SAM Tree Service

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Ultimate Guide To Our Emergency Storm Services

SAM Tree Service • Sep 11, 2023
storm damaged tree

Are you worried about the impact of severe storms on your beloved trees? Are you concerned about recent damaging weather patterns that could leave you with uprooted trees or debris strewn across your property? Don't worry, we've got you covered! At SAM Tree Service, we understand what a stressful time this can be and are here to provide support and resources through our emergency storm services.


Our
Gainesville tree service has skilled arborists with years of experience in providing high-quality tree services that will enable homeowners to get back to normal as quickly as possible after any storm event. We’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of what to do after a storm so that you’ll be prepared in case a storm damages your home. Read on to learn more about how our certified emergency storm tree removal services can help restore your home today!



What Are Emergency Storm Services? 

When a storm hits, it can cause serious damage to your property, including downed trees that pose a threat to your safety. If you see a tree hovering over a power line, attempting to fix the problem yourself could be catastrophic. This is where emergency storm services and emergency tree removal come in. If you suspect that a tree is an imminent threat, it's important to hire a team of experts to assess the situation and recommend a solution. This team should include a trained ISA arborist who can evaluate the tree’s health and structure and provide advice about how to best take care of your tree. 



What To Do After a Storm

Facing the aftermath of a storm can be a terrifying and confusing experience. If the roads are obstructed by trees you may not be able to safely leave your home and if you lose power, you may be rushing to get refrigerated goods into coolers. SAM Tree Services has seen the devastating effects storms can have on the neighborhood, which is part of why we put together these tips on what to do after a storm. 


Get to Safety 

When disaster strikes, the safety of you and your family should be your first priority. If you find yourself in a situation where your home has been damaged by severe weather or a fallen tree, it’s crucial to get to a safe place as soon as possible. The damage may have compromised the structural integrity of your home, putting you and your loved ones at risk. Gather your entire family, including your pets, and move away from the damaged part of the structure. It may be tempting to try and assess the damage or salvage your belongings, but your safety should always take precedence.


Step Outside and Assess the Damage 

When it's safe to do so, step outside and assess the damage. It's important to take a close look at your house and any nearby trees to ensure they aren't at risk of causing further damage or danger. In particular, pay attention to any trees that may have fallen on power or gas lines. If you see anything of concern, don't hesitate to turn off your home's main breaker or gas line at the meter until a professional can assess and fix the issue. Taking the right steps to assess the damage can help keep you and your property safe during the aftermath of a storm.


Call Insurance

Whether you're dealing with damage to your home or your car, your insurance company will likely be able to help you get the repairs you need. Your insurance company can provide you with the necessary information on your coverage and what steps to take next. While it can be overwhelming to deal with the aftermath, knowing that you have support from your insurance company can make a big difference. 


Document Everything

After a storm has damaged your property, it's important to document every bit of damage that has been done. Whether it's a fallen tree or damaged roofing, taking good photos and videos from a variety of angles is vital. Try to use the best lighting you have available to get a clear and accurate representation of the damage. Remember, every bit of documentation can help with insurance claims later on. 


Cover Any Openings

Once you have documented everything, cover any openings left by fallen debris and trees. Take extreme caution at this stage and only cover what is easily accessible. If a tree is still going through a window or if your roof has been damaged, it’s best to have a professional emergency tree services tarp handle it. They will have the proper equipment and experience to safely secure your home. 


Don't Be Pressured or Rushed

The aftermath of a storm brings the community together in unique ways. Neighbors open their homes to those in need, providing food and shelter. Some people get their chainsaws and work together to clear out obstructed roads or fallen trees. While this is a nice sentiment, be careful, especially when it comes to dealing with trees that fell on your home or vehicles. 


Storms also seem to draw out door-to-door callers, who will come to your door offering their services. While they may be good Samaritans, it’s good to learn about their company and make sure they are insured and qualified to do what they promise. Unfortunately, a lot of times, these people are seizing the opportunity to make money and want to max out an insurance claim. This kind of thinking can damage your relationship with your insurance provider, making them less likely to believe your next claim. 



When Hiring a Contractor

So how do you find trustworthy emergency storm services? There are several things to look out for: 


  • Request to see their current insurance certificates, confirming full coverage for property damage, personal liability, and workers' compensation.
  • Consider getting multiple estimates to ensure competitive pricing for comparable services.
  • Make sure you have a clear understanding of who will handle the removal of limbs and debris from your property, and whether the price includes stump removal and clean-up.
  • Ensure they are a reputable business within the community.


Some of these may be hard to do if your home has been hit hard and you don’t have access to power or the internet but do your best to check each of these points. Having a reliable emergency tree removal company will make this entire process much easier. 



Preparing for a Storm

So, is there anything you can do before a storm hits to help limit the amount of damage your property faces? Regular tree maintenance is the best preventative action you can take. If your trees are properly trimmed and maintained, they will be less likely to break off during a storm’s high winds. If you have dead, or sick trees, they will be much more likely to fall so it’s important to contact a reliable emergency tree removal company. 



Can your trees be saved? 

It depends, which is why you should have an expert ISA-certified arborist look over your trees and give you their expert opinion. While a tree may look healthy, some issues may be hard to spot, like a hollow, rotted trunk. If your tree didn’t fall but major limbs were broken or damaged, then you will likely need to have an emergency tree removal company come and professionally remove your tree. Generally, if your tree is healthy and not creating any hazards, you can leave it to grow naturally. 



Reach Out to SAM Tree Services to Learn More About Our Emergency Storm Services

If you're looking for a reliable company to help handle the aftermath of a storm, turn to SAM Tree Services. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing top-notch storm services to help keep your property safe during these tumultuous times. With our years of experience in Dawsonville tree work and our commitment to quality service, we're confident in our ability to meet and exceed your expectations. Reach out to SAM Tree Services today and learn more about how we can help protect your property during an emergency storm.


Tim Costley

Tim Costley is the President of Superior Arbor Management, Inc. He has achieved the ISA Arborist Certification to provide the best possible tree care for S.A.M.’s customers. 


*ISA Certified Arborist #SO-1925A

*ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ)

*ASCA (American Society of Consulting Arborist) Member

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