Severe weather events are one of the most common causes of fallen trees in Brisbane. Even healthy looking trees can fail if root systems have been weakened over time.

If a tree falls on your property it can be a stressful, frightening experience, particularly if the tree has fallen and done significant damage or is especially large.

Whether the tree has fallen on your roof, smashed your car, is blocking your driveway or fallen onto powerlines, knowing what to do can help protect your family from danger, minimise further damage and make the clean up process much smoother.

Safety First

The first thing to do is to ensure the safety of yourself and your family. If the tree is putting anyone at risk, if the tree is blocking a road, if powerlines have been affected or if there is any danger present, stay well away and contact emergency services immediately.

Depending on your circumstances this could be SES, 000 or Energex for powerlines. If the tree has fallen onto your home, you may need to evacuate immediately.

Don’t enter any affected areas until they have been properly checked by a professional for structural safety. Fallen trees can cause damage to walls, ceilings, roofs and electrics that you may not necessarily be able to see. As tempting as it may be, never attempt to move any branches or debris yourself as it can be highly dangerous.  Branches may shift suddenly and large trees may continue to move or settle after they have fallen. In all cases, it is best to err on the side of caution, prioritise safety and seek professional help to handle the situation safely and efficiently.

Assess The Damage

Once you have ensured that everyone is safe, you can assess the situation from the appropriate distance. Check for any signs of damage to your home, vehicle, shed, carport, pool and any other structures. If possible, document the damage by taking pictures of all of the damage and the surrounding area to help with a potential insurance claim.

If the tree has come from a neighbouring property or from council property, liability will need to be determined so give all of this information to your insurer.

If the tree has fallen on your property and has not done any damage, you should contact your preferred Arborist to take care of the removal and clean up.

Contact Your Insurer

If you do have damage, contact your insurance provider as soon as possible and explain the situation in detail. Provide your insurer with your photos to help speed up the process.

Your insurance company may provide you with a preferred Arborist to do the job or they may leave it up to you to determine who will use for the job. Make sure you are clear on the details here and follow their instruction carefully to avoid any missteps when it comes to your claim.

Working With A Professional Arborist

Ensure your chosen Arborist provides you with a full quote, is fully insured, qualified, experienced and available to do the work ASAP. Emergency tree removal requires training and experience to safely dismantle and remove damaged trees and may require specialised equipment. A qualified Arborist can also assess whether any other trees on your property pose a further risk. When one tree falls, nearby trees can also suffer root damage or instability during the same weather event. Identifying these risks can help prevent future incidents.

Attempting any DIY removal is highly dangerous and not advisable. It can also put your insurance claim in jeopardy as well as cause further damage so don’t take the risk.

Once the emergency has been handled, ask your Arborist about preventative tree maintenance moving forward to minimise the risk of a repeat incidence.

Call The Experts At Aussie Tree Solutions

For all your emergency tree removal and stump grinding needs, speak to the team at Aussie Tree Solutions today. We have been looking after South-East Queensland trees for over forty years, so if you’re looking for total peace of mind, let our team take care of it.

We provide a complete range of tree services, so whatever your tree care and maintenance needs may be, we’ll get to the root of it!