Tree Emergencies: What Qualifies and How to Respond

Date July 17, 2022

Author TreeNewal Staff

A lot of people don’t know what to do when they encounter a tree emergency – it can be a frightening event! Is it something that just requires a little bit of maintenance, or is it an emergency that requires the help of a professional? If you think that your tree may be in danger, it is important to know how to respond. In this blog post, we will discuss what qualifies as a tree emergency and what to do about it!

What Is a Tree Emergency?

First, let’s define what a tree emergency is. A tree emergency is any situation in which a tree presents an immediate threat to life or property. This could be due to causes such as:

Severe Weather Damage

Lightning strikes and high winds from tornadoes and thunderstorms are all common causes of severe damage to trees in North Texas. If you see a tree that has been damaged by severe weather, you likely will need professional assistance.

Fire

If a tree is on fire, it is an emergency! Call the fire department immediately.

Disease

If you see signs of disease on a tree, such as discolored leaves or branches, it could be a big risk not only for the affected tree itself but also for the surrounding trees.

Proximity to Power Lines

Trees that are close to power lines can present a danger if they are damaged or diseased. If you see a tree that is contacting a power line and causing smoke or sparks, you are definitely looking at a major tree emergency.

Vandalism

Unfortunately, sometimes people vandalize trees, be it by intentionally damaging branches, spraying toxic graffiti on a tree, or other harmful acts.

Insect infestation

If you see signs of an insect infestation on a tree, such as leaves that are being eaten or holes in the bark, this could be an emergency.

Sometimes the cause is a Mother Nature mystery, but you do know something needs to be done quickly about that precariously hanging branch before it falls! If you think that your tree may be in danger, act now!

What To Do If You Have a Tree Emergency

If you find yourself in the middle of a tree emergency, there are some things you can do to stay safe and get help:

  • If the tree is on fire, call the fire department immediately.
  • If the tree is blocking a road or path, call emergency services.
  • If the tree is blocking power lines, call the power company.
  • If you see signs of disease on a tree, call a professional tree service.
  • If you see a tree that appears to be unstable, call a professional arborist for help.

Tree emergencies can be very dangerous, so it is important to have a professional assess the situation and provide help.

For example, if the tree is in danger of falling, they will take steps to stabilize it. This may involve removing branches, cabling or bracing the tree, or even felling the tree if it is too dangerous to leave standing. If the tree is not in danger of falling, they will work to treat the underlying problem. This could involve removing diseased branches, treating for insects, or providing support for a weak tree.

No matter what, always follow all instructions of the certified professional. They will be able to help you safely resolve the emergency. And be sure to stay a safe distance away from the tree while they work!

Tree Emergency Prevention

The best way to deal with a tree emergency is to prevent it from happening in the first place – wherever possible, of course. This can be done by having trees regularly inspected by a certified arborist and taking steps to keep them healthy. Regular maintenance will help to identify problems early on before they have a chance to turn into an emergency.

If you think that your tree may be in danger, don’t hesitate to call a professional. They will be able to assess the situation and take the appropriate steps to stabilize the tree or treat the underlying problem. Don’t wait until it is too late – a little bit of prevention can go a long way towards keeping your trees healthy and safe!

TreeNewal Emergency Tree Services

At TreeNewal, we understand that tree emergencies can happen at any time. We have a team of certified arborists who are experienced in dealing with all sorts of tree emergencies. We will assess the situation and take the appropriate steps to stabilize the tree or treat the underlying problem. Contact us today for more information about our emergency tree services. We are here to help keep both you AND your trees safe!

If you need advice or assistance with maintaining the best hormone balance in your trees, get in touch with the ISA Certified Arborists at TreeNewal and enjoy tailored tree care advice.

 

To learn more about Tree Emergencies: What Qualifies and How to Respond, call our Argyle and Southlake-based teams

at (817) 592-6846 or send us a message.

We’re a little different than the average tree services company.

Learn more about TreeNewal’s ISA Certified Arborists!

Our Dallas/Fort Worth-based tree doctors can explain how sustainable tree care services add more value to your bottom line.

Healthy trees, healthy lives.