Every year, storms cause billions of dollars in property damage across America. While you can’t control the weather, there are certain precautions you can take to protect your home. One of the most damaging things that can happen during a storm is a tree falling on your house.
A well-built home may survive rain and high-speed winds, but it’s probably not designed to withstand a 200+ pound tree limb falling on it.
A branch isn’t just a risk to your home, but your personal safety. If you have trees around your home, and you probably do, you need to do what you can to make sure they’re safe. The hard truth is, any tree is vulnerable to breaking and toppling.
But some are at a much higher risk than others.
Spotting a Tree That’s at Risk of Falling
When it comes to larger limbs breaking off, there are usually signs. You may notice fungus growing or a crack forming in a specific spot. Trees that appear to be leaning unnaturally are also at greater risk of eventually breaking.
There is the possibility of a tree uprooting altogether as well. Trees are at risk of uprooting when their roots aren’t given a chance to grow deep and wide enough. This is especially an issue in residential areas.
Typically, roots will grow as wide, if not considerably wider than the branches above. Look at the space around your trees. Look at the branches above them. Do the trees appear to have space to grow proper roots?
It’s easy to ignore the health of the trees in your yard, but you shouldn’t. Inspect them yearly and after storms. Look for dead spots, wounds, and unnatural bending. Keeping branches trimmed can help reduce how much wind pulls at a tree.
If you feel any of your trees might be at risk of breaking or toppling, contact a tree specialist.
What to Do When a Tree Damages Your Home
The first thing you should do is contact your insurance company. They’ll advise you on what your policy covers and the steps to take. You’ll need a tree removal company to help remove the broken tree parts from your home, and if necessary, the foundation of the tree as well.
You’ll also need to get your home repaired quickly so that further damage doesn’t happen due to exposure to the elements. You need emergency storm damage repair.
For storm damage repair in the Springfield, Ohio area, contact Reliant Restoration today. We’ll make sure your home is repaired quickly so you can return to everyday life.