Heavy storms may knock down trees and obstruct your driveway. Though the solution may seem simple — just move the tree — you should call an arborist first to be safe. If the tree brought down power lines with it, you’re at risk of getting electrocuted or starting a fire. The solution to that problem is no longer so simple.
If you have a fallen tree blocking your driveway, call the tree service professionals in Forest Grove, OR, at Oregon Arborist. We’ll assess the situation and find the safest way to remove the debris so you can regain full access to your driveway. Keep reading to learn how you should handle the situation.
Look for Hazards, and Don’t Touch
Never touch fallen trees blocking driveways, especially if they’re large. You may not be able to see what they brought down with them. Power lines could be wrapped in the limbs, or there could be sharp objects from homes and vehicles. Assess the situation by looking at the damage, and avoid touching the obstruction.
Talk to Your Insurance Company
Speak to your home insurance company before making any calls. They may have a specific protocol for handling fallen trees blocking driveways, including damage assessment or specific arborists. You should also speak to your auto insurance company if the tree landed on top of your vehicle.
If you don’t have home insurance, consider getting some for future mishaps. You probably won’t be able to cover the current situation, but you can future-proof your property against falling trees just in case.
Call a Certified Arborist
After speaking to insurance companies, call an ISA-certified arborist to handle the fallen tree in your driveway. Arborists will treat the situation as an emergency and fit you into their schedule as soon as possible. Let them know if you need immediate access to your driveway so they can better understand the urgency level.
They’ll inspect the area for hazards and remove the tree once they have clearance to do so. The arborist can help you get the necessary permits for your area.
Consider Stump Removal
You may want to schedule the arborist to return another day to remove the stump left behind, as it could attract pests as it decays. It may also sprout and try to grow back. With proper stump grinding and removal, you can get rid of the problem tree and eventually replace it with a new one.
Oregon Arborist Will Remove Fallen Trees Blocking Driveways
We’re ISA-certified arborists at Oregon Arborist. We’re qualified to carefully assess and remove fallen trees blocking driveways so you can safely use yours again. We offer 24-hour emergency services, so if a storm occurs in the middle of the night, call us, and we’ll come out to you as soon as we’re available.
Contact us today at (503) 899-4166 for all your tree needs. We can remove fallen debris, grind stumps, and handle any other tree problems you might have.