Tree Damage & Prevention FAQs
Q: How should I approach a tree entangled in wires?
Don’t. Trees may become energized when they are contacted by electric wires. Contact your power company, and they will arrange to have the debris safely removed.
Q: How do I determine if my tree is “at-risk”?
There are many factors that put a tree at risk. Contact with electric wires, dead or dangling limbs, cracks, decay, peeling bark, and gaping wounds are all indicative of an unstable tree. A professional arborist can catalogue these risks, as well as identify defects invisible to the untrained eye.
Q: How do I help an “at-risk” tree?
Many trees which suffer from weak branches unions or other defects can be helped by strategic pruning, bracing or cabling. Contact a professional arborist to ensure you are effectively mitigating the risks.
Q: Will my insurance cover damage caused by a tree?
It depends on the circumstances and the insurance provider. Many home insurance policies can help defray the costs incurred by tree damage and removal. Check with your provider to confirm your coverage.
Q: I heard storm damaged trees may entitle me to a federal tax deduction. Is this true?
Maybe! If your homeowner insurance property doesn’t cover the damage, check with your tax advisor to see if you are eligible for a deduction. Or, click here to read a detailed guideline on the topic from the IRS.
Use TCIA’s search tool to hire a professional arborist or tree care company.
I agree that you should learn to identify at-risk trees. One of the best ways to do this is to look for weak branches. I think that it is important to work with professionals to ensure that everything is being taken care of properly.
Tree Risk Assesment is a Qualification given to a Certified Arborist who has the background required to take the course and can then pass the 2 exams. Tree Risk Assesment is now a standardized process internationally. Only qualified individuals should perform tree risk assesment or loanility issues could surface. Don’t trust the opinion of a non-qualified individual there are many factors involved in the process.
I didn’t realize storm damaged trees could be eligible for a tax deduction. Important to have your homeowners insurance up to date though.
This is a really good tip particularly to those fresh to the blogosphere.
Simple but very accurate info… Thank you for sharing this one.
A must read post!
To many times homeowners are hesitant to take down a weak or damaged tree, it’s understandable to want to keep all of the trees on your property, but you really need to consider the advice of a tree expert. Falling branches or trees can be extremely dangerous.
I had a neighbor that had a tree fall on a power line and he wanted to remove it himself. I decided to inform him of the danger as he is kinda my friend. The power company took care of it and no one was hurt haha
All great info! Too often do people consider calling friends over and taking matters in their own hands. sometimes you have to just let the ego go and call in the professionals, because people can absolutely get hurt.