Have a downed tree due to ice or wind? Be careful with cleanup

Ice storms in northern Michigan and heavy thunderstorms that roared across the southern part of the state have left many trees downed and broken.

Safety is a top concern when dealing with storm cleanup; worry about pruning or caring for damaged trees after safety issues are resolved.

“If a broken tree or limb is located near power lines or lying on your home, don’t try to remove it yourself,” said Kevin Sayers, Urban and Community Forestry program manager with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “Stay away from downed lines or trees or branches that are leaning on lines and call your utility company immediately.”

Experts should also handle any hanging branches and limbs you can’t reach from the ground. If you choose to work on trees yourself, always use proper tools and handle them with care. Don't overestimate your abilities. 

Once safety considerations are resolved, it’s important to care for damaged trees. Here are some situations and suggestions from DNR foresters:

• Evaluate the scene. Clearing downed trees and branches to safely get into and out of your home and property may be necessary. However, if trees are weighed down with ice or broken, it's best to delay work until conditions improve. In many cases, ice-loaded trees will recover on their own once ice melts.
• Review your insurance policy; damage may be covered. Once conditions are safe, take photos or video of the damage and notify your agent before you do any work or repairs. If your car is damaged by falling tree branches, your auto policy may pay for damages. Lastly, beware of scam artists posing as tree care companies. Consult with your insurance company before signing any contracts and go over how they will handle any payments to you or a contractor.

• Get expert help for climbing or chainsaw work. Licensed arborists are tree care professionals trained to assess storm-damaged trees; they have the experience needed to determine how much of a tree can or should be saved. When hiring an arborist, always ask for proof of licensing, insurance and work references. Find more information about hiring an arborist from ISA-Michigan, Michigan’s chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture.
• Keep pests in mind when disposing of wood. Wood left behind after trees are damaged by storms may harbor insects or diseases that could spread to other trees. Do not move firewood or other wood from damaged trees.
• Recycle or reuse woody storm debris. Check the national Don’t Move Firewood campaign for recommendations on seasoning and using local firewood.

Helpful resources

• Check the DNR’s Urban and Community Forestry webpage for guidance on tree care and maintenance.
• Michigan State University Extension offers storm damage tips.
• Illustrations from the Arbor Day Foundation can help homeowners assess levels of damage to their trees.
• To help you prepare for the future, the Michigan State Police MIREADY program has planning and preparation tips for a variety of situations. Learn more at Michigan.gov/MIREADY.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Monday declared a state of emergency for the counties of Alpena, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Mackinac, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego and Presque Isle to help with response and recovery efforts in the communities affected by the ice storms that caused thousands of residents to be without power and basic necessities.