TIMOTHY DALY: What to do about storm damaged trees

Recently, there have been many news reports about trees causing damage to property due to storms. They have brought down power lines, damaged vehicles, closed roads, and even caused a few fatalities. The excessive rains of the past few weeks have saturated the soil, increasing the susceptibility of the trees to being damaged by high winds. The high stress levels they have been under in recent years because of the prolonged drought, construction activities, and pest infestations have increased the chances of trees suffering damage. What should you do if the storms damage and blow down trees?

First and foremost, take the necessary safety precautions. Storm-damaged trees can present dangers to homeowners. The trees could be in contact with electrical wires, causing anyone touching them to be electrocuted. Contact your local power provider so they can assess the situation. Trees that are down or partially blown over can quickly shift position due to the uneven weight distribution. Avoid climbing on the tree or pulling on any limbs.