When a storm sweeps across Devon, it can leave a real mess behind. One minute your garden looks fine, and the next a heavy limb is blocking the drive or a whole tree has crashed onto your fence. Naturally, that is worrying, and it can be dangerous too. Fortunately, this is where professional tree surgery makes all the difference. Below, we explain what to do when a tree comes down, how to stay safe, and when to call in the experts.
First, Stay Safe & Keep Your Distance
As soon as a tree falls, your first job is simple: keep everyone well back. Fallen trees can shift without warning, especially when branches are still under tension. Moreover, storms often bring down power lines, so never assume a cable is dead. Instead, treat every wire as live and ring your electricity provider straight away. Once people and pets are safely indoors, you can begin to assess things calmly.
Here is a quick safety checklist for fallen trees:
- Take photos for your insurance while the scene is fresh.
- Stay several metres away from the tree and any tangled branches.
- Avoid touching anything near power or phone lines.
- Check sheds, cars, fences and your roof for damage, but only from a safe distance.
- Call a qualified tree surgery team rather than tackling heavy limbs yourself.
Why DIY Tree Removal Is Not Worth The Risk
It is tempting to grab a saw and get stuck in, particularly when a tree is blocking access. However, storm-damaged trees are unpredictable. A trunk that looks settled may be holding enormous pressure, and one wrong cut can send it rolling. On top of that, chainsaw injuries are common among untrained homeowners. Because of this, proper tree surgery is about far more than tidy results, it is about finishing the job safely with the right kit and training. Our fully insured team carries over 15 years of hands-on experience, so the risk stays with us.
How Professional Tree Surgery Handles Storm Damage
When you call us out, we follow a clear, careful process. First, we assess the tree and the area around it. Then we plan the safest way to remove it or make it secure. Here is how our tree surgery service usually deals with storm damage:
| Situation | How We Help |
|---|---|
| Tree across a drive or road | Fast, safe removal to reopen access |
| Partially fallen or leaning tree | Careful dismantling before it drops |
| Split or hanging branches | Pruning and deadwood removal |
| Damaged trunk near a building | Sectional felling in tight spaces |
| Leftover stump | Stump grinding to finish the job |
Afterwards, we tidy the site, chip the branches, and can even leave you logs for the fire. Everything is cleared, so you are not left staring at a garden full of debris.
When To Call An Emergency Tree Surgeon
Some jobs simply cannot wait until morning. If a tree is resting on your house, blocking your only exit, or leaning towards a road, that counts as an emergency. Thankfully, we offer 24-hour emergency call-outs right across Devon, including Honiton, Barnstaple, Taunton, Wellington and Exeter so help is never far away. For non-urgent damage, a booked visit through our tree surgery service is usually the better route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for a tree that falls into my neighbour’s garden? Usually the tree’s owner is responsible, though insurance and boundary rules vary. It is worth checking your policy and speaking to your neighbour early. For the removal itself, our tree surgery team can clear both sides safely.
Can a storm-damaged tree be saved? Sometimes, yes. If the roots are sound and only branches are lost, careful pruning may help it recover. We will always tell you honestly whether the tree can be saved or whether removal is the safer choice.
Need A Tree Surgeon In Devon? Call Four Seasons Tree Services Ltd Now
When a tree comes down, you should not have to face it alone. As a family-run business with over 15 years of experience, we know Devon gardens inside out and treat every storm call as a priority. Our fully insured team offers 24-hour emergency call-outs, quick clear-ups and honest advice. Contact us for a free quote today.
