After a strong storm or windy day, home owners will often find they have a fallen tree fallen in their yard to deal with. While you as the owner may be focused on the loss of the tree, there are many safety concerns to consider while you assess the damage and manage other issues, such as loss of power in your home or crushed vehicles or sheds.
Because trees are heavy and may have snapped or compressed power lines, as well as broken glass, wood, or metal machinery or objects, it is essential to approach the area with the following tips in mind:
1. Call Tree Maintenance Specialists: Even if the damage seems small, consulting with a specialist before you take removal into your own hands can only help keep you and your family safe.
2. Refrain from touching power lines: Whether they are broken or appear intact, do not attempt to handle power lines of any kind. Report the fallen tree immediately to the utility company, who can arrange de-energizing or grounding of lines.
3. Use extreme caution if the tree has fallen into another tree: The weight of the fallen tree may be enough to push the second tree over. Never turn your back on a fallen tree and wait for the
tree removal specialists to arrive before getting any closer.
4. Wear protective gear: If you attempt to move or even touch the fallen tree, make sure you are wearing protective gear. These include gloves, safety glasses, and even hard hats, depending on how much work you plan to do. If you are using any kind of chainsaw, make sure to employ hearing protection as well.
5. Never climb a tree with tools in your hand: Climbing, particularly a tree that has fully or even partially fallen, requires the utmost concentration and agility. Holding objects only serves to distract you from your goal and can cause falls and otherwise avoidable injury.
6. Avoid bad weather: If inclement weather is in the forecast, or the storm that brought down your tree is still active, resist the urge to tamper with the tree. When the storm has cleared, you can safety troubleshoot without likelihood of injury due to more fallen branches.
Trees that threaten to fall or have already collapsed in your yard are a danger to you and your family. Following basic safety tips and consulting professional tree removal specialists will enable you to handle this threat calmly and effectively.