What to do right after a tree fails
First, move everyone away from the tree and anything it is touching. If the tree is on or near power lines, assume the lines are live and call the utility and 911 before anything else. Do not try to cut a loaded tree yourself; trunks and limbs under tension can spring with enormous force.
Take photos from a safe distance for your insurance claim, then call us. We will ask a few questions to understand the situation and give you an honest estimate of when a crew can arrive.
How we handle storm-damaged trees
Storm work is among the most dangerous tree work there is because wood is twisted, cracked and loaded in unpredictable ways. Our crew assesses tension and compression before each cut and uses rigging to control movement. Where a tree is resting on a roof, we lift and lower sections off the structure rather than cutting it where it lies.
Once the immediate hazard is removed, we can tarp small openings to limit further damage until your contractor arrives, and we check nearby trees for cracks or root-plate lifting that may have been caused by the same storm.
Common storm damage in the Bow Valley
Chinook wind events and strong valley westerlies regularly uproot shallow-rooted spruce on thin soils, especially where construction has cut roots. Heavy, wet spring and fall snow breaks leaders and limbs on spruce, aspen and ornamental trees. Hail and ice can strip foliage and weaken already stressed trees.
Trees that partly fail often look stable but are not. A hung-up limb, sometimes called a widow-maker, can drop without warning days after the storm. If you see one, keep people and pets away from beneath it.
Insurance and documentation
We provide itemized invoices and photos that help with home-insurance claims. Many policies cover removal of a tree that has damaged an insured structure, while trees that fall without hitting anything may not be covered. Check your policy or call your broker; we are happy to speak with adjusters directly.
After the emergency, we can come back for a non-urgent assessment of the remaining trees so you can deal with any other weak trees before the next storm.
Our storm damage & emergency tree service process
- Phone triage and safety guidance
- Priority dispatch for life-safety and structure hits
- Hazard assessment and rigged removal
- Temporary protection where needed
- Photos and itemized invoice for insurance
Frequently asked questions
Do you offer 24/7 emergency tree service?
Yes. Storm calls are answered around the clock. Situations involving people, homes or blocked access are prioritized.
A tree fell on power lines. Can you remove it?
Call the utility and 911 first. Only qualified utility line-clearance crews can work near energized lines. Once the utility makes the area safe, we can remove the remaining tree.
Will insurance pay for emergency tree removal?
Often, when a tree damages an insured structure. Coverage varies, so check your policy. We supply photos and itemized invoices to support your claim.
How quickly can you get here after a storm?
It depends on how many calls are in the queue and road conditions. We will give you an honest arrival estimate when you call.