No homeowner wants to step outside to find a large tree blocking their driveway. Whether it fell due to a storm or was weak and finally gave up, the effect is the same: You need it gone, and fast.
A fallen tree blocking the driveway is inconvenient, but with a solid game plan for handling it and help from Tip Top Arborists, the first choice for tree services in Palmdale, CA, it won’t be an ongoing headache.
How To Deal With a Driveway Obstruction, Step by Step
When you find a tree lying across the driveway, responding quickly and following the proper steps helps keep your family safe, stops further damage, and, depending on whether it caused any harm, helps you make a successful insurance claim for cleanup and repairs.
Step 1: Assess the Situation
When you discover a fallen tree blocking the driveway, the first thing to do is to look for any hazards and additional damage. For example, the tree may have fallen on a vehicle or power lines. If the tree takes down power lines, call 911 and the electric company immediately so they can cut the power and stay at least 30 feet away from the live wires.
When it’s safe, take photos of the tree and the damage. You’ll need them to make an insurance claim for the damage and emergency tree removal costs.
Step 2: Call Your Insurance Company
Your homeowner’s insurance might cover removing a fallen tree blocking the driveway, especially if there’s additional property damage. Even if your policy doesn’t cover removal, the company can offer guidance on how to proceed.
Step 3: Contact a Professional Tree Service
While you can certainly handle some storm damage cleanup on your own, it’s best to leave fallen tree cutting to the professionals. They have the equipment and skill to deal with heavy limbs and other issues, like a trunk resting on power lines or other hazards. A professional tree service will also remove the stump and take care of all leftover debris, so you don’t need to worry about what to do with the mess.
Step 4: Prevent Future Tree Problems
Once the tree service removes the fallen tree, they will assess the other trees on your property to ensure you won’t have a repeat disaster. Arranging for an arborist to trim weak branches or remove dying trees before they cause trouble will save money and headaches.
Got a Fallen Tree? Tip Top Arborists Is On the Way
Dealing with a fallen tree blocking the driveway isn’t fun, but with Tip Top Arborists on your side, the experience is much less stressful than it could be. Our expertise in tree removal ensures safety, and professional debris clearing services leave your property looking its best, without any evidence that anything happened.
Whether you need emergency tree removal, have concerns about a sick tree, or just want to know the best questions to ask before hiring a contractor, Tip Top Arborists has what you need. Contact us first when you need tree help.