Tree removal companies South Bend

Steps to Take When you Have a Tree Downed

As we head into the last part of summer, now is an excellent time to have your trees evaluated to ensure that they are healthy enough to make it through another icy, cold winter. But what do you do if a tree falls? Trees aren’t something that you can just pick up and move when they are down. It takes a professional tree removal company in South Bend to remove it. While waiting for someone to help, here are the steps that you need to take.

Downed Tree by an Electrical Wire

If you have a downed tree that fell on an electrical wire, do not touch anything around it. The first step you want to take is to call your local electric company. Even if you didn’t lose power, the electrical wire is likely still alive. Not only is it dangerous to be around the tree; there is also the risk of the tree catching fire. Steer clear of the tree until you have the utility company evaluate and ensure that the wire is no longer live.

Take Pictures

A downed tree can be a significant expense if it falls on your property. Before you call to have the tree removed or move the parts you can yourself, make sure to take pictures. Natural hazard loss will most likely be covered by your insurance company. But it will take some proof from you to show the damage. Be liberal when taking pictures, and take it from all angles – the more evidence you have, the better!

Read Your Homeowner’s Policy

If you are going to try to use your homeowner’s insurance to cover the costs of any loss, make sure to read your policy before you do anything. There might be steps that you need to take to ensure that your claim will go through. It is always good to refer back to your policy’s guidelines so that you don’t inadvertently take steps that will make it harder for you to file an insurance claim.

Call Your Homeowner’s Insurance Company

Once you know what it coverable and what is not, it’s time to call your insurance company and make a claim. They can guide you through the next steps to ensure that you are doing things exactly as you should. They may have restrictions about which company you can use, how the loss needs to be documented, and whether they will pay for emergency tree removal or if there is a set amount they will cover.

Call a Tree Service

Once you have covered all of your bases and you have sufficiently documented what you need to, it is time to call a tree service. It is important to find a reputable tree removal company in South Bend to remove the tree. Removing it incorrectly can sometimes lead to the risk of more damage. Only an experienced service will know exactly how to tackle taking out the tree to keep you, your family, and your property safe from more damage.

Trees around your property are a significant investment and if you should lose one, there are steps that you need to follow. Don’t ever attempt to tackle a downed tree on your own; it can lead to the potential for more damage. Once you have documented what you need to, consulted your homeowners’ insurance if there is property damage, and made sure that the tree didn’t fall on any potential hazards, call Above and Beyond Tree Services. We specialize in tree removal in the Michiana area and can help you with your tree emergency. Contact us today!

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