Situations That Require an Emergency Tree Service

Storm-Related Tree Emergencies

Emergency tree service is called upon in Fall River for the vast majority of emergency tree-related incidents, primarily due to severe weather events such as high-wind storms that can bring down even healthy trees and leave others at risk of falling in precarious positions that require a quick, professional evaluation and removal.

Ice storms also pose unique challenges to trees in Fall River, as the weight of ice accumulating on branches can lead to sudden and catastrophic branch failures that can threaten structures, vehicles, and pedestrian areas, particularly in high-traffic areas such as Heritage State Park and Battleship Cove.

Hurricanes and tropical storms can create massive amounts of tree damage in Fall River and overwhelm the capacity of typical tree-service companies. As such, during these types of events, emergency tree service will focus on the life-safety aspects of each situation, clear the roads so that emergency personnel can respond quickly to emergencies, and remove trees that are obstructing critical infrastructure such as power lines and water-treatment facilities.

Lightning can cause significant damage to trees, leading to hidden structural weaknesses that may take several days or weeks to manifest themselves. If the structure of a tree has been compromised by lightning, emergency tree service may be required to remove it prior to its collapse, especially if there are numerous trees in a neighborhood that have mature canopies, such as those found in the area surrounding Oak Grove Cemetery.

Any tree or large branch that is leaning against or resting on a building constitutes an emergency and should be evaluated by a professional as soon as possible to determine whether the weight and/or movement of the tree/branch poses a threat to the structural integrity of the building. Progressive structural damage caused by the weight and/or movement of a tree/branch can compromise the integrity of the roof of a building, creating entry points for water to enter the building and cause further damage over time.

If a tree falls across a driveway, walkway, or emergency access route, it must be removed immediately to allow safe passage. In Fall River’s dense residential neighborhoods, blocked access can prevent emergency responders from accessing a property and can trap homeowners in their homes during subsequent weather events.

Root systems of trees damaged by storms or saturated soil conditions can continue to fail, resulting in a partially uprooted tree that can continue to pose a hazard to people and property without warning. Emergency tree-service companies have the equipment and trained professionals to safely remove unstable trees and prevent additional damage.

In addition to posing a threat to people and property, trees that have fallen onto vehicles, outdoor equipment, etc., can result in significant financial loss and may void insurance coverage for the property owner. Therefore, emergency tree service provides both a safety and financial benefit to property owners in this type of situation.

Utility Company Power Lines and Equipment

A tree that is in contact with a power line is considered an immediate life-safety emergency that requires a cooperative effort between utility companies and emergency tree-service companies. Do not attempt to remove trees from power lines yourself, as energized power lines can be deadly, even when they appear to be inactive or damaged.

Branches that hang over power lines do not necessarily represent an immediate emergency; however, they often require prompt attention to prevent a potential failure during a subsequent wind event. Emergency tree-service companies work closely with National Grid and other utility companies providing service in Fall River to address these situations before they become a serious concern.

Trees blocking access to electric equipment, transformers, and utility poles can limit the ability of utility repair crews to restore electricity to an affected area. By removing trees that block access to utility equipment, emergency tree service can expedite the restoration of power to affected neighborhoods, especially those with underground utilities, which are less common in areas like the Highland.

Disruptions to communication lines (i.e., cable and phone) can also occur as a result of fallen trees, which can require special equipment and coordination between various utility companies. Emergency tree-service companies understand these complexities and can quickly respond to restore multiple services.

Dead Trees and Health and Safety Hazards

Trees that die due to disease, insects, or root damage can rapidly become hazards that require emergency removal. Dead trees lose their structural integrity quickly and can fail without notice, especially during strong winds that are common in Fall River due to its coastal location.

Diseased trees that show signs of rapid decline or structural weakening may require emergency removal to prevent injury or damage to people or property. Certified arborists can assess the condition of a diseased tree and determine if it represents an immediate hazard that requires urgent action.

Trees with significant root damage resulting from construction activities, soil disturbances, or extreme weather conditions may appear to be structurally sound; however, they may lack sufficient structural support and therefore may be in danger of failing imminently. Emergency tree service may be required to assess and remove trees with underlying structural weaknesses before they fail and create additional hazards.

Chemical damage from deicing salts, herbicides, or other environmental contaminants can cause trees to deteriorate rapidly, creating emergencies. Weakened trees that are exposed to chemicals can fail suddenly, especially under stress conditions such as drought or strong winds.

Blocking Major Roadways and Pedestrian Areas

Trees that fall across major roadways require emergency tree service to restore traffic flow and to prevent accidents. Single fallen trees in Fall River’s network of streets can significantly disrupt traffic flow, which can impede access to emergency services and negatively affect local businesses.

Branches or debris hanging over sidewalks, bike paths, or other pedestrian areas create liability issues and immediate safety concerns. Removing emergency debris prevents injuries to pedestrians and cyclists while eliminating potential liability issues for property owners who are responsible for maintaining the trees on their property.

Trees that have fallen near schools, hospitals, or other critical facilities may require immediate attention to ensure that emergency access remains open and that the critical services provided at these facilities remain operational. Emergency tree-service companies have the equipment and trained staff to respond to priority situations and can mobilize their resources quickly to meet emergency needs.

Blocked Bus Stops and Parking Areas

Trees that fall into bus stops, parking lots, or other public gathering areas must be cleared quickly to restore normal community functions. Emergency tree-service companies can help to minimize disruptions to public transportation and community services that residents of Fall River rely on every day.

When to Call Emergency vs. Routine Tree Services

Knowing when a tree-related issue represents a true emergency and when it is simply a routine issue can help ensure that emergency tree-service resources are dedicated to true life-safety emergencies. True emergencies that create an immediate danger to people, property, or critical infrastructure necessitate an emergency response. Less urgent tree-related issues, although still requiring prompt attention, typically do not require emergency responses and can usually be handled through normal scheduling channels and may be less expensive than an emergency response.

Weather forecasts can help property owners determine whether tree-related issues are merely preventive measures and not true emergencies. Scheduling routine maintenance prior to the onset of storm season will reduce the likelihood of emergencies and will help ensure that trees are prepared for the worst-case scenario conditions.

Certified arborists can evaluate the condition of trees and provide recommendations regarding response time frames based on the level of risk presented by the specific situation and the site-specific factors involved.

What to Expect From Emergency Tree Services

Emergency tree-service companies will prioritize life-safety emergencies and property protection and will focus on removing hazards to people and property immediately. Typically, the initial response will involve stabilizing the situation and making it safe, followed by a detailed cleanup and restoration plan that will be implemented once the immediate danger has passed.

Response times for emergency tree services will vary based on weather conditions, demand levels, and the nature of each situation. Emergency tree-service companies will give priority to life-safety emergencies, and then will address property-damage issues based on the level of risk and the availability of resources.

Emergency tree-service costs will typically be higher than standard prices for tree services because emergency responses require work to be performed after regular working hours, in hazardous environments, and with an emphasis on speed and efficiency. Many insurance policies will pay for emergency tree removal when the trees cause damage to insured items, making emergency tree services economically feasible for most situations.

Documenting and photographing emergencies can aid in documenting the basis for insurance claims and provide a record of the event for future reference. Professional emergency tree-service companies will document emergencies and provide assistance with documenting them when feasible.

Preparation for Tree Emergencies

Tree maintenance and professional evaluations of trees can greatly reduce the occurrence of emergencies by identifying and resolving problems prior to their becoming critical. Regular tree evaluations can identify emerging problems that require attention before they become emergencies.

Developing a relationship with a qualified emergency tree-service company prior to an emergency occurring can facilitate a quicker response when a true emergency arises. Look for local companies that are qualified and have adequate insurance, and keep their contact information handy for emergencies.

Having an understanding of your insurance coverage for tree-related damage and emergency tree removal will help you make informed decisions during emergencies. Consult with your insurance agent to determine your coverage for emergency tree removal and what documentation may be required for claims associated with emergency tree removal.

An emergency kit should include basic tools and supplies, flashlights, and contact information for essential services, including emergency tree-service companies. Being prepared for extended power outages and blocked access can help households deal with emergencies more effectively.

Using Professional Emergency Services

Emergency tree-service companies possess specialized equipment, training, and experience to perform tree-related emergency work safely. They know how to operate around power lines, unstable structures, and hazardous conditions that would be extremely dangerous for property owners to address individually.

Emergency tree-service companies will typically coordinate with utility companies, emergency responders, and insurance adjusters to resolve complex emergencies. Emergency tree-service companies have well-established relationships with these organizations and understand how to communicate with them to resolve emergencies quickly and efficiently.

The safety protocols for performing emergency tree work are much different than those for performing routine tree maintenance due to the increased hazards and the sense of urgency involved in emergency tree work. Emergency tree-service companies maintain the necessary insurance coverage to protect both their employees and property owners while operating in hazardous conditions.

Effective communication about priorities, constraints, and expected outcomes will help ensure that emergency tree service addresses the most pressing needs of property owners during emergency situations within the timeframe and resource constraints of emergency tree service. Emergency tree-service companies can describe what can be completed immediately and what will require follow-up.

Precision Tree Services Fall River Emergency Response

Precision Tree Services Fall River offers emergency response services to our community in the event of a tree-related emergency. Our certified arborists are familiar with the unique challenges created by coastal storms and local conditions that can affect trees in Fall River, ranging from waterfront areas along the Quequechan River to the older neighborhoods surrounding Flint Village.

During emergency situations, we will give priority to life-safety emergencies and will work collaboratively with local utility companies and emergency responders to resolve emergency situations as quickly and safely as possible. Our equipment and trained personnel will enable us to safely and efficiently remove complex emergency tree situations that may cause additional damage to adjacent property and structures.

Emergencies involving trees can be hazardous and stressful, and require expert, professional care to resolve them quickly and safely. Knowing when to call for emergency services, what to expect from emergency tree-service companies, and how to prepare for potential tree emergencies will help protect families and investments in Fall River when true emergencies occur. For professional emergency response that prioritizes your safety and resolves your emergency tree-related problems, contact Precision Tree Services Fall River today.