Emergency Tree Removal in Omaha | What to do After a Storm

The storms in Omaha can be quite intense. Straight-line winds, tornadoes, and heavy snow can break large trees and create broken branches that hang over houses and roads. In such cases, you’ll need to contact a local tree service company that understands Omaha’s trees and its weather conditions. Tree Wise Men offers emergency tree removal in Omaha and surrounding towns.

Emergency Tree Removal Services for Omaha

You cannot afford to wait for normal business hours after a storm. Tree Wise Men has available crews ready to respond 24/7. All of our crews consist of ISA-certified arborists who understand how to remove trees safely. We are fully insured and utilize safe practices to remove trees. We have used equipment such as cranes and rigs to assist us in the removal process.

We are a locally owned Omaha tree service company, and therefore, we understand what type of trees grow in Omaha, along with the different soil types that are present in the Omaha area. Regardless of whether you require emergency tree service in Omaha due to a storm, routine tree removal, or storm damage removal, we will dispatch a crew to your location, inspect the issue, and remove any hazards created by the tree. Most of our customers receive a complimentary quote, and our staff will assist with any insurance claims you may file.

What to do Immediately After Storm Damage

SAFE INSPECTION OF STORM DAMAGE

Avoid walking under a damaged tree. Hanging branches and splits in a tree trunk create serious hazards. Wearing protective gear (such as a hard hat, goggles, gloves, and durable boots) and looking at the tree from a safe distance will help you determine if there are any hazardous conditions. Identify the potential hazards, such as hanging branches, cracks in the trunk, leaning stems, and exposed roots. It is best to let professionals take care of removing large broken branches, and if possible, move any debris from the ground in a way that does not put you in harm’s way.

STAY AWAY FROM POWER LINES

Any tree that is touching a power line creates a serious electrical hazard. Working near power lines requires special training. If you see a tree that is entangled with power lines, do not approach it. Contact your utility company or a certified arborist who specializes in clearing electrical lines.

PROTECT YOUR FAMILY AND PETS

Keep your family members, pets, and any vehicles away from any damaged trees until a certified arborist inspects the damage. Trees that have leaned during a storm or show obvious cracks in the trunk can fall at any moment. Lock down the area and call an emergency tree removal service immediately.

DOCUMENTING DAMAGE FOR INSURANCE PURPOSES

Take clear photos of the damaged tree, any structures that were damaged by the tree falling, and the area surrounding the tree. The insurance company will require this documentation. Homeowner’s policies often cover the removal of a tree that damages a covered structure, or blocks a drive or handicap ramp. However, if a tree simply falls into your yard, there may be no coverage for removal. Clear photographs and accurate documentation will help the insurance company make a justifiable determination regarding the damage.

When to Call an Emergency Tree Service Company in Omaha

CALL NOW IF:

• A tree fell onto your house, fence or vehicle.
• The tree is leaning or has been uprooted.
• There are large cracks in the trunk or the trunk is split.
• Large limbs are cracked, hanging or broken.
• The tree is touching or near power lines.

If any of the above apply, please keep a safe distance and call Tree Wise Men. One of our ISA-certified arborists will assess the hazard and develop a plan to safely remove the tree.

Signs You Need Emergency Tree Removal

TREE FELL ON HOUSE: Fallen trees can cause rapid structural damage to a house. Removing the tree will stop further damage to your house and allow repairs to begin sooner.

LEANING OR UPROOTED TREE: High winds and wet soils can easily snap roots and cause a mature tree to shift to one side. Mature trees seldom recover from being snapped back to upright, and most will require removal.

SPLIT TRUNK: Trunks that are split in two are extremely difficult to salvage. Such trees will either require a certified arborist assessment or will need to be removed.

CRACKED LARGE BRANCHES: Large cracks indicate the tree is structurally compromised. Trees with tight forked branching or multiple trunks are more susceptible to cracking down the middle in a storm.

TREE TOUCHING POWER LINES: Any tree that contacts power lines must be removed using specialized techniques. Never attempt to remove a tree that is in contact with a live electrical line.

HANGING BRANCHES AFTER A WIND STORM: Broken branches that remain lodged in the tree canopy are still a threat and should be removed as soon as possible.

Professional Process for Storm Damage Tree Removal

ON-SITE ASSESSMENT BY LICENSED ARBORIST

Each job begins with a complete on-site inspection by a certified arborist. The arborist will review the status of the leaning stems, dead and dying branches, root stability, the species, size, and location of the tree relative to the nearest building.

SAFELY REMOVE SECTIONS WITH RIGGING AND CRANES

For larger trees, or when the tree is located near a building, our teams use a method called section removal. Branches are cut and lowered to the ground via ropes or cranes to prevent damage to adjacent structures. We have the proper equipment and techniques to ensure that both your property and our personnel are protected from injury. Removing a tree is dangerous work, and should always be performed by trained professionals.

CRANE ASSISTED TREE REMOVAL

When a tree is too large or unstable to be removed using ropes alone, we use cranes. This allows us to lift heavy sections of the tree over your home and then drop them to the ground in a controlled manner. Cranes allow for the removal of large trees to occur in a shorter amount of time and result in less damage to your yard.

COMPLETE DEBRIS CLEAN UP

Once the tree has been removed, our crew will chip branches, haul logs, and clean all debris from your property. We can also leave the cut wood behind if you would like to use it for firewood.

OPTIONAL STUMP GRINDING

Stump grinding will eliminate the trip hazard and prevent regrowth. Our stump grinders will grind the stump below grade level. Stump grinding is an optional step, but it is highly recommended when you are planning to replant or make changes to your landscape design.

Why Hire a Licensed Arborist in Omaha?

A licensed arborist is trained to perform work safely within and around trees. Good tree maintenance will add actual value to your property. Poorly maintained trees may turn into liabilities, especially after a storm.

Certified arborists know the best ways to prune a tree to promote good tree health, how to repair a tree that was damaged in a storm, and which tree species are the best choices for planting. They can also install cabling or bracing systems to support a weak tree.

When selecting an arborist, be sure to find out if he is a member of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA). Also, be certain to obtain evidence of his insurance (liability and workers’ comp.), and get references. At Tree Wise Men, we employ ISA-certified arborists who have full liability and workers’ comp. insurance.

Preventing Future Storm Damage to Your Trees

ANNUAL TREE INSPECTIONS

Inspect your trees annually, and after each major storm. Check for signs of trunk cracks, seepage from wounds, and displaced soil near the base of the tree. Contact a qualified arborist if you observe any of the above.

STRUCTURAL PRUNING

Pruning cuts made properly can reduce the amount of force exerted by wind and fix weak branch unions. Removing dead, diseased, and utility-hazardous limbs will maintain a healthy and safer tree. Always hire a professional for large pruning jobs, especially if they are near a power line.

CABLE AND BRACE SUPPORT FOR HIGH-VALUE TREES

Cable and bracing systems can provide temporary support to high-value trees that are experiencing structural issues. Cable and bracing systems should only be installed by a trained, certified arborist. Do not attempt to cable a damaged tree with rope or wire on your own. Incorrectly applied cable and bracing systems can increase the danger posed by the tree.

REMOVAL OF DANGER TREES

Trees that lean after a storm, lose greater than 33% of their trunk girth, have a split trunk, or significant root failure are considered high-risk. Generally, such trees will need to be removed. Professional removal will protect your property and your neighbors and comply with local regulations.

PLANTING STORM-RESISTANT SPECIES IN OMAHA

Choosing the correct tree species can decrease your chances of having damage caused by a storm in the future. Native Bur Oak has a robust canopy that can withstand drought and strong winds. Honey Locust is adaptable to various soil types and can tolerate the extreme weather variations in the Omaha area. Hackberry can endure drought and poor soil conditions, and is a suitable option for many yards in Nebraska. Silver Maple and Bradford Pear are examples of brittle trees that will cause you to spend time cleaning up debris after a future storm.

Do Homeowner’s Insurance Policies Cover Storm-Damaged Trees?

WHEN COVERAGE EXISTS FOR REMOVAL

Your homeowners’ policy may cover the removal of a tree if it fell on your roof, was struck by lightning, damaged a fence or structure in a snow or ice storm, or blocked your driveway or handicap ramp. Typically, homeowners’ policies include $500 to $1000 dollars in coverage for debris removal.

WHEN THERE IS NO COVERAGE

Typically, policies do not cover the removal of a tree before it falls, the removal of dead trees that have not fallen, damage resulting from flooding or earthquake, or trees that fall without damaging a covered structure.

How to Properly Document Damage for Insurance Claims

Take photos and document all aspects of the damage. Record the date of the storm, and document all receipts associated with the damage. Tree Wise Men will prepare a written estimate for the damage and will work with your insurance company to obtain payment.

Estimating the Cost of Emergency Tree Removal in Omaha

Costs for tree removal vary widely depending on the species of the tree, the height of the tree, and the location of the tree. The estimated cost for tree removal ranges from $200 to $2,000, with an average cost of $750. Extremely small trees may cost as low as $150, while large, complicated removals could exceed $10,000. As with most services, cost increases based on complexity and the number of services provided. Tree Wise Men provides competitive pricing and clearly communicates with you prior to any work commencing.

Service Areas We Provide in the Omaha Metro Area

Tree Wise Men provides emergency tree removal services in all areas of Omaha, from downtown to West Omaha. We also provide service to Bellevue, Papillion, La Vista, Elkhorn, and Ralston. Additionally, we serve rural areas in the Omaha metropolitan region as our schedule permits.

Call Tree Wise Men for Emergency Tree Removal in Omaha

Do not let a damaged tree put your family or property at risk. Call Tree Wise Men for fast, professional, safe emergency tree removal. Our ISA-certified arborists are available 24/7, fully insured, and ready for any situation. We serve Omaha, Bellevue, Papillion, La Vista, Elkhorn, and Ralston with free estimates and honest local service.