TREE EDUCATION
In Florida, heavy rainstorms happen all year round. When heavy winds strike your Gainesville yard, sometimes even your most statuesque trees can fall to the ground. Keep reading to learn how to handle a fallen tree and how our team at SkyFrog Tree Service can help.
If a tree falls down while there is still an active storm outside, do not go inspect the damage until it's safe to do so. Before taking any further action, focus on protecting yourself and anyone else on the property.
Stay indoors until the storm has cleared and local weather alerts indicate that conditions have improved. Heavy winds, lightning, and falling branches may continue even after the worst of the storm appears to have passed.
If a tree falls onto your home, leave as quickly as possible and relocate to a safer area. Watch for broken glass, shifting debris, and other hazards as you exit. If you smell gas, see smoke, or believe the structure may be unstable, call 911 immediately.
Never approach a fallen tree that is touching a power line. The tree, nearby objects, and surrounding ground may carry electricity. Keep other people and pets away, then report the damaged line to your local utility provider. Wait until utility professionals confirm that the area is clear before approaching the tree.
Once the storm has cleared, step outside to survey the damage. At this point, take photos and videos to document damage, while being careful not to put yourself at risk due to falling or unstable limbs.
Check whether the tree has damaged your home, fence, vehicle, utility lines, or nearby structures. Also look for hanging limbs and leaning trees that may fall without warning. Avoid any area that appears unstable.
Take clear photos and videos of the fallen tree and all visible property damage. Capture the scene from several angles, including wide shots of the affected area and closer images of specific damage. This documentation will be helpful when you discuss the incident with your insurance company.
Unless the tree creates an immediate hazard, avoid cutting branches or moving debris before contacting your insurance company. Cleaning up too soon may make it more difficult for an adjuster to evaluate the full extent of the damage.
When unfortunate circumstances impact your property, your insurance company serves as the first line of defense. Depending on the exact nature of a tree fall, insurance will likely cover the damage. This is especially likely if the tree collapsed on your home or fence. Homeowners should reach out to their insurance companies as soon as possible after a tree fall and provide any photos or videos available of the scene. To make your case as strong as possible, avoid cleaning up until an adjuster has come to view your property.
Once you've spoken with your insurance company and they've sent a representative to inspect the damage, it's time to contact a tree service company. Tree removal experts like our team at SkyFrog Tree Service have the equipment and experience to remove trees safely, and they can also evaluate nearby trees to see if they require maintenance.
While minor tree maintenance like mulching can be performed safely by amateurs, we strongly advise against attempting more advanced work by yourself. Work that requires power tools, a ladder, or maneuvering near power lines can be very dangerous if done without the proper experience.
Cracking soil, exposed or damaged roots, splits in the trunk or bark, and a new lean are a few signs that a tree fall may be imminent.
Storms, disease, decay, damaged roots, and saturated soil can all cause trees to fall.
Unsure how to proceed after a tree fell down in your yard? Call our experienced team at SkyFrog Tree Service for help. With years of experience caring for trees throughout North Central Florida, we have the experience required to solve any tree problem you encounter.
6115 SW 137th Avenue, Archer, FL 32618