Is your Southcentral Alaska yard full of fresh (but ragged) firewood, toppled trees and dazed squirrels? Is there a tree about to collapse on something you care about? What next? Should you fire up the chainsaw, grab your climbing harness and ask someone to hold your beer?
Of course not, says the Alaska Division of Forestry in the wake of the severe storm that rocked Anchorage and surrounding areas Tuesday night and Wednesday morning -- you should call a pro.
If you are a tree professional or certified arborist, you're probably approved to work on your own broken trees. But then again, you're also probably too busy with calls from other homeowners to get to it just yet.
Either way, the Alaska Division of Forestry offers the following advice to property owners who may be dreading the big job Mother Nature just gave them:
A thorough evaluation of damaged trees should be performed by a qualified professional. Finding a qualified arborist is good protection for a homeowner and the long term health of your trees.
Cleanup after a storm can be extremely dangerous. Some work can be done by homeowners, but if the damage to trees requires the use of a chainsaw or ladders, it should be left to professionals. They are trained and have the proper equipment to handle the job safely.
Assess the circumstances. Trees or branches that are contacting power lines are extremely dangerous. Call 911 immediately and stay clear. If a tree is down on your house or on your property, call your tree service right away. Explain the situation and they will respond as quickly as they can.
Helpful tips for hiring an arborist can be found on the Division of Forestry Community Forestry Program website. Arborists are listed under "Tree service" in the local yellow pages. Call several and ask if the company is a member of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or the Pacific Northwest Chapter of ISA, and if it employs an ISA Certified Arborist. Ask for proof of insurance, and then verify with the insurer. Get multiple estimates in writing; you don't have to go with the lowest bid. Good tree work by a reputable company is worth the extra expense. A list of ISA Certified Arborists in your area can be found here.