of trees) that are dangerous and remove any remaining parts of the damaged tree.
- Secure or remove any property that is loose to protect yourself and anyone around you.
- Put a tarp or cover over shattered windows or other exposed sections of the house to protect your property and possessions from the elements.
- To reduce your risk to intruders, repair any broken fencing on your property.
- Take pictures of the damaged area (only if it's safe to do so) for peace of mind and to have visual aids accessible if you need them as part of your insurance claim.
HOW TO PREVENT TREES FROM FALLING ON YOUR HOUSE IN THE FUTURE
A tree falling on your property may appear to be an unforeseen occurrence, but there are several steps you can do to lessen the chances of this happening to you:
- Look after your trees. Consider employing an arborist to assist with any difficult upkeep on large projects.
- Keep an eye out for warning signals. A drooping trunk, fissures at the base of the tree, or damaged branches resting on healthy limbs could all be warning signs of impending disaster.
- Consult an arborist about the health of a tree that may be dying or posing a hazard.
- If you're concerned about the state of your neighbors' trees, talk to them. If your neighbor refuses to resolve the problem, write a follow-up letter and retain copies in case you need to refer to them later.
Do you have any questions? We're here to assist you with all your tree service needs. Give us a call at West Atlanta Tree at 770-830-3828 or fill out our contact form and we'll be in touch with you to discuss your questions.
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West Atlanta Tree Service helps homeowners understand the importance of proper tree nutrition and how professional tree care practices can support healthier landscapes. What Is Quick-Release Fertilizer? Quick-release fertilizers provide nutrients that become available to trees relatively quickly after application. These products are generally water-soluble, allowing essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to move into the soil where tree roots can absorb them. Because nutrients become accessible within a short period, quick-release fertilizers are sometimes used when trees need a relatively immediate nutrient boost. One advantage of quick-release fertilizer is that it can produce noticeable results faster than slow-release alternatives. Trees experiencing certain nutrient deficiencies may benefit from readily available nutrients when the underlying soil conditions and nutrient needs have been properly evaluated. 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What Is Tree Crown Restoration? Tree crown restoration is a specialized tree care technique that helps improve the structure, appearance, and health of a damaged or poorly maintained tree canopy. The crown includes the branches and foliage that extend from the main trunk. When this area becomes overcrowded, unbalanced, or damaged, the tree may become more vulnerable to disease, breakage, and environmental stress. Professional crown restoration typically involves selectively removing damaged, dead, or poorly positioned branches while encouraging a healthier branching structure. Unlike excessive cutting or topping, proper restoration follows established arboricultural practices to preserve as much healthy growth as possible. The goal is to improve the tree's natural form, promote healthy development, and reduce potential hazards without placing unnecessary stress on the tree. 1. Dead, Dying, or Broken Branches One of the clearest signs that a tree may need professional crown restoration is the presence of dead, dying, or broken branches. These branches can develop because of severe storms, drought, disease, pest activity, or natural aging. Dead limbs may appear brittle, lack leaves during the growing season, or show signs of decay and damaged bark. Broken branches can also create immediate safety concerns, particularly when they hang over driveways, sidewalks, patios, or areas where people regularly gather. As these limbs deteriorate, they may fall unexpectedly and cause property damage or injury. West Atlanta Tree Service can help assess the condition of your tree and determine which branches require attention. Selective pruning and restoration can remove hazardous growth while protecting healthy branches that contribute to the tree's structure. 2. An Overgrown or Crowded Tree Canopy A dense, overcrowded canopy can prevent sunlight and air from reaching the inner branches. This may contribute to declining foliage, poor branch development, and conditions that encourage certain fungal diseases. Trees with excessive crossing branches can also experience rubbing wounds that damage bark and create entry points for pests and pathogens. If your tree has multiple branches competing for space or a canopy that appears unusually dense, professional crown restoration may help improve its overall structure. A qualified tree care professional can selectively remove competing and poorly positioned branches to create a more balanced canopy. Proper crown restoration should not leave the tree excessively thinned. Maintaining sufficient foliage is essential because leaves produce the energy trees need to grow, recover, and defend themselves against environmental stress. 3. 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Excessive Water Sprouts and Sucker Growth Water sprouts are fast-growing shoots that often emerge from branches or the trunk, while suckers typically develop near the base of the tree or from its roots. These growth patterns may appear after severe pruning, storm damage, or other forms of stress. Although these shoots can initially look like signs of vigorous growth, they may have weak attachments or grow in positions that interfere with the tree's natural structure. An abundance of new shoots can also indicate that the tree is responding to significant stress. Crown restoration can help manage poorly positioned shoots and guide healthier branching development when appropriate. A tree care professional should first identify the cause of excessive growth, since aggressive removal without addressing the underlying problem may lead to repeated growth or additional stress. 5. Visible Storm Damage Strong winds, heavy rain, and severe thunderstorms can significantly affect tree crowns. 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With the right approach to crown restoration and ongoing maintenance, you can help preserve your trees' natural beauty, improve their structure, and maintain a safer outdoor environment for years to come. Tree Service, Tree Removal, Tree Trimming, Stump Removal Bowdon, Bremen, Buchanan, Carrollton, Cedartown, Dallas, Douglasville, Franklin, Hiram, Lithia Springs, Mt. Zion, Newnan, Palmetto, Rockmart, Roopville, Tallapoosa, Temple, Villa Rica, and Whitesburg Georgia and Abernathy, Fruithurst, Heflin, Macedonia, Muscadine, and Ranburne Alabama. West Atlanta Tree Service Carrollton, Ga 30116 770-830-3828 https://www.westatltree.com