2025-01-28 Emergency

Storm-Damaged Trees in Athens: What to Do First

Athens sees its share of severe weather — spring tornados, summer microbursts, fall hurricane remnants, and the occasional winter ice storm. When trees come down, here's exactly what to do, in order.

1. Safety first — stay away from the tree

A fallen tree can shift unexpectedly. Branches under tension can spring back violently. Most importantly: assume any tree in contact with power lines is energized and lethal. Stay at least 30 feet away from any tree touching wires and call Georgia Power immediately (888-891-0938). Don't go near the tree, don't move debris off it, and keep children and pets back.

2. Document everything

Before any cleanup begins, take photos and video from multiple angles. Document damage to the tree, to your home, to fences, vehicles, landscaping — anything that might be claimed on insurance. The more documentation, the smoother your claim.

3. Call your insurance company

Most Athens homeowners policies cover tree removal when a tree damages an insured structure. They typically do NOT cover tree removal if the tree just fell in your yard without hitting anything. Your insurer can also recommend approved tree services if you don't already have one.

4. Call a licensed tree service

Resist the urge to start cutting yourself. Storm-damaged trees are dramatically more dangerous than healthy trees — tension, weight distribution and structural integrity are all unpredictable. A licensed Athens tree service has the equipment and experience to make the site safe quickly.

5. Beware of storm chasers

After every major Athens storm, out-of-area contractors flood the area, often with no local insurance and no accountability. Stick with established local companies that will be here next year if something goes wrong with the work.

6. Plan for replacement

Once cleanup is done and your claim is settled, think about what to plant. The Athens tree canopy depends on homeowners replacing what storms take away. Consider Athens-friendly natives: white oak, willow oak, southern magnolia, river birch, and American holly are all great choices.