How to Manage Property and Tree Care After Severe Weather

We’ve discussed ways to prepare your home for severe weather, which those in the St. Paul, Minnesota area experienced over the weekend. But if yours was one of the homes or vehicles that experienced property damage, you need to know what to do now. From insurance coverage to tree removal, it is important to know what to do after severe weather hits.

Insurance Coverage

Be sure to contact your insurance provider before taking action on the removal of any fallen trees. It may surprise you to find out that the owner of the property that the tree lands on is responsible for the damage – not necessarily the owner of the tree. If a tree falls onto your vehicle, comprehensive insurance will cover the damage. However, this coverage is optional in Minnesota and many residents are finding that their insurance does not cover the destruction.

Tree Damage

It has been estimated that the count of fallen trees in the Twin Cities will surpass 3,000. It is likely that you or someone you know was affected by such damage.

Depending on the damage, your tree may be salvageable. Be extremely careful when checking the damage of your trees, especially in the instance of an upright tree, which can drop debris well after a storm hits. Points to consider when considering whether or not to salvage a damaged tree include:

• Existing health & structure
• Remaining crown percentage
• Size and stability of remaining branches

If you decide to keep a salvageable tree, be sure to have the damaged pieces removed and prune it to assist in the healing process. If the damage is extensive or dangerous to repair, contact a certified arborist – such as Ostvig Tree Care. Hiring a certified arborist to assist with the damage is the safest way to address tree damage.

Contact your city, whether through their website or directly by phone, to see when the debris pick-up will take place. After a large storm, cities will often assign crews to collect trees and brush from the curbs of residents. There may also be a yard waste drop-off in your area, if you miss the city pick-up, but this is often a hassle because of transport issues. Be aware that the city will often only pick up from the curb, not on the property of the resident. If you contract Ostvig Tree Care to assist with your fallen trees, we will remove the tree from your property.

Important Post Storm Safety Tips

• Do not touch downed power lines or objects in contact with them.
• Although you may be tempted to scan the damage done in your area, stay in a safe area since damage to trees and power lines can come after the storm hits.
• Confirm that your neighbors are okay, particularly if they are elderly or disabled.