Are you wondering who to call when a tree falls in the road? Determining who bears responsibility for removing the tree can feel convoluted.
As a highly trusted tree service in Lexington, KY, Tree Care Inc. can help you understand who you should call when you find a tree in the road. We work with local utility companies, insurance companies, and other organizations to efficiently resolve the situation.
Determining Responsibility for the Tree Removal
Consider the following factors when you’re determining who you should call when you need tree removal services for a downed tree.
Fallen on a Public Road
Do you know who to call when a tree falls in the road? If the tree blocks a public road, it could hinder emergency responders, so you should call 911 first. Emergency services must know if they need to use different roads so they can respond promptly. However, they have a lot to deal with, so you shouldn’t rely on them to remove the tree.
Your next call should include the local public works department. They can either remove the tree themselves, or if they’re overbooked, they’ll contract with a local tree service company they trust.
Blocks a Private Road
If a fallen tree causes a private road obstruction the owner or organization bears responsibility for removing the tree. Private roads include those owned by businesses, developers, homeowners associations, or private individuals.
If you know who owns the road, reach out to them and alert them about the downed tree. We maintain a good relationship with local authorities and organizations, so they often call us for prompt and safe tree removal.
Near Downed Power Lines
Did the tree take out a power line when it fell? Remember to never approach a downed power line. Call 911 from a safe distance and then call the local power company to report the downed powerline.
Obstructs a Sidewalk
The guidelines for a sidewalk resemble those of a road. The government maintains responsibility for most sidewalks in Lexington, so you should call the Kentucky Department of Transportation or your Lexington’s public works department.
If the tree blocks a privately owned sidewalk, you should first determine ownership. Then, you should call the person or organization that owns the sidewalk so they can take care of it. If the fallen tree doesn’t pose any hazard and doesn’t also block a public road, you don’t need to call emergency services.
Falls From Government Property
The origin of the tree can help determine who you should call in addition to public works. If you’re wondering who to call when a tree falls in the road, consider the following:
- If the tree grew in a public park, call the city’s parks and recreation department.
- If a school hosted the tree, call the school district offices.
- When a tree falls from a county or city-owned property, call the associated governmental entity.
Poses a Public Hazard
If the tree poses a public hazard, call 911 immediately. You should consider a fallen tree hazardous if it downed powerlines, blocks a public road, or shows a risk of catching fire. Use your best judgment about whether you should call emergency services.
Steps You Should Take Immediately
When you see a tree fall in the road, you should do a few things immediately to keep yourself and those around you safe. Depending on the situation, take the following steps:
- Call 911 from a safe distance if you smell a gas leak or you see downed power lines.
- If the tree caused damage, take pictures as long as you stay safe.
- If you’re able, notify those around you so they can also avoid danger and you can even stick around and help notify oncoming vehicles or passersby.
Questions To Ask Your Tree Removal Service
If you bear responsibility for removing the tree, you should know the right questions to ask so you obtain the most effective service from the tree removal company.
Do You Work With Insurance Companies?
If you’re searching online for the answer to, “Who to call when a tree falls in the road?” you may have cause to file an insurance claim. The best tree service companies will work with insurance on your behalf to help improve the chances you file a successful claim and obtain help paying for tree removal.
How Much Experience Do You Have?
In general, the more experience a tree company has, the better service it can provide. Some dying or fallen trees can pose a danger to the crew removing them.
If a tree company doesn’t have adequate experience, they may decline the more dangerous jobs. When you work with a company you know has the right training and equipment, you won’t worry about them declining the job or doing substandard work.
What Do You Do With the Tree Waste?
You should ask what the company does with the parts of a tree. You can reuse most of the wood pulp and other debris after tree removal, but if you want to keep it for yourself, you should ask in advance. Most companies remove the debris by default and use it for landscaping and other purposes.
Do You Have a Certified Arborist on Staff?
If a tree company doesn’t have a certified arborist, they can’t provide the level of care you need. An arborist serves as a tree expert and can prevent tree care crews from making mistakes that could cause collateral damage or harm the overall health of your tree.
How Long Does the Process Take?
When you take bids from various companies, factor in the amount of time it takes. Faster doesn’t always mean better.
Call Tree Care Inc. for Prompt Tree Removal
Now that you know who to call when a tree falls in the road, you can handle an emergency tree situation. Whether you need HOA approval or help with an insurance claim, Tree Care Inc. can help. With decades of experience and certified experts, we can solve any tree problem.
If you want a free estimate, fill out our online form or call (859) 347-2237.
