Trees don’t usually cause problems on a convenient schedule. They drop branches during storms, develop dangerous leans after heavy rain, or show sudden signs of disease right before the weekend. Knowing when a tree situation needs immediate professional help versus when it can wait prevents property damage, injuries, and way bigger problems.
Waiting too long on genuine emergencies turns manageable problems into disasters. Trees don’t get safer over time when they’re compromised. The moment you recognise a truly dangerous situation, getting professional help from services like Priority Tree Services becomes essential rather than optional. Here’s when you need to make that call immediately.
1. Trees Touching or Threatening Power Lines
Never, ever mess with trees touching power lines yourself. This is instant-call-professionals territory. Even branches that look dead can conduct electricity if they’re touching live wires. One wrong move and you’re dealing with electrocution risk.
Trees leaning toward power lines after storms need immediate assessment, too. They might not be touching wires yet, but they’re unstable and could contact lines at any moment. Power companies and tree services coordinate on these situations – usually, you’ll call the power company first and they’ll determine who handles what.
Branches hanging over power lines create similar risks. Strong winds could bring them down onto wires, causing outages or fires. Don’t wait for the next storm to handle this situation.
2. Major Storm Damage Requiring Immediate Action
Trees split down the middle during storms are extremely unstable. The remaining sections can fail unpredictably, dropping massive amounts of wood wherever they land. If a split tree threatens structures, vehicles, or areas where people walk, that’s an emergency requiring a same-day response.
Large branches broken but still hanging in the canopy – called “widow makers” for good reason – are incredibly dangerous. They can drop without warning, and they’re heavy enough to cause serious injury or property damage. Never walk under hanging branches while waiting for professionals.
Trees uprooted but caught by other trees or structures create complex, dangerous situations.
3. Trees Actively Leaning or Falling
Trees developing sudden, significant leans, especially after rain or wind, indicate failing root systems. They’re already in the process of falling – it’s just happening slowly. Don’t assume you have time to get estimates and schedule conveniently. These trees can go down at any moment.
Look for soil heaving around the base where roots are pulling up. This means the tree’s actively losing stability. Exposed roots on one side, combined with a lean in that direction, means imminent failure.
Trees leaning over houses, garages, cars, or high-traffic areas demand immediate action regardless of what time or day it is. The potential damage and injury risk outweighs concerns about emergency service costs.
Making the Emergency Call
When you’ve identified a genuine emergency, call immediately, regardless of time. Clear the area around dangerous trees. Keep people, pets, and vehicles away until professionals arrive. Don’t attempt any work yourself, even small stuff like cutting accessible branches. Compromised trees are unpredictable.
Document the situation with photos from safe distances for insurance purposes, but don’t risk your safety getting close.
