High winds and heavy rainfall that typically accompany a hurricane can damage trees on your Augusta, Georgia, property. During a hurricane, tree branches sway back and forth, which may cause them to crack or break. The tree's trunk is also vulnerable to damage during a storm, especially if the tree is already weak, dying, or dead. If you believe a tree in your yard has damage from a hurricane or it's been downed, removing it may be your best option.
Knowing how to prepare your property for tree removal after a hurricane ensures the job is done safely and effectively. Here's a guide to getting your property ready to remove a damaged tree so you can be sure the job's done right.
Assess the Situation
The first thing to do when preparing to remove a tree from your property is to assess the situation. You may feel confident taking on this task yourself, but if you're unsure of what to look for, don't hesitate to contact a professional arborist or lawn care company. You'll want to decide whether you need to remove the tree entirely or if just trimming damaged limbs might be sufficient. Check for cracked, split, or broken limbs, and inspect the tree trunk and roots for damage as well. And a tree that's completely down should be removed for safety.
Next, you can assess the area around the tree to determine whether removal poses a threat to any structures, other trees, or nearby landscaping. If you have any concerns, discuss them with the tree removal service before starting the tree removal process.
Clear the Area
The area around the tree you're removing should be clean and clear of any dangers or obstacles that might get in the way of tree removal equipment and workers. Remove debris such as fallen limbs and branches that may have come down during the storm. Move any lawn furniture or yard decorations that might get in the way during tree removal. If you have a car in the vicinity, make sure to park it in another location. Having a clean area around a tree before removing it makes it safer and more efficient to complete the job.
Ensure Accessibility
You'll need to make sure the tree is accessible for the equipment the job requires. This could include large trucks and tractors that need to get close to the tree. You may have to remove sections of fencing to create a clear pathway directly to the damaged tree. Narrow gates or low-hanging power lines or wires can also pose a challenge to your tree removal company.
Protect Your Yard and Structures
If the tree you want to remove is close to your house or other structure on your property, you'll want to take measures to protect the building. You may need to place padding on the roof or put up boards in windows to help prevent damage that could arise during the tree removal process. On the same note, if there are other trees nearby, you should take steps to protect them from the possibility of damage as well. You may want to cover your deck or patio to protect it from any accidents that could occur.
Know the location of underground utilities and mark them if necessary. Because tree removal typically requires the use of heavy equipment, you don't want to risk damaging anything underground, such as pipes, gas lines, or septic systems.
Check on Regulations
While Augusta doesn't have many regulations regarding trees on personal property, it's always best to check the laws regarding the removal of trees on your property after a hurricane. Some trees in the state of Georgia are protected and require a permit if you want to remove them. The city can also require that you remove a tree from your yard if it poses a threat to you or others. A tree that falls in a public space, such as one that blocks a roadway, is also subject to removal by whoever owns the property from which the tree fell.
Contact a Tree Removal Company
Trimming trees and removing small, lightweight branches is something you can likely do yourself. However, removing large tree limbs and entire trees can be dangerous and often requires the help of professionals. Contacting a professional arborist or tree removal company is the best way to ensure tree removal on your property is taken care of safely. A tree removal company will have the right equipment and trained staff who can take care of tree removal services quickly. By preparing your property for tree removal ahead of time, you can help speed up the job so you can rest easy.
Make Arrangements for Removing the Tree
After a hurricane, many people in Augusta are likely to need tree removal services because of the destruction these storms cause. Making arrangements with a tree removal company can take time, as they may be busy helping others in the community. As soon as you know you have a tree that requires removal, contact a tree removal company to make arrangements for their services.
Let them know if the tree poses any immediate danger to you or your property so they can prioritize the job. You can also let the arborist know of any special circumstances that could make the removal challenging. This will help them understand the equipment and skills they might need to remove your tree.
Preparing your property before removing a tree can make the process go smoothly. You'll help prevent any problems or further damage to any structures or anything else on your property. If you have questions or need help to get your property ready for tree removal, talk to a professional.
