• Do not approach. Assume any downed line is energized.
• Avoid touching anything near the downed line and make sure nobody goes near the line. Contact with energized lines can result in electrocution.
• Be aware that downed power lines can be hidden in brush and foliage. Play it safe; call a tree care professional.

Second, when deciding whether to try removing a tree or large branch yourself:

• Consider the size and location of the tree. If the work requires you to leave the ground or if the tree is more than 20 feet tall, call a tree care professional. Do not attempt any tree work from a ladder!
• Examine the shape and lean of the tree. Inspect the trunk for decay, weak spots, hanging limbs, and for any metal or concrete in or around the tree. If any of these features are present, the tree is unstable and extra precautions need to be taken before removing the tree.
• Carefully inspect the tree and the surrounding area for anything - utility lines, structures, vehicles, shrubs - that might interfere with the removal of tree pieces.
• Note other people in the area, particularly children. You don't want anyone to wander near the drop zone.
• Even small trees bent under tension can be extremely hazardous. Do not cut wood that is under tension (one or both ends are trapped under something).
• Ask yourself "What will happen when I cut this branch/tree?" Consider all the possibilities; and if you don't know what to expect, perhaps you should not be doing the cutting!
• Plan an escape route from the falling tree before cutting.
• Do not use a chain saw for tree removal unless you have years of experience. Even tree care pros face risk of injury using chain saws. Tree and branch removals are very unpredictable. Don't take unnecessary chances!
• If you have any doubts, bring in your local tree care professional to handle the post-storm cleanup.

Third, consider hiring a tree care professional:

For safe and efficient post-storm work, hire a tree care professional with the experience, expertise and equipment to safely take down or prune damaged trees.

Homeowners looking for tree care companies should:

• Be wary of tree care scammers. Don't just hire someone with a chain saw who knocks on your door. With hundreds and possibly thousands of dollars at stake, not to mention the integrity and appearance of your property and your personal safety, make sure that you take your time in deciding which company you should hire. To report a tree care scam, call the FBI and National Center for Disaster Fraud's (NCDF) hotline at (866) 720-5721.
• Ask for current certificates of liability and workers' compensation insurance, if applicable. Be aware that if the tree care company you hire doesn't have insurance or is not a legal company - you, the homeowner - could be held responsible as a contractor.
• Ask for local references, and check on the quality of their work and level of service.
• Verify professional affiliations the company might have, such as memberships in business and/or professional organizations, or Accreditation with the Tree Care Industry Association.  TCIA Accredited companies are required to follow ANSI Z133 Arboricultural Safety standards and ANSI A300 Tree Care Management standards.
• Insist on a signed contract as to cost, dates when work is to be performed, and exactly what is to be done.
• Get a second opinion and quote.

Do you have a question about your trees, shrubs, or landscape? Email us! 

 

Protect tree roots and trunks rom construction damage. Most trees exposed to this extensive root damage will develop health and strength issues. Photo courtesy of Mary Ann Hansen, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Bugwood.org.

Q. Does it hurt a tree to have additional soil, 3-4', permanently piled up around it's trunk?

 

 

A. The short answer to your question is yes. Very likely, your tree will decline and die with any more than a couple of inches of soil placed over its root zone. It might take a few months, or it could take a few years, but covering the rootzone will suffocate the tree.

The American National Standard for Tree,  Shrub, and other Woody Plant Management - Standard Practices for the Management of Trees and Shrubs During Site Planning, Site Development and Construction have recommendations on how to approach this. Prior to planning the project, delineate the root protection zone of the tree. This is the measured soil area around the tree where excavation, compaction and other construction related activities should be avoided.

If these activities are unavoidable, either adjust the project plan to avoid activity in the sensitive root protection zone or take specific measures to reduce impact from soils disturbance activities. Learn more here.

 

A qualified tree care professional in your area can assist you with the project planning and tree protection methods. You can find one here. Try putting in the first four numbers of your zip code instead of all five in order to widen the search.  

 

Thanks for subscribing to TCIA's Tree Care Tips Consumer Newsletter, which seeks to provide you with information about caring for your  trees and protecting your landscapes. We want  this quarterly newsletter to be interesting and relevant for you, so please feel free to submit ideas, questions, photos, comments and anecdotes to treehelp@tcia.org.