Thunderstorms, nor'easters and the remnants of tropical storms regularly bring down trees across Harford and Baltimore County. When it happens on your property, here's how to handle it safely and smartly.
1. Safety first
- Stay away from downed or sagging power lines and anything touching them. Assume every line is live.
- Call your electric utility (BGE in most of our area) to report lines down. If anyone is hurt or in danger, call 911.
- Don't walk under hanging limbs or near leaning trees. They can come down without warning.
2. Document everything
Before anything is moved, take photos and video of the damage from several angles, including any damage to your house, vehicles, fences or outbuildings. Your homeowner's insurance company will want them.
3. Call your insurance company
Coverage for tree removal varies. Many policies cover removal when a tree damages a covered structure, but not when it simply falls in the yard. Ask before you assume.
4. Don't hire the first truck that knocks
Storms bring out-of-town crews and opportunists. Before hiring anyone:
- Ask for their Maryland Licensed Tree Expert number. Tree work for hire in Maryland requires one.
- Ask for proof of liability insurance.
- Get the scope and price in writing.
- Be wary of anyone demanding large cash payments up front.
5. Get the standing trees checked
The trees that didn't fall may be damaged too: cracked unions, loosened roots, split trunks. An ISA Certified Arborist can tell you which survivors are safe and which are next.
6. Clean up and replant
Once the hazards are handled, we can clear debris, grind stumps and regrade disturbed ground. Call or text 443-619-9161 for storm-damaged tree removal.
Need a hand?
Hazardous Tree Removal from Goliath
Dead, leaning and storm-damaged trees taken down safely, in controlled sections. Free on-site estimates across Harford and Baltimore County.