It's storm season in Michigan: How to handle fallen, damaged trees

In the midst of tornado season, southeast Michigan is no stranger to strong summer storms.

However, even some of the less violent storms can cause expensive damages with long power outages, shattered windshields, dented cars and smashed roofs when ill-tempered tempests and aggressive winds send trees toppling.

If a leafy disaster strikes, here's how to remove those fallen trees and deal with other storm-caused tree damage.

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What do I do if my tree has been damaged in a storm?

Utility companies will remove tree debris that has come in contact with power lines in order to restore power, but other tree damage has to be settled by the homeowner.

If a tree falls during a storm, assess the damage, being careful to avoid any downed power lines by at least 25 feet, and call a professional tree removal service as soon as possible, then contact your insurance company about any potential damages.

According to the Arbor Day Foundation, trees that are damaged but still standing require immediate attention after a storm if they are leaning against wires, structures or other trees, if other utility lines or structures are in danger of a tree falling, or if a chainsaw might be needed to attend to the tree. If the tree is not an immediate hazard, you can wait days or even weeks to find a solution.

However, it's recommended to search out a professional arborist to take care of your tree, as opposed to the many scammers operating as "tree specialists" that might show up on your porch offering services after a storm. You can search for a local professional arborist here on the International Society of Arboriculture's online directory.

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How do I know if a doorknocker is a scammer?

To determine whether or not one of the door-to-door tree specialists isn't a scam, the Arbor Day Foundation recommends checking for these five things:

• A reputable website, even better if their established business has community reviews.

• Evidence that they are regularly employed by a company or independent contractors.

• Up-to-date certificates of insurance for property damage, personal liability and worker's compensation.

• Membership in a professional association of arborists, like the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), the National Arborist Association (NAA) or the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA).

• A price, including removal and clean-up, that is comparable with competitor's prices.

What if I want to remove broken branches myself?

While a professional arborist is preferred because of their expertise with safer practices and knowledge of whether or not a tree can be saved, some work with branch removal can be done yourself. Here are some of the dos and don'ts of do-it-yourself tree removal work, according to the Arbor Day Foundation.

• Remove the jagged remains of broken branches at the point that they join larger branches to reduce further decay.

• Use a chisel or sharp knife to smooth the edges of where the bark might've ripped away from its base.

• Avoid "topping" a tree by trimming main branches to a blunt stub, as this will ruin the tree's natural shape and weaken it, therefore making it more susceptible to damage in future storms.

• Be on alert for safety hazards like downed power or utility lines, low-voltage telephone and cable lines, fence wires, and broken or hanging branches.

• If branch removal requires high climbing, overhead chainsaw work or removal of large limbs, leave it to the professionals.

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How do I know whether or not a tree can be saved?

Trees that have experienced more minor damage such as some broken limbs can usually be saved with the right recovery methods, but trees that have lost too many branches, too much foliage or have a split trunk after a storm are beyond saving and might even pose an additional threat in a future storm.

Check out the Arbor Day Foundation's visual guide on tree recovery or consult with a professional arborist to determine whether a storm-damaged tree can be saved or if it needs to be removed entirely.

How do I prevent serious damage in the future?

• Keep your trees trimmed and pruned.

• Evaluate trees for decay, previous damage or anything else that may cause instability before storm and tornado season approaches.

• Watch out for any broken, dead or unbalanced branches that might fail during a storm.

• Check to make sure your tree hasn't grown up and into overhead utility lines to avoid power outages and other damages.

• Make sure that trees near or over sidewalks and roads have branches pruned up and away from pedestrians and drivers.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: It's storm season in Michigan: How to handle fallen, damaged trees