In Scotland, storms aren’t just an inconvenience, they cause serious damage to homes, trees, and landscapes and tree removal after storm damage is crucial to safeguard your property. The effects of recent storms, such as Storm Arwen (2021), were particularly severe.
The storm led to widespread tree damage across the UK, with Scotland being one of the hardest-hit regions. Over 1.5 million properties lost power, and fallen trees accounted for much of the damage.
Scotland’s weather, with its frequent high winds and heavy rain, makes tree damage a common risk. In cities like Glasgow, this threat is especially prominent. Whether it’s high winds or heavy rainfall, storm-damaged trees can be a major concern for homeowners.
When a storm strikes, it’s crucial to act fast. Fallen trees, broken limbs, or leaning trunks can cause significant property damage. Emergency tree removal after storm damage protects your home, vehicles, and loved ones.
In this guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about storm damage tree removal services, including costs, insurance, and how to find the right professionals for the job.
Why Tree Removal is Important After a Storm?
After a storm, prompt tree removal is essential. Unstable trees can continue to pose a serious risk, causing further damage to structures and landscapes. Whether trees have fallen, limbs have snapped, or trunks are leaning, these hazards need to be addressed as quickly as possible.
In Scotland, storm damage to trees is particularly dangerous. High winds during winter storms can uproot trees, causing them to fall onto homes or roads. In Glasgow, this is a common issue. Storm damage tree removal services are key to protecting your property and preventing additional risks.
The damage trees cause can go beyond structural harm. According to Scottish Power, about 35% of power outages during storms are caused by fallen trees. This highlights how critical it is to address tree damage immediately after a storm.
Common Types of Storm Damage to Trees:
Understanding the specific type of storm damage to your trees is important. It helps in deciding whether to remove the tree entirely or if it can be salvaged through pruning. Here are the most common types of storm damage:
- High Winds: Wind gusts exceeding 60 mph are frequent in Scotland, especially during winter. These powerful winds can snap branches or even uproot entire trees, causing immediate risks to structures and vehicles.
- Heavy Rain: Prolonged rainfall saturates the soil, weakening tree roots. This makes trees more vulnerable to toppling, especially in saturated areas.
- Ice Storms: Ice accumulation is another hazard in Scotland, especially during freezing rain conditions. The weight of the ice on branches can cause them to break off or the entire tree to collapse.
Recognising the type of damage is essential. It will guide you in deciding whether the tree can be pruned or needs complete removal.
Costs of Tree Removal After Storm Damage:
Understanding the costs involved in storm damage tree removal is crucial for homeowners. The price of removal can vary depending on several factors:
- Size of the Tree: Larger trees are more expensive to remove due to the time, equipment, and manpower required.
- Location and Complexity: Trees located near buildings, power lines, or other structures require special care and equipment. This increases the cost of removal.
- Insurance Coverage: Many homeowners don’t realise their insurance may cover tree removal in cases of storm damage. If the tree poses a danger to your home or property, it might be covered under your policy. Be sure to check your storm damage tree removal insurance coverage.
- Cost Estimators: Many tree removal services provide storm damage tree removal cost estimators to give you a rough idea of the cost before you make a decision.
On average, tree removal costs can range from a few hundred pounds for smaller trees to over a thousand pounds for large, complex removals. It’s important to get multiple quotes to ensure you’re getting a fair deal.
The Step-by-Step Process of Storm Damage Tree Removal:
The process of removing a tree after storm damage involves several key steps, each designed to ensure safety and minimise property damage:
- Assessment: The first step is to assess the damage. A certified arborist will inspect the tree to determine whether it needs full removal or can be salvaged with pruning.
- Controlled Removal: If removal is necessary, professionals use cranes, ropes, and other equipment to carefully bring down the tree. This is especially important if the tree is near buildings or power lines.
- Debris Removal: After the tree is safely removed, all branches, leaves, and debris are cleared from the site. Many companies offer storm damage tree cleanup services to ensure your property is left clean and safe.
This detailed process ensures that the tree is removed without causing further damage to your property.
How to Choose the Best Storm Damage Tree Removal Company?
When it comes to selecting a company to handle storm damage tree removal, there are several factors to keep in mind. You need a company that is reliable, professional, and experienced. Here’s what to consider:
- Certification and Expertise: Look for companies with certified arborists. These professionals are trained in tree biology and safe removal practices, which ensures the job is done properly.
- Emergency Services: Storms don’t happen on a schedule, so it’s essential to choose a company that offers 24/7 emergency tree removal services. This ensures you can get help when it’s needed most.
- Transparent Pricing: Avoid companies that don’t provide clear pricing upfront. A reputable company will give you an estimate without hidden fees.
- Cleanup Services: A good tree removal company will also offer storm damage tree cleanup services to ensure all debris is cleared away and your property is safe.
Choosing a reputable company with experience in storm damage will help you get the job done quickly and efficiently.
Dealing with Insurance and Storm-Damaged Trees:
Many homeowners are unaware that their insurance policies may cover the cost of storm damage tree removal. Here’s how to navigate this process:
- Document the Damage: Before any tree removal takes place, take photos and videos of the damage. This documentation is essential for your storm damage tree removal insurance claims.
- Review Your Policy: Not all insurance policies are the same, so it’s important to review your policy to see if tree removal is covered. Most policies will cover tree removal if the tree poses a threat to your property.
- File a Claim: If your tree removal is covered by insurance, some companies will assist with the claim process. This can help expedite your claim and ensure you’re reimbursed for the removal costs.
Understanding your insurance policy and filing a claim promptly can reduce financial stress during the recovery process.
Preventing Future Storm Damage to Your Trees:
While you can’t prevent every storm, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of damage to your trees:
- Regular Pruning: Pruning weak or dead branches reduces the risk of breakage during storms. Regular tree maintenance ensures that trees remain healthy and strong.
- Plant Storm-Resistant Trees: Certain trees, such as oaks and willows, are more resistant to high winds and heavy rain. Choosing the right trees can reduce the potential for future damage.
- Annual Tree Inspections: Have a certified arborist inspect your trees at least once a year. They’ll be able to identify potential issues that could lead to storm damage.
Taking these preventive measures can help safeguard your trees and your property in future storms.
Wrapping Up…
When a storm strikes, quick, reliable tree removal is essential. Whether it’s emergency tree removal, dealing with insurance claims, or cleaning up the debris, we’re here to help.
Don’t wait, ensure the safety of your property and loved ones with professional tree removal services. Contact us today for expert storm damage tree removal services in Glasgow.
