Storms in Klamath County can result in heavy snowfall and high wind conditions. Trees suffer severe damage because of this. It's important to understand how to deal with damaged trees and how to avoid tree damage caused by winter storms.
In this post, we will cover several key topics, including:
How to remove fallen trees after a storm
What to do with fallen trees near utility lines
About the cost of tree removal in Klamath Falls
Will my Oregon homeowners insurance cover tree damage?
How to protect trees from winter storms in Klamath County
How to protect your trees from winter storm damage
By the end of this post, you'll have a clear idea of what to do if your trees are damaged in a storm and how to prevent them from getting damaged in the future. Let's get started!
What to Do When Trees and Branches Have Been Damaged By a Storm
If your trees or branches have been damaged by a storm, it’s important to get the problem fixed as soon as possible.
The first step is to assess the damage and determine if the tree or branch is safe to leave in place or if it must be removed.
If a tree or limb is blocking a road or sidewalk or posing a safety hazard, it should be removed ASAP.
Trimming the damaged areas of a tree is an option if there is no hazard to people or property.
This is where we come in. Basin Family Tree Care has the equipment, expertise, and knowledge to safely remove damaged trees. We also prune and care for damaged trees to preserve their health.
It’s always best to consult with a professional tree service after a storm to ensure the safety of your property and the well-being of your trees.
We will provide you with a free estimate for your tree's overall health as well as advise if the tree is worth saving or if it's better to remove it.
What to do Next: How to Remove Fallen Trees After a Storm
Deciding whether to remove trees yourself or with a professional tree service depends on several factors. The size, the location, and your own experience and equipment with tree and branch removal are all things to consider.
If the tree or branch is small and in an easy-to-reach place, and you have the right tools and know-how, you can usually take care of it yourself.
However, if the tree has fallen onto a structure, is large, or is in a difficult-to-reach area, it’s best to call us so you don’t endanger yourself.
After meeting during our free assessment, Basin Family Tree Care will then remove trees and branches without causing more harm to your property.
However, if you would like to remove a fallen tree yourself, you can follow these steps:
1. Assess the situation: Before attempting to remove the tree, make sure that it is safe to do so. Inspect the area for power lines, gas lines, and other potential risks. If there are hazards, contact the relevant utility company and wait for them to resolve the problem before proceeding.
2. Gather the necessary equipment: You will need a chainsaw, safety gear, and other tools such as a rope, axe, or wedge.
3. Cut the branches: Use a chainsaw to remove the branches of the tree. Be sure to wear appropriate safety gear, including goggles, gloves, and ear protection.
4. Cut the trunk into manageable pieces: After removing the branches, use the chainsaw to cut the trunk into smaller pieces. Keep a safe distance from the fallen tree and be sure to keep your balance.
5. Remove the debris: Remove the debris from the area with rope or other equipment. Make sure you have a plan to properly dispose of the debris because many people in Klamath Falls are unable to give away the wood from their trees.
6. Check for damage: Examine the area for any damage caused by the fallen tree and make any required repairs.
A DIY approach may save money, but if done incorrectly, it puts you, your property, and others at risk of getting hurt.
We give you all the information you need to decide whether your tree can be saved or if it needs to be removed. Our first priority is to help trees recover and thrive. If the tree is too damaged to be saved, we will remove it.
When you live in Klamath Falls, tree removal must be done by a qualified, licensed contractor who is an experienced professional.
Basin Family Tree Care is on the City of Klamath Falls’ approved tree contractor list and will handle the paperwork for you.
We are happy to provide a free assessment and price quote to take care of your damaged trees so you can protect your assets.
Fallen Trees and Utility Lines: What to Do
A fallen tree near or on a power line is a hazard that must be addressed immediately. The first step is to notify your local utility company about the fallen tree.
They will send a crew to assess the situation and turn off any impacted power lines. It is critical not to touch or attempt to remove the tree if it is near or on top of a power line, since this is extremely dangerous and even fatal.
It's important to follow the utility company’s recommendations and never attempt to remove a fallen tree near or on a power line on your own.
It is also best to call a professional tree service that has the experience and equipment to properly remove the fallen tree without further damaging the utility wires.
Basin Family Tree Care takes the necessary precautions and works in coordination with the utility company to ensure the safety of the area. After the tree is cut down, we clean up any debris and dispose of it properly.
How Much Does Tree Removal Cost in Klamath Falls:
The cost of tree removal that is a result of storm damage is determined by several things, including:
Tree Location
Equipment Needed
Time Needed
Crew Needed
Tree Size and Species
It's important to note that the cheapest option is not always the best. It’s important to hire a licensed tree service that has insurance, a solid reputation, and experience according to official criteria.
Check the Oregon CCB website to make sure a tree removal service has no complaints, fines, or license suspensions.
Basin Family Tree Care takes pride in providing excellent customer service; we have never had any issues with our CCB license #216952.
Homeowners Insurance and Tree Damage
The state of Oregon stipulates that if a tree falls on a house because of a winter storm, your homeowners insurance will probably cover the cost. Even if a neighbor’s tree falls on your house during a storm, your home insurance will most likely cover the cost of tree removal.
Homeowners’ insurance also usually covers the cost of clearing debris from your house or outbuildings if a fallen tree causes damage. If there is no damage to your house, homeowners insurance normally does not cover the cost of removing a tree.
In Klamath Falls, Oregon, it is the property owners’ job to keep their trees trimmed and in good shape. This means that if a tree on your property falls and causes damage to a neighbor’s residence, you are responsible for the costs, even if the neighbor has homeowners insurance.
Please call us at (541) 851-9080 for a free estimate to safeguard your trees. Avoid having your trees fall on your neighbor’s property or your own.
Protecting Trees from Winter Storms in Klamath County
Protecting your existing trees from future storm damage is essential to ensuring the health and longevity of your trees. Historically, the bulk of winter storm damage in Klamath County has been caused by falling trees and limbs.
Keep in mind that no matter how hard you work to preserve your trees, they are still vulnerable to weather that can cause damage. The best defense against winter storm damage to your trees is prevention.
How to Protect Your Trees from Winter Storm Damage:
1. The first step in protecting trees from a winter storm is to get rid of any dead, diseased, or damaged limbs that might snap or fall.
2. By trimming your trees often, you can keep their shape and structure and avoid damage by winter storms.
3. Fertilize your trees to keep them healthy and strong, lowering the risk of storm damage.
4. Check trees for soil erosion or shallow roots. In Klamath County, winter storms cause trees with weak root systems to fall over.
5. To prevent tree branches from breaking during a winter storm, brace and cable weak branches.
One of the best ways to protect your trees from storm damage is to hire us to provide regular tree trimming and other necessary care. Basin Family Tree Care has the experience and tools to make it less likely that storms will damage the trees on your property.
To keep your trees safe, it’s important to take the right steps to protect them from future winter storm damage.
Call us at (541) 851-9080 for a free consultation to find out the best way to protect your trees from weather damage in Klamath County.
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