When the weather gets bad, we are here to help.
Here at GGM Landscaping, we will guide you through every step to safely clear the mess and get your garden looking its best again.
Assessing the Damage: First Steps After a Storm – Advice by Fallen Tree Removal Experts
Once the bad weather calms down and it’s safe to go outside, your immediate task is to check what’s happened to your trees.
Storms can leave all sorts of tree damage in their wake, from twigs scattered across your patio to massive trees completely uprooted and toppled onto your property.
When you’re surveying your garden, pay close attention to several important elements.
Safety
Your safety is paramount.
Keep a good distance from any trees or branches touching power lines and report these situations immediately to emergency services.
Never approach unstable trees or hanging branches, which tree professionals often refer to as ‘widow-makers’ for good reason.
For this reason, stay indoors and check the damage through your windows first. Before venturing outside for a more thorough examination.
Tree Damage
Take time to spot any trees that are partially uprooted and now leaning precariously.
Look out for large branches that have broken off but might still be hanging from the tree.
Both pose significant safety risks.
Be particularly vigilant when inspecting any trees or branches that are near or touching power lines, property, roads, or streets. This is to ensure the safety of the public and property.
Finally, check for any damage to your house, garage, shed, or other structures on your property.
DIY or Professional Help: Making the Right Choice
Deciding whether to tackle tree removal yourself or call in our professional team depends on several factors.
Smaller trees and broken branches might be manageable if you have the right tools and knowledge at your disposal, but larger trees should always require professional help.
When It is Acceptable to Consider DIY Removal
You might feel comfortable removing a fallen tree yourself in certain situations.
These include when the tree is relatively small, measuring under 10cm in diameter.
DIY can work when the tree has fallen well away from danger zones, such as near buildings, roads, and power lines.
No matter how little the tree or if it has small branches, you should only attempt DIY removal if you have appropriate safety gear and tools for the job.
For your own protection, the tree should be lying completely flat on the ground, not caught or suspended in any way.
Lastly, you should have previous experience using tools like chainsaws safely.
When to Call Professional Tree Removal Services
If in doubt, or when the tree is large or presents complex removal challenges, make sure to call in the experts.
Examples of complex removal challenges include, if the tree has fallen on or near your:
- House
- Car
- Garage
- Wall
- Street or road
- Anywhere near powerlines
Large branches that are suspended dangerously above the ground need expert attention. Any situation where the structural damage looks complicated warrants professional evaluation.
At GGM Landscaping, our certified arborists provide expert assessment and safe removal of storm-damaged trees. Our team comes equipped with the proper tools, training, and insurance to handle even the most complicated tree removal scenarios safely.
Safe DIY Removal of Small Fallen Trees
If you’ve checked the situation and believe the fallen tree is manageable for DIY removal, here’s how to handle it safely:
Gather the Proper Equipment
Before you begin any work, make sure you have all the necessary safety equipment and tools at hand.
Protective gear you will need includes:
- Thick gloves
- Eye protection goggles
- Sturdy boots
- Helmet
You will also require the appropriate tools for the job.
Depending on the tree size, these may include a chainsaw or a hand saw. You may also need wedges and a pry bar for managing difficult cuts.
It is hugely important to keep a first aid kit nearby.
Taking care of fallen trees yourself can be dangerous. Whenever in doubt, always make sure to contact the professionals for help.
Step-by-Step Tree Removal Process
When tackling a small tree, follow this structured approach.
Clear the Area
First, clear away any loose debris around the tree to create a safe working area.
Go Small to Big
Begin by identifying and cutting the smallest branches first, working methodically from the outside of the tree toward the main trunk. Cut the trunk into sections you can manage, typically about 60-90cm in length.
Always cut with careful attention, staying mindful of how the wood might move or shift as you cut through sections.
Branches under tension can spring unexpectedly when cut, so make sure to watch out whenever you are cutting the tree.
Expert Removal
Finally, remove all the debris and stack any usable wood appropriately for future use.
Professional Tree Removal: What to Expect
When storm damage is beyond what you can safely handle yourself, our professional tree service provides complete solutions for removing fallen trees.
Our tree care services follow a structured approach.
We begin with a detailed site assessment and safety evaluation to understand the full situation. We then develop a specific removal plan tailored to your circumstances.
Our team secures the area and sets up all necessary safety equipment before work begins.
We use methodical techniques to dismantle and remove the tree safely.
If requested, we can provide stump grinding services to deal with what remains. We always finish with a complete cleanup, leaving your property tidy.
Our team of tree surgeons and arborists has all the specialised equipment and tools to make removals safer and more efficient.
For emergency tree removal in danger zones and complex areas, we will respond and act rapidly for the safety of your property and the public.
After Removal: Dealing with the Aftermath
Once we’ve removed the fallen tree, there are still some matters to consider:
Wood and Debris Management
Fallen trees generate quite a lot of wood and garden waste.
Many homeowners convert the larger trunk sections into firewood for winter use. The smaller branches can be chipped to create mulch for your garden beds.
In some areas, you might arrange for council collection of the material to help put the wood to good use.
Stump Considerations
If the tree was completely uprooted, you’ll need to deal with the stump and root ball left behind.
There are different approaches to this challenge. Professional stump grinding is often the quickest and most effective solution. Some situations might call for complete stump removal, especially if you plan to build or plant in that spot. If you’re not in a hurry, natural decomposition is an option, though it takes considerable time.
A qualified arborist can help give you advice to make your decision easier.
Contact GGM Landscaping
Has the storm hit your garden and trees?
For expert removal and rapid responses, trust GGM Landscaping to take care of your tree and garden needs.
With all the right qualifications, equipment, and expertise, we will handle your fallen tree safely and effectively, so you and your property will be free of risk.
Contact our friendly team today on 07946 322717.