Emergency Storm Clean Up

Trees that fall onto your land are your problem and may be covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy. This is true even if those trees are rooted on your neighbor’s property. You are responsible for the costs of removing the downed tree on your property and for the damages that the tree caused.

When thinning, reducing and shaping branches and limbs small enough to cut with hand tools, keep in mind that your cuts are going to encourage new growth. Cut limbs ¼ inch above a bud that faces the outside of the plant. This will be the direction of the new growth. Keep your cuts at a 45-degree angle to prevent water damage and disease.

There is a reason that hanging broken branches are sometimes called “widow makers”.  Branches that have broken either partially or completely from large trees and continue to hang suspended on trees or overhead wires for weeks on end are serious hazards.  As they dry and die, the odds of their falling on passersby traveling on roadways and sidewalks, or in parking lots and parks increase dramatically.

A pole saw with a 12 foot extension handle or a pruner can be used to cut tree limbs that are too high to reach. If the branches are smaller but higher, pole saw loppers can be used. They can cut a diameter of 1½ inches. The loppers can be placed over the branch and a rope can be used to pull off the branch.