Things To Know About After Storm Cleanup

Storms strike quickly, but the aftermath often lingers long after the clouds clear. Seeing your property covered in fallen branches, scattered debris, or damaged trees can feel overwhelming. A swift and safe cleanup process is essential to restoring your home's safety and appearance. However, rushing into the work without a plan can lead to further damage or even personal injury.

Knowing where to start makes a significant difference. From assessing the damage to hiring the right professionals, taking the correct steps ensures a smooth recovery for your property. Whether you are dealing with minor wind damage or major tree failures, understanding the cleanup process helps you regain control.

Here are the essential things to know about after-storm cleanup to help you manage the situation effectively and safely.

Safety Comes First During Assessment

Before you pick up a single branch, you must prioritize safety. Storms often leave behind hidden hazards that are not immediately obvious. Downed power lines, unstable tree limbs, and slippery surfaces pose serious risks. Always assume that any downed wire is live and dangerous. Stay far away and contact your utility company immediately.

Inspect your property from a safe distance before entering any damaged areas. Look for "widow makers"—broken branches hanging loosely in trees that could fall at any moment. If you see structural damage to your home, do not enter until a professional inspects it. Wearing protective gear, such as heavy gloves, sturdy boots, and safety glasses, is mandatory if you decide to handle minor debris yourself.

Documenting Damage is Important for Insurance

Insurance claims play a major role in storm recovery for many homeowners. To support your claim, you need thorough documentation. Take clear, high-quality photos and videos of all damage before moving anything. Capture wide shots to show the extent of the mess and close-ups to detail specific damage to your home, vehicles, or fences.

Keep a detailed list of damaged items. If you hire professionals for cleanup or repairs, save every receipt and invoice. Insurance companies require proof of the damage and the costs associated with fixing it. Documenting everything immediately prevents disputes later and helps you receive the coverage you deserve.

Knowing When to DIY and When to Call Pros

You can likely handle small cleanup tasks, such as raking leaves or gathering small twigs. However, large-scale cleanup often requires professional equipment and expertise. Chainsaws are dangerous tools in inexperienced hands, especially when cutting wood under tension.

If a tree rests on your house, blocks your driveway, or leans precariously, call a professional tree service. They have the training to remove heavy timber safely without causing further property damage. Attempting to move large trees yourself can result in severe injury. Recognize your limits to keep yourself and your property safe.

Understanding the Risks of Leaning Trees

Strong winds often loosen a tree's root system without knocking it over completely. These leaning trees are ticking time bombs. Even if a tree looks stable, significant soil saturation combined with root damage can cause it to fall days after the storm passes.

Inspect the base of your trees for heaving soil or exposed roots. These signs indicate that the tree's anchor is failing. If you notice a new lean, keep your family and pets away from the area. Contact an arborist to evaluate the tree's stability. They can determine if the tree is salvageable or if removal is the only safe option.

Debris Disposal Rules Vary by Location

Once you gather the debris, you need a plan for getting rid of it. Local municipalities have specific rules regarding storm debris disposal. Some cities offer special curbside pickup schedules after major weather events, while others require you to transport waste to a landfill.

Burning debris is an option in some rural areas, but you must check local fire regulations and burn bans first. Burning wet wood creates excessive smoke, which can bother neighbors. If the volume of waste is too high for you to handle, hiring a service to haul it away is often the most efficient solution.

The Importance of Stump Inspection

When a tree snaps off or uproots, the remaining stump or root ball presents its own set of challenges. A jagged stump is a tripping hazard and an eyesore. Furthermore, an uprooted root ball leaves a large hole that can compromise the stability of the surrounding ground.

Grinding the stump is usually the best way to reclaim your yard. This process removes the visible wood and allows you to replant grass or cover the area with mulch. If a large root ball lifts out of the ground, professionals can often push it back into place or remove it entirely, depending on the situation. addressing stumps promptly prevents pest infestations and tripping accidents.

Protecting Your Property from Future Storms

While you cannot prevent storms, you can minimize future damage. Regular tree maintenance is your best defense. Pruning dead or weak branches reduces the wind resistance of the canopy, making the tree less likely to topple.

An arborist can identify structural weaknesses in your trees before a storm hits. They might recommend cabling or bracing to support heavy limbs. keeping your trees healthy through proper watering and fertilization also strengthens their root systems. taking proactive steps now saves you time, money, and stress when the next storm rolls through.

Dealing with Hazardous Waste Appropriately

Storms often damage more than just trees. You might find damaged fencing, shingles, or even household chemicals scattered around your yard. You must separate this hazardous waste from vegetative debris.

Vegetative debris includes:

• Tree branches

• Leaves

• Logs

• Plants

Construction and demolition debris includes:

• Lumber

• Glass

• Metal roofing

• Drywall

Most waste management services require you to sort these piles separately. Mixing them can result in your debris being left behind during pickup. Check with your local sanitation department for specific sorting guidelines to ensure efficient removal.

The Benefits of Professional Hauling

Cleaning up after a storm is physically demanding work. Moving heavy logs and dragging brush creates a significant strain on your body. Furthermore, most homeowners do not have the trucks or trailers necessary to move large amounts of waste.

A professional tree debris hauling service simplifies the process immensely. These teams have the heavy machinery to lift and load massive amounts of wood quickly. They handle the logistics of disposal, saving you multiple trips to the landfill. By outsourcing the heavy lifting, you protect your back and clear your property much faster.

Restoring Your Landscape's Health

Once the debris is gone once the after storm cleanup is done, your yard might look a bit rough. Heavy machinery and falling limbs can compact the soil and damage your grass. Aerating the soil helps air and water reach the grassroots, promoting recovery.

You may also need to replant grass seed in bare spots or replace damaged shrubs. Add a layer of mulch around the base of your remaining trees to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. With a little care and attention, your landscape will bounce back, looking green and vibrant once again.