Emergency Tree Services Preston: What To Do In An Emergency

You are rudely awoken by a loud cracking noise, in the middle of the night as a large branch falls across your garden. With your heart racing, there’s a lot of thoughts racing through your head. However, taking a deep breath and having a clear strategy can help reduce your stress. Below we have shown how Emergency Tree Services Preston can help keep your family and property safe.

Read on to find out the best steps to take, plus the dangers to look out for. You will also learn how a local team will help clear up and what to do regarding your insurance.

Why Emergency Tree Services Preston Are Important

Throughout the winter months there are strong winds blowing through Lancashire. This, combined with heavy rainfall can cause the soil to become very soft and weaken the roots of trees. Trees that have been standing for 50 years can fall over in the space of one night. This can cause the trunk to block your driveway, or damage your fence. Large branches can also cause problems by landing on your roof or hanging off your shed.

Although waiting for the weather to calm down seems logical, the fallen tree can still bedangerous. The wet wood can move suddenly and branches can break due to being cracked. Having a fast response will help keep your family and property safe.

What To Do In The First Few Minutes

Stay calm and take a few moments to ensure everyone’s safety. Firstly do the following:

• Ensure everyone is safely inside the house away from the tree.
• Check everyone is okay and call 999 if anyone requires immediate help.
• Stay well away from any wires that are touching or hanging from the tree.
• Take a few pictures from a safe distance to keep as evidence.
• Call a trained team to help with your emergency tree.

Avoid using a saw. The trunk and branches will be under pressure and cutting incorrectly can cause a branch to lash across your garden.

Hazards Of A Fallen Tree

Although a fallen tree appears to be harmless there are a few dangers to be aware of. The first thing to think about are power lines. If a wire is touching the branches then electricity could run throughout the whole trunk. Stay well away from any sparking or hanging wires and call 105 to contact your local network operator.Gas pipes and water mains run beneath many roots. If a root plate falls over this can cause them to rip

The splintered wood can cause sharp spikes which can pierce through your boots and skin. The trunk of the tree may also be leaning and roll when you walk over it. Other trees may have cracks in them from the same storm. Teams providing Emergency Tree Services Preston are trained to spot these signs and will carefully plan where to make cuts.

Why It Isn’t A Good Idea To Move A Large Tree Yourself

Many people will be tempted to grab their chainsaw from the shed and get stuck in. However, cutting a fallen tree can be quite tricky. The trunk may be resting on a pivot or leaning against another tree. If you aren’t careful you could cause the whole weight to fall or roll onto you.

Professional tree surgeons will wear cut resistant trousers and a helmet with visor and ear defenders. The team will use ropes, winches and if needed a crane. Your safety is much more important than saving a few pounds.

How A Professional Team Will Help

The Olive Branch Tree Surgery offer services to many homes in Preston and the surrounding areas. When you call we will ask a few simple questions. We will ask where the tree is, is it touching anything? Is it touching a building or wire? Could anyone be injured in the next hour? This helps us to bring the correct equipment.

Once on-site we will carry out a risk assessment and mark out a safe zone. The tree will then be stabilised and cut into small pieces. Each piece will then be carefully lowered or lifted away. We can offer tree felling and tree removal for any trunks that have become a hazard. For more information visit our Emergency Tree Services Preston page on The Olive Branch Tree Surgery website.

Insurance And Taking Pictures

A fallen tree can cause damage to your property. Keeping good records will make the claims process easier. We recommend keeping the following in a folder:

• Pictures of the tree and damage from multiple angles.
• The date and time of the storm.
• Quotes and invoices from the tree team.
• Home insurance number.
• Any damage to your neighbour’s property.

Make sure to read your policy carefully. Some will include cover for storm damage whereas others may not include trees that aren’t in good health. Contact your insurer and ask what documents they require.

What Happens To The Stump And Branches?

Whilst the trunk will be removed from your garden, there may be a stump or ripped root plate left. A stump can cause tripping hazards for your children and attract pests. Ask the team if they can grind the stump down so it becomes chippings. Branches can be turned into mulch for your flower beds. Fresh logs will contain lots of moisture so will need a full season to dry before burning. Having a clean site will allow you to plan where to plant a new tree.

Signs Your Tree May Fall Again

Often during a storm weak trees will become exposed. Take a look around your garden to see if there are any signs. If your tree is leaning more each month then this needs attention. Deep cracks and cavities in the trunk show the tree is rotting from the inside. Mushrooms growing at the bottom of the tree indicates the roots are rotting. Dead branches will hang overhead like loaded traps. If the soil is lifting around the roots then this means the tree isn’t anchoring properly. Regular pruning and health checks from The Olive Branch Tree Surgery can help reduce the chances of an emergency.

How To Choose The Right Tree Team

Ask for a company which can show proof of insurance and training. Get a written quote and ask around your neighbours for reviews. A good tree team will be able to give you clear information on what they will do. Don’t let anyone come to your door after a storm asking for money. Storm chasers often exaggerate. Local tree teams will know the streets, soil and weather patterns. If you search for Emergency Tree Services Preston you should find a company with a real address and phone number.

FAQs

Should I call 999?

If anyone is injured or the tree is blocking a main road then call 999. However if it is blocking your garden then call a trained tree team.

Can I cut up a small tree?

If it’s a small branch and on open ground then a hand saw and thick gloves may be suitable. However if it’s heavy or has wires then a trained team will be required.

How long will an emergency take?

Most will take a few hours. Depending on the size of the tree and how accessible your garden is. Huge oaks on roofs can take longer.

Will my insurance cover the cost?

Some home insurance policies will cover storm damage. Check your policy wording or contact your insurer.

What If It Fell On My Neighbour’s Land?

Contact your neighbour and share your pictures. Both of you can then discuss with your insurers and decide who will clear it up.

Conclusion

A tree falling can cause great stress in what should have been a relaxing time.Also it is bad for our environment. Make sure that everyone and any pets are kept well away from the tree and don’t touch any wires.Becuase its take alot of risk. Call for assistance and take some photos for your insurance company. Emergency Tree Services Preston can assist by removing the risk and professionally restoring your garden. All homeowners in the UK go through extreme weather conditions in the winter months so having a reliable number to call can provide much reassurance. Olive Branch Tree Surgery are HERE to help!