What to Do After a Storm Damages Your Eugene, OR Tree

Eugene, Oregon, is no stranger to powerful storms that can leave a trail of destruction, including damage to trees.  Whether it's a fallen branch, a split trunk, or an uprooted tree, knowing how to respond to storm-damaged trees is crucial for your safety and the health of your landscape. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to take after a storm, when to call a professional arborist, and how Urban Arbor Care can assist you.

Assessing Storm Damage to Your Tree: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prioritize Safety

Before approaching a damaged tree:

• Check for downed power lines: If you see any downed power lines near the tree, stay away and call your utility company immediately.
• Look for hanging branches:  Be cautious of branches that may be precariously hanging and could fall at any moment.
• Assess your surroundings: Watch for other hazards like unstable structures or debris that could pose a danger.

2. Document the Damage

Take photos and videos of the damage for insurance purposes.  This documentation will be helpful when filing a claim.

3. Evaluate the Extent of the Damage

Determine the severity of the damage:

• Minor Damage: Broken branches, small cracks in the trunk, or minor leaning may not require immediate action, but you should still monitor the tree closely for further issues.
• Significant Damage: Large broken limbs, major cracks in the trunk, uprooted roots, or significant leaning indicate a potentially hazardous situation that requires professional attention.

4. Determine Tree Ownership

Figure out who owns the tree:

• Private Property: If the tree is on your property, you are responsible for its care and tree removal.
• City Property: If the tree is on city property, such as a street tree or park tree, contact the City of Eugene's Urban Forestry Department to report the damage.
• Neighbor's Property: If a tree from your neighbor's property has fallen onto yours, discuss the situation with your neighbor and their insurance company.

5. Contact a Certified Arborist

If you're unsure about the extent of the damage or the best course of action, it's crucial to consult a certified arborist. Arborists are tree care experts who can assess the tree's health, structural integrity, and risk of failure. They can recommend the appropriate course of action, whether it's pruning, cabling, bracing, or removal.

Why Choose Urban Arbor Care?

Urban Arbor Care is the best tree company in Eugene, OR, for storm damage assessment and remediation. Our certified arborists have extensive experience dealing with storm-damaged trees and will provide you with a thorough evaluation and a tailored plan to address the situation.

When to Call a Professional Arborist for Storm Damage

Here are some scenarios when it's absolutely essential to call a professional arborist:

• The tree is leaning significantly or has uprooted roots: This indicates a high risk of falling and requires immediate attention.
• The tree has major cracks or splits in the trunk: These can compromise the tree's structural integrity and lead to failure.
• Large branches are broken or hanging: These can fall unexpectedly, posing a serious danger to people and property.
• The tree is blocking a road or sidewalk: This is a public safety hazard that needs to be addressed promptly.
• You're unsure about the extent of the damage: A certified arborist can provide a professional assessment and recommend the best course of action.

Emergency Tree Removal in Eugene, OR

In cases where a tree poses an immediate threat to safety, emergency tree removal may be necessary. Urban Arbor Care offers 24/7 emergency tree services in Eugene, OR, to quickly and safely address hazardous situations. Our team is equipped to handle even the most challenging tree removals, prioritizing the safety of your family and property.

FAQs About Storm Damaged Trees in Eugene, OR

1. Can I save a storm-damaged tree?

In many cases, storm-damaged trees can be saved with proper care and attention. An arborist can assess the tree's condition and recommend appropriate treatments, such as pruning, cabling, or bracing, to restore its health and structural integrity.

2. Does insurance cover storm damage to trees?

Most homeowner's insurance policies cover tree removal costs if the tree falls on your house or other insured structures due to a covered peril, like a windstorm. It's essential to review your policy and contact your insurance company to understand your coverage.

3. How much does it cost to remove a storm-damaged tree in Eugene?

The cost of tree removal varies depending on the size of the tree, the extent of the damage, the complexity of the removal process, and the accessibility of the site. Urban Arbor Care offers free estimates to help you determine the cost of your specific project.

4. Can I trim a storm-damaged tree myself?

It's generally not recommended to trim or prune a storm-damaged tree yourself, especially if the damage is extensive or involves large branches.  Improper pruning techniques can worsen the damage or create safety hazards. It's best to leave this task to a professional arborist.

5. What are the signs of a hazardous tree after a storm?

Signs of a hazardous tree after a storm include:

• Leaning trunk
• Uprooted roots
• Large cracks or splits in the trunk
• Hanging branches
• Dead or dying branches
• Fungal growth or decay

6. Can Urban Arbor Care help with tree debris removal?

Yes, Urban Arbor Care offers comprehensive tree debris removal services in Eugene, OR. Our team will clean up fallen branches, leaves, and other debris, leaving your property clean and safe.

Post-Storm Tree Care Tips

Here are some additional tips for caring for your trees after a storm:

• Water the tree: Adequate watering helps the tree recover from stress and promotes root growth.
• Avoid fertilizing: Fertilizing a stressed tree can harm it. Wait until the tree shows signs of new growth before applying fertilizer.
• Mulch around the tree: Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the tree's roots.
• Monitor the tree for signs of decline: Watch for any changes in the tree's condition, such as yellowing leaves, wilting, or new cracks in the trunk.

Don't wait until it's too late. If you're dealing with a storm-damaged tree in Eugene, OR, contact Urban Arbor Care today. Our team of certified arborists is ready to assess the damage, provide expert advice, and safely remove or restore your tree.

Visit our website at https://www.urbanarborcare.net/estimate or call us at (541) 799-6717 to schedule a free estimate.

Let us help you protect your property and maintain a beautiful and safe landscape.

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