Storm damage tree removal in Tuscaloosa
When wind puts a tree on the house or across the driveway, the order you do things in matters. Here's that order.
West Alabama sees severe storms in spring and again in late fall, plus the leftover wind and rain of Gulf tropical systems. Tuscaloosa has been hit hard before: an EF3 tornado on April 15, 2011, and the EF4 on April 27, 2011, which the National Weather Service rated at 190 mph and 1.5 miles wide where it crossed I-65. Most storms are smaller, but even a strong thunderstorm can bring down a pine that was already weak.
What should I do first?
- Look for wires. If anything touches a power line, keep people and pets away and call the utility. Alabama Power says to assume any downed line is energized and never touch it or drive over it.
- Get people clear. If a tree is on the house, keep everyone out of the rooms beneath it.
- Take pictures. Photograph the damage from several angles before anything is cut or moved.
- Call your insurer. Ask what's covered and whether an adjuster needs to see it first.
- Call a tree service. Say what the tree is lying on so the crew brings the right equipment, whether that's a bucket truck, a crane or just saws and a chipper.
Should I cut it up myself?
A few small limbs lying flat on the grass, maybe. A tree hung up in another tree, a trunk bent under tension, or anything resting on the roof is different. Wood under load can spring loose when it's cut, and that's how people get hurt with chainsaws after storms. Alabama Power also says only line-clearance-qualified workers should do tree work near its lines.
Who cleans up the debris?
Alabama Power cuts trees away from its lines to restore power, but it says disposing of wood, limbs and debris after a storm is the property owner's responsibility. When you get a quote, ask whether hauling is included or whether the crew will stack wood at the curb.
Watch out for storm chasers
After a big storm, trucks from out of the area show up fast. Before you sign anything, get a written quote, ask for a certificate of insurance, find out where the company is based, and avoid paying most of the job up front.
Check the pines afterward
Alabama Extension says most bark beetles attack trees stressed by drought, flooding, crowding or storm damage, and that Ips beetles in particular follow storms and dry spells. Have broken or leaning pines checked after the cleanup.
The tree company sets the price after it sees the tree, what's under it and how a bucket truck, crane or grinder can get to it. We don't quote prices, and a number given over the phone before anyone has looked at the tree is a rough starting point at best.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
Will homeowners insurance pay to remove a fallen tree?
It depends on your policy and what the tree hit. Call your insurer before major work starts and keep photos and receipts.
A tree is lying on my power line. Who do I call?
Your electric utility, first. Stay back and keep others away until the utility says the line is safe to work around.
Related services
More background: Tuscaloosa tree removal guide.
Oak limb over the roof, a pine snapped in the last storm, or a stump you keep mowing around?
Call and get connected with a tree company that works Tuscaloosa and Northport.