A tree down or cracked after a storm

Safety first. If a tree is on a power line or a house, or someone is hurt, call 911 or the utility first. This site is not for emergencies.

Before you touch anything

The International Society of Arboriculture lists the main dangers. Broken limbs overhead and trees resting on other trees or on roofs can keep moving after the storm has passed. Limbs under tension can react unexpectedly when cut. A damaged tree can be touching wires directly or indirectly, with a risk of injury or death. Its advice is to stay clear when you can and call local emergency services, the utility or an arborist.

Never go near downed power lines, since they could still be live, and never try to pull branches off a line. Killeen's Building Inspections page lists Oncor at 254-432-0228, and its Code Enforcement page lists Oncor's contact center at 888-313-6862. Those are not our numbers. If your power comes from a different line company, call that one.

Texas law also limits who can work near lines. It bars work where a person or tool could come within six feet of a high voltage overhead line unless the danger is guarded against, and temporary work that close needs 48 hours' notice to the operator. So a crew may not be able to start until the utility has dealt with the line.

For a non-emergency problem in the street, Killeen has Report a Concern and a main line at 254-501-7600.

Document it before you move it

The Texas Department of Insurance says "Take photos of the damage before you move the tree, make repairs, or take other steps to prevent more damage." Its storm page adds video, a written list of the damage inside and outside, and "Don't throw any damaged items away until your insurance company tells you." Note the date and time, and take a wide shot showing where the tree stood.

You can still prevent more damage, like covering a hole in the roof. The department says your policy may pay for temporary repairs, so keep every receipt. It also says to file as soon as you can.

Insurance basics

This is general information from the department, not advice on your policy. Its answer to whether insurance pays for a fallen tree is "Sometimes."

Call your agent or insurer to confirm. The department's help line is 800-252-3439.

Cracked but still standing

Damage is not always obvious. ISA says to have larger trees near people or property checked even if they look fine, for cracks in the trunk or limbs, hanging branches and soil heaving around the roots. Texas A&M Forest Service asks three questions: Other than the storm damage, is the tree healthy and sound? Are major limbs broken? Is at least half the crown intact? It says a mature shade tree can usually survive losing one major limb, and that a tree with a split trunk should come down. The trim or remove page has more.

Oaks need one extra step. Storm wounds should be painted, and the oak wilt page explains why.

811 before anyone digs

Pulling a root ball or grinding a stump can reach buried lines. Texas law requires a person who intends to excavate to notify a notification center at least 48 hours ahead, not counting weekends and legal holidays, and not more than 14 days ahead, with some exceptions. Calling 811 is free, and the city lists a dig line at 1-800-344-8377. Ask the company which of you makes the call.

Who shows up after a storm

The FTC says "If they want cash up front, walk away", and to get a written contract and pay by credit card or check. The Texas Department of Insurance says it is illegal for a contractor to offer to waive your deductible, never to sign a contract with blank sections, and that in a declared disaster, contractors from outside your area cannot ask for payment before they start. The questions page has the full list.

Brush you cut yourself

Killeen's brush collection is weekly for an extra fee on your utility bill. Limbs and trunks must be cut to 12 feet or less and piled within three feet of the curb, with no other trash in the pile. Contractors have to dispose of the brush they cut. ISA warns that debris cleanup is dangerous work in itself, so leave the big pieces to someone equipped for it.