The summer months bring many storms. Unfortunately, thunderstorms in Chicago often leave many homeowners with tree damage. From trees down in your lawn to large limbs on your roof, this can be a hassle. Fortunately, with the right tree care provider, you can have quick solutions, expert guidance, and professional service.
This article explains everything you need to know about storm damaged trees in the Chicagoland area. From causes to prevention, you’ll understand the best ways to keep your property protected during the next storm. Plus, we’ll help you get assistance when you need emergency tree removal. Let’s get started.
Why Are Trees Often Damaged in Storms?
Storms often bring torrential rainfall, powerful winds, and damaging hail. Unfortunately, these weather events can lead to problems with your trees. Both singular branches and entire trees can fall, causing damage to anything in their path. This can include your roof, vehicles, garage, home, fences, and more.
Often, the trees damaged in storms were weak or sickly beforehand. Trees with dying branches, hollowed trunks, pest infestations, and diseases are more likely to be damaged in a storm. These weak points can easily be broken by the wind and rain.
If you find that you have storm damaged trees on your Chicago property, you will want to act quickly. Whether the tree is down or broken, you need a tree care professional to assist. Keep reading to see what you need to do when you have trees damaged in a storm.
Here’s What You Can Do About Storm Damaged Trees in Chicago
Often, storms leave you with trees or large debris down in your lawn. You will want to address your tree problems quickly, especially if there is damage to your roof, home, or another structure on your property. Prompt response helps you prevent more damage and aids you in getting insurance coverage for your emergency tree removal. Below, explore the steps you should take when you have trees damaged in a storm.
1. Stay Safe & Stay Clear
If you have a damaged or down tree, you need to stay away. Broken trees can shift unexpectedly and lead to further damage. In addition, if your home is severely damaged, you will want to find somewhere safe to stay until the tree is removed and the repairs are complete.
2. Call a Tree Company
Contact a tree company in Chicago right away. This way, you can book your services as soon as possible to avoid more costly concerns. Your tree service provider will be able to guide you through all of the steps, including insurance claims when applicable. You will start with an inspection, so your tree care provider can determine the best strategy for your tree services.
3. Consider an Insurance Claim
Often, your homeowners insurance policy will cover emergency tree removal. This is typically true when the tree has fallen on your home, garage, or another insured structure on your property. Your tree company will be able to identify the likelihood of insurance coverage, then they can help you with the claim.
4. Document Any Damages
If there is a possibility that your tree removal services will be covered by insurance, you need to document everything. If it is safe for you to do so, take pictures of any damage caused by the fallen tree or tree debris. Take note of the time that the tree fell and anything that was damaged in the process. This will help you get accurate compensation for your emergency tree removal.
5. Get Emergency Tree Removal
When you have storm damaged trees, your provider will book your tree removal services as soon as possible. The tree will be removed, debris will be cleaned, and order will be restored to your property. Then, you can have peace of mind.
Can You Prevent Storm Damage to Your Trees?
Now that you understand what to do if your trees are damaged in a storm, you should also know how to prevent storm damage in the first place. Because many cases of storm damaged trees come from weakened or dying trees, routine tree care is essential. This can include tree pruning, tree removal, and tree treatments.
Regular tree pruning can remove any dying or diseased branches, keeping your tree healthier overall. Problem branches will be removed, allowing your tree to remain stronger and sturdier throughout the year. By scheduling tree care, especially if you notice any bare branches, you can prevent unexpected damage when the next storm blows through Chicago.
In addition, tree removal is necessary when you have a dead tree on your property. If left unattended, this tree can be damaged or knocked down in the next storm. Instead, you should schedule a professional inspection to determine if your tree needs to be removed.
In some cases, your trees can be saved instead of removed. Professional tree care companies can assess, diagnose, and treat your trees. This can prevent premature tree removal, and it can also safeguard your property in the next storm. Overall, routine tree care helps keep your property safe and secure throughout every season in Chicago.
Will Insurance Cover Your Emergency Tree Removal?
Another common question is this: Will homeowners insurance cover tree removal services? In cases of storm damaged trees, the answer is often yes. However, there are a few considerations.
First, where did the tree fall? If the tree fell onto your home or another insured structure, then your homeowners insurance will likely cover the tree removal services. However, if the tree simply fell into your lawn, then your insurance will often not cover this.
Second, did the tree cause damage? In some cases, a small tree or a slow fall may not actually cause clear damage. In these situations, insurance likely will not cover the tree removal. However, when your home or another insured structure is damaged, your claim is likely to be approved.
Dealing with Storm Damage in Chicago, IL? Call Winkler Tree & Lawn Care Today!
When you have trees damaged in a storm, you need rapid assistance. Winkler Tree & Lawn Care offers emergency tree removal in Chicago, Illinois. We respond to many areas throughout Chicagoland, bringing professional expertise, timely solutions, and care you can trust. All you have to do is contact our team, and we will respond as soon as possible. Call us now to get assistance with your storm damaged trees and insurance claim assistance.
