How to Handle Tree Damage After Hurricane Helene: A Complete Guide

Hurricane Helene recently swept through, leaving behind widespread destruction. While homeowners focus on repairing roofs and assessing property damage, one critical aspect that can’t be overlooked is tree damage. Strong winds and heavy rains can break branches, uproot trees, and cause hazardous situations that must be addressed immediately. In this post, we'll guide you through how to handle tree damage safely and efficiently while highlighting when professional tree care services are necessary.

​Assessing Tree Damage Post-Hurricane

The first step after any storm, especially after a hurricane like Helene, is to assess the damage. Approach this carefully, as damaged trees can be unpredictable and hazardous.

• Safety First: Ensure the area is safe before you begin. Look for downed power lines, leaning trees, or large broken limbs. If there's any immediate danger, stay away and contact emergency services or utility companies.
• Visible Damage: Inspect for obvious signs like split trunks, broken limbs, or trees that have partially uprooted. These issues pose significant risks to your home and family if left unchecked.
• Leaning Trees: If a tree has started to lean, especially if the roots are exposed, it may be unstable and need removal. Even if it hasn’t fallen, it can become more dangerous over time.
• Health of the Tree: Some trees can survive minor storm damage and recover with proper care. However, if the tree has lost more than 50% of its canopy or has extensive root damage, it may not survive and should be removed.

DIY Cleanup vs. Calling in the Experts

Some tree damage can be handled on your own, but it’s crucial to know your limits.

DIY Cleanup for Minor Damage
If a tree has only sustained minor damage, like small branches breaking off or light debris around the yard, you can likely manage these issues yourself.

• Pruning Broken Branches: Use a clean, sharp tool to prune broken limbs at the branch collar. This helps the tree heal and prevents further damage.
• Clearing Debris: Fallen leaves, small branches, and other minor debris can be cleared by hand or with a rake.

However, if you’re unsure about the extent of the damage, or if larger limbs are involved, it’s best to call a tree care professional.

When to Call a Tree Service Contractor
Significant damage, such as uprooted trees, large broken branches, or trees that are leaning, requires the expertise of a tree service contractor. Here are a few situations where it’s best to leave the work to professionals:

• Uprooted Trees: These are extremely heavy and dangerous to move without the proper equipment and knowledge.
• Leaning Trees: If a tree has been destabilized by the storm, attempting to deal with it yourself could lead to injury. Professionals can assess whether it can be saved or must be removed.
• Large Broken Branches: Limbs hanging from a tree can fall at any moment. Tree service experts have the tools and skills to remove these safely.
• Tree Removal: If a tree is too damaged to recover, a licensed contractor will have the right equipment to remove it efficiently and safely.

The Importance of Hiring a Professional Tree Service

Handling tree damage after Hurricane Helene requires careful consideration and a professional touch, particularly if the damage is severe. Hiring a licensed and insured tree service ensures:

• Safety: Professionals are trained to handle dangerous situations, such as removing heavy branches or dealing with trees near power lines.
• Proper Equipment: They have the necessary tools to handle tree removal, trimming, and pruning in a safe and efficient manner.
• Knowledge: An experienced tree service contractor can evaluate the health of your trees, recommend the best course of action, and provide long-term care to help trees recover from storm damage.

​Preventative Tree Care for Future Hurricanes

While you can’t control nature, taking preventative steps before a hurricane can help reduce tree damage in future storms:

• Regular Tree Maintenance: Regular trimming and pruning help keep trees strong and healthy. Removing dead or weak branches can prevent them from falling during storms.
• Tree Health Inspections: Have a tree service contractor inspect your trees periodically to ensure they are in good health. Diseased or damaged trees are more likely to fail in high winds.
• Tree Removal: If you have older or damaged trees near your home, removing them before a storm hits may prevent serious damage to your property.

Conclusion

Dealing with tree damage after Hurricane Helene can be overwhelming, but following these guidelines will help you manage the aftermath safely and effectively. Assess the situation carefully, and when in doubt, always call a professional tree service contractor. By taking care of your trees and property after a hurricane, you ensure a quicker recovery and reduce the risk of future damage.

For expert tree care, trimming, and removal services in the wake of Hurricane Helene, contact your Anderson Tree Service Pros today!