For homeowners
What should I do before a storm hits?
Short answer
Walk your yard and look up for dead branches, cracks and leaning trees, then call a local insured tree pro about anything that worries you. Secure loose items outside. Do not climb, prune or use a chainsaw yourself, and never work near power lines.
By Umair Nawaz. Published October 25, 2026. General information, not legal, tax or insurance advice.
The longer answer
Start by looking at your trees from the ground. Dead or hanging branches, cracks in a trunk, mushrooms at the base and soil that has heaved up near the roots can all be signs of weakness. If you see any of these, ask a certified arborist or an insured tree service to take a look. Book early, because crews fill up fast before a storm.
Pruning and removal near your house are not jobs to do yourself. Falls and chainsaw injuries are serious risks, and a branch near a power line can be deadly. Leave anything close to a line to the utility company.
Bring in or tie down patio furniture, trash cans and anything else the wind could throw. Know where your gas and electric shutoffs are. Keep a charged phone, a flashlight and your insurance details in one place.
This is general information, not legal advice.
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Hiring a tree service?
Plain guides for homeowners
Safety first: stay away from downed power lines and call the utility; call 911 if anyone is in danger. Lirevon does not do tree work. Find local pros on Google Maps and read their reviews, then get two or three written quotes.
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