Thunderstorms bring welcomed sights and sounds in the wake of heat waves. Is there anything better than watching lightning strike and listening to the rolling thunder amidst torrents of rain? Unfortunately, these hours of bliss can often create a lot of big messes outdoors. Pummeled by gusting winds, tree limbs are typically the first things to fall. Before you set out to clean up the debris left behind in your yard, make sure you know what you are doing. While small twigs and branches can be picked up and discarded with ease, their larger counterparts are hazards best left to the experts. You should never attempt to remove a tree that is leaning on a power line or even on your house.
The risk of being electrocuted or trampled is very high in these situations, which is why calling a local tree removal contractor is critical. It may be tempting to tug on a hanging limb, but this can be a fatal move. Given that it is hard to tell the extent of the damage caused by felled branches and whether there are other troubled areas from your vantage point on the ground, contacting a professional tree service firm is highly advised. They will be able to assess the damage to each tree on your property and identify which branches require cutting. They will also have the equipment necessary for removing trees considered unsalvageable, which is often the case when major branches have been destroyed.
Storm Cleanup Checklist
Here are a few tips for making your debris cleanup job safe and effective:
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- Maintain a safe distance from hangings limbs or trees that appear to be in unstable condition. Give yourself plenty of room and wait until the tree removal company arrives.
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- Wear heavy duty gloves to avoid injury. There will likely be many sharp objects on the ground, including broken glass shards and jagged tree branches.
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- Put all trash in approved containers or purchase a disposable tarp container. The latter can be purchased from Waste Management, and has a very large capacity. Toss whatever you can and call the company when it is full.
- Place any remaining debris on the curb and wait for it to be collected. Depending on the size of your neighborhood and the extent of the storm, this could take up to a couple of weeks.
Smart tree cleanup requires having the right gear and knowing when to call for help. To prevent unnecessary injuries, contact a quality tree removal contractor rather than risk any damage to your property or self.