Published
Strong winds bring down limbs and whole trees across the Perth Hills and Swan Valley most years, especially once winter rain has softened the ground. If it’s happened to you, here’s what to do, in order.
Step 1: Make it safe
- Powerlines: if a tree or branch is touching a powerline, or a line is down, assume it’s live. Stay at least 8 metres away and call Western Power on 13 13 51.
- Danger to life: if anyone is hurt or trapped, call 000.
- Damage to your home: if your home is badly damaged and you need emergency help, call the SES on 132 500.
Keep children and pets away from the area.
Step 2: Don’t start cutting yet
A fallen tree is often under tension. Branches pinned under the trunk, or bent against the ground, can spring back hard when cut. This is where people get hurt. Leave the cutting to someone who does it every day.
Step 3: Take photos
If you’re going to claim on insurance, take photos of the damage from a few angles before anything is moved, as long as it’s safe to. Then call your insurer and ask what’s covered and what they need from you. A written quote for the tree work is usually part of it.
Step 4: Work out whose tree it is
- A tree from your property: usually your responsibility to clear, and your insurer is the first call.
- A neighbour’s tree on your property: talk to your neighbour and both insurers.
- A council tree on the verge, in a park or on a reserve: report it to your council.
Step 5: Get it cleared
A tree service can cut up what’s down, take out any snapped branches still hanging in the tree, and deal with anything left standing that’s now unsafe. Chipping it all on site means no trailer loads to the tip. Repairs to roofs, fences and sheds are a job for your builder or fencer.
After a big storm there’s usually a queue for tree work, so get your request in early, with photos.
Step 6: Make the next storm easier
Most storm damage comes from branches that were already weak: dead limbs, split forks and branches hanging over roofs. Having those taken out before winter is the best way to cut down the clean up next time.
Need a hand?
We clear storm damage during business hours, most urgent jobs first. See storm clean up, or send us photos for a quote.