How to Respond When You Need Emergency Tree Service in Kansas City
As a homeowner, you take great pride in maintaining your property, but sometimes nature has other plans. This is especially true during the winter when snow, ice, and cold can take a serious toll on your trees and their structural integrity. Tree emergencies usually strike unexpectedly, which poses a threat to your property, people, and the well-being of your trees.
In this blog, we will explore what constitutes a tree emergency, the steps homeowners should take when faced with such situations, and the vital role emergency tree removal services play in resolving these situations.
What Is a Tree Emergency?
A tree emergency is typically defined as a situation involving a tree that poses a threat to pedestrians, residences, or public property. It can also mean the tree itself has either been compromised or structurally damaged to the point where it warrants emergency tree removal services.
A tree emergency can take several forms, including:
- Uprooted trees: A severe storm or strong winds can uproot trees, leaving them precariously leaning or lying flat on the ground. Uprooted trees are an immediate hazard and demand swift attention.
- Structural damage: Trees with significant structural damage, such as split trunks or broken main branches, are unstable and can pose risks to people and property. These require prompt evaluation and remediation.
- Threats to property and pedestrians: Trees that have grown too close to structures, walkways, or plumbing; have weakened roots; or exhibit signs of decline or disease can become hazardous. This can lead to property damage or injury to pedestrians. Additionally, compromised trees can potentially block roadways or public sidewalks, which warrants emergency tree removal services.
Actions Homeowners Should Take in a Tree Emergency
When faced with a tree emergency, homeowners should take the following three steps:
- Step #1 – Ensure Safety
Prioritize the safety of yourself, family members, and neighbors. Keep a safe distance from the tree and avoid touching or attempting to fix the issue without professional guidance. Do not crawl underneath unstable branches in an attempt to reclaim belongings. - Step #2 – Gather Evidence
A tree emergency typically means your homeowner’s insurance provider will get involved at some point. After ensuring the safety of your family, take pictures and/or video of the compromised tree and any damage it may have caused to property and nearby structures. Be sure to exercise extreme caution while doing this. Don’t stand underneath any branches that are compromised. Instead, remain at a safe distance and use the zoom feature on your smartphone’s camera. - Step #3 – Contact a Professional Tree Care Service
Most homeowners believe they should contact their homeowner’s insurance provider first, which is actually not the case. Homeowners should contact their local tree care service so that they can remedy the situation. They have the knowledge and equipment to assess the situation and take appropriate action. Further, they can walk you through how to handle things with your homeowner’s insurance provider. Professional tree care service providers deal with insurance companies all the time, so they have plenty of experience with the claims process.
What a Tree Care Service Does in a Tree Emergency
Emergency tree removal services play a vital role in resolving tree emergencies and mitigating risk to people and property. After they have arrived at your home, expect them to perform the following:
- Initial assessment: Upon arrival, the tree care and removal crew will conduct an initial assessment of the situation. They will evaluate the extent of the damage, the tree’s condition, and the potential risks involved.
- Risk mitigation: Based on their assessment, the tree care professionals will determine the best course of action to mitigate immediate risks. This may involve stabilizing the tree, removing damaged limbs, or providing support to prevent further structural failure. Whatever the case may be, they will run everything by the homeowner first before acting.
- Restoration or removal: Depending on the severity of the tree emergency, the tree may be restored through pruning and structural support, or it may need to be safely removed to prevent further harm. Some scenarios, such as fully uprooted trees, have no other options beyond immediate removal.
- Post-emergency care: After resolving the immediate issue, tree care services may provide guidance on post-emergency care, which can include ongoing monitoring, tree maintenance, or planting replacements. Some trees with structural issues can be rehabbed using cabling and bracing services.
Contacting an Emergency Tree Service in Kansas City
Tree emergencies can be stressful and dangerous situations for homeowners. Being prepared and taking the right actions in such situations can make a significant difference in protecting your property and ensuring everyone’s safety.
Remember that professional tree care services are equipped to handle tree emergencies efficiently, making them a valuable resource for homeowners during challenging times. Whether it’s an uprooted tree, structural damage, or a tree posing a threat, swift and expert intervention can help restore safety and peace of mind.
With winter coming up, it’s best to have the contact information of your local emergency tree service in Kansas City programmed into your phone or readily available elsewhere just in case. Additionally, you can help mitigate tree emergencies by having your trees inspected and serviced before winter ramps up. If your trees have structural issues, it’s best to identify them now rather than later during a blizzard or ice storm. Proactive tree care is the most effective kind.
