What to Do if a Storm Knocked Down a Pine Tree

After the storm -- once you've made sure everyone is safe -- you're ready to get to work on cleanup. As the post storm shock wears off, you notice that the space occupied by a large pine tree (Pinus spp.) is suddenly open and bright. Your first urge might be to get out the chain saw and start cutting. But it's important to take the time to make sure you'll be safe and to explore your options before you start.

Safety First

Put on a pair of boots and clothing covering your arms, legs and head to survey damage and overhead power lines from a safe distance. If the lines are down, call the utility company and notify the emergency department. Don't assume a neighbor has called -- your hesitation might result in your block ending up the last on the list. Follow any instructions from emergency personnel. Before dealing with a downed tree, secure your home, outbuildings and belongings against fire and flood. If that tree has crashed into your roof or vehicle, it moves to the head of the line for attention.

Possible Help

If the pine has fallen on a building or vehicle, call your insurance claim agent immediately. If the tree has damaged your property, the Insurance Information Institute says, you may be covered. If not, you probably face arranging -- and paying -- for removal yourself. If your pine is large -- Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) grows to 100 feet feet -- it could take you days to remove all the limbs and trunk. Ponderosa pine grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9.

Small Tree Disposal

If you have power tools and your tree is young, you may remove it yourself. Enlist helpers to steady branches and help clear brush. Wear protective clothing, eye protection and gloves to guard against sharp edges, needles and sticky pine sap and ensure that no twisted branches might pop up as you remove the weight of other branches. Never cut wood above your shoulders and trim back branches 3 to 5 feet at a time. Don't use sappy pine as firewood. Chip it for mulch -- many fungi can't succeed in soft wood. If the root ball has come out of sandy or super-saturated ground and tipping the tree back up isn't possible -- for example, if more than half of the branches are broken or the trunk is broken -- sever the root ball first. The broken trunk could smack you if the root ball rolls back. Hire a professional to grind or remove the stump.

Taking Responsibility

If the tree fell from your neighbor's lot, or into it from yours, reach out and work cooperatively. If the tree has done damage, insurance might pay the injured party's deductible. If the tree was on a parkway or terrace and your municipality is responsible for its maintenance, it might accept the cost. If your municipality has surrendered its ownership of the tree to you, it's your responsibility.