[JB Property Maintenance]

Living on the West Coast, Galway residents are no strangers to the power of an Atlantic storm. While we’re used to the wind and rain, a major storm event can leave a trail of destruction, and trees are often the first casualty.

Waking up to find a mature tree has fallen on your property—or worse, on your house—is a stressful and frightening experience. The tree might be blocking your driveway, tangled in power lines, or precariously “hung up” and threatening to fall further. In this situation, your priority is safety. Here is a step-by-step guide on what to do.

Step 1: Safety First. Assess from a Distance.

Your first instinct might be to rush outside and inspect the damage, but you must be cautious.

Stay Inside: Do not approach the fallen tree or any damaged trees. There is a high risk of other unstable branches (“hangers”) being caught in the canopy, ready to fall.
Downed Power Lines: If the tree has hit a power line, STAY AT LEAST 10 METRES AWAY. Assume all downed lines are live and dangerous. This is the most critical rule.
Call ESB Networks: Your first call should be to ESB Networks (1800 372 999) to report any downed lines. They must make the area safe before any tree work can begin.

Step 2: Document the Damage (From a Safe Distance)

Once it is safe to do so, and staying well clear of the danger zone, take photos and videos of the damage. Document the tree, where it fell, and any damage to your house, roof, car, or fence. This documentation will be essential when you contact your home insurance company.

Step 3: Call Your Insurance Company

Notify your home insurance provider as soon as possible. Most policies cover storm damage, including the cost of removing the tree from the structure (e.g., your roof) and repairing the damage it caused. They will guide you on their specific process for claims.

Step 4: Call for an Emergency Tree Service

This is not a standard “next week” booking. You need a specialist emergency tree surgeon.

Why a Specialist? Clearing storm-damaged trees is one of the most dangerous jobs a tree surgeon can do. Fallen trees are under immense and unpredictable tension. A branch that looks stable can snap back with bone-breaking force when cut. This is not a job for an amateur or a standard landscaper.
24/7 Response: A professional emergency service, like JB Property Maintenances, understands the urgency. We can dispatch a team to make the site safe and begin the complex removal process.
When is it an Emergency?

You should call for an emergency service immediately if:

The tree is on your house, car, or other structure.
It is completely blocking your access (e.g., across your driveway).
It is “hung up” and poses an immediate threat of falling.
It has fallen on a neighbour’s property, and you need to resolve the situation.

In a stressful emergency, you need a fast, safe, and reliable response.

JB Property Maintenances offers a 24/7 emergency tree service in Galway to handle storm damage. If you have a fallen or dangerous tree, call us immediately for a priority response.

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