After Hurricane Helene, many of us in Upstate SC feel distressed as soon as the wind and thunder begin. The hurricane caused a lot of damage from fallen trees and branches. A week of heavy rain combined with high winds made even the most solid trees waver. Stable, old trees, previously sturdy, fell on roads, houses, and power lines. Luckily, we have not had a storm of that caliber since, but we’ve learned the importance of having a plan for the next large storm.
What is considered emergency tree service? When is an emergency tree removal needed?
There can be a variety of issues when a tree falls unexpectedly. All of them must be handled but not all are considered an “emergency”. In the case of Helene, we had over 200 calls each day, some with trees on their house, on theirs cars, and some in the yard. The way we prioritize emergency tree removal is like this:
1. Tree is directly on house and there is a hole exposed to the elements
2. Tree is on a house and there is some damage
3. Tree is blocking a driveway or roadway
4. Tree has fallen on outside structure such as a carport, fence, playhouse, etc.
5. Tree has fallen in yard or wooded area and no one is injured.
Our number one priority is a house exposed to rain, cold, etc. In that case, our focus is putting a tarp on it so nothing else can get damaged, and then removing the tree. Many factors go into the *actual* removal, but this is our general process. If your tree has fallen on a structure, you need to get someone to you immediately.
A Tree in on my house. What next?
1. Make sure everything is ok, no one is injured, and everything is secure.
2. Check for power lines or anything dangerous, like an electrical wire.
3. If you can, turn off electricity, gas, etc.
4. If needed, call 911. They can help you make sure all is safe.
5. Call your insurance company. Some companies have a list of preferred vendors which can help with narrowing down who to call. They may also have a process you must follow in order to be covered easily.
6. Call an expert. Trees can seem harmless, but you don’t realize the force a branch can have if it is stuck and then, cut loose. It can be frustrating to wait, but if possible, reach out to a tree expert as soon as possible. They can get there to help put a tarp on your home and make a plan to remove the tree.
Carolina Tree Company helps to remove a fallen tree in greenville county
Having a tree company that has a trusted record of success can make the process go a lot smoother. They can help guide you through working with the insurance company, and give you the appropriate information you will need, such as a cost estimate.
Having the right equipment can make everything safer. A downed tree is unpredictable and having something that allows distance between the workers and the tree is very important. Carolina Tree Company has a crane mounted grapple saw which allows the workers to safely pull the tree off of the house and place it far away, where it can be cut up and chipped. The crane is properly secured and a wide area is given, allowing for precision and a circumference of safety. We work directly with customers as well as other tree companies to provide the crane and James’s expertise.
This large crane can help remove a fallen tree safely from your house
Greenville, Anderson, Simpsonville, Greer, and surrounding areas are beautiful and full of greenery, part of what makes this area such a nice place to live. It is a pleasure to be a part of a group that helps us keep this place beautiful, and safe.
If you have any tree care needs, please contact us and we can give you a free estimate. Bookmark this page and keep it for the next storm.