DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — We've got heavy rain, flooding, and wind gusts in the forecast this week.
Trees tend to topple over in those conditions.
An arborist is sharing some dos and don'ts ahead of storms associated with Helene.
"Speaking for the Trees" president Christie Bryant said it's too late to try to do something about trees you're worried may fall. However, she said there are some things homeowners can do to protect their belongings.
"There's no tree in Atlanta that is built to stand up to 75-mile-an-hour gusts," Bryant said.
Bryant said you should get an arborist to check your trees every two to five years because planning chips away a little less from the budget. The average tree removal cost is around $4,000.
"It is much more expensive to get the work done after the storm," Bryant said.
She explained that tree companies may have to move people off the schedule, which is more dangerous for crews.
There are actions you can take to protect your other expensive property.
"If you happen to have a car that has just general liability insurance, go get it away from trees," Bryant said. "Get it into a parking lot where it can be safe."
Homeowners may be tempted to prune branches to avoid property damage. But Bryant said there are benefits to keeping trees around.
"They can very well buffer the winds off our house to keep asphalt shingles attached," Bryant continued. "Also, those lower branches can actually stop a large branch from the top from actually doing damage because they'll catch them as it falls."
Bryant said removing trees can, in general, affect the wind impacts on other trees in the neighborhood as well.
She wanted to remind homeowners that whatever portion of the tree is in their yard is their responsibility. The city will usually only clear out the roads and sidewalks. Be sure to take photos of your home before the damage so you can compare.
Here's what Bryant said to do if a tree falls in your yard, near your yard, or on your home. First, you want to call a tree company to get some bids. Next, if the tree's parts have fallen in your neighbor's yard, chat with them to get on one accord on how you want to handle it to make things less complicated for the arborist. Then, take photos of the damage.
It would help if you also had a licensed electrician on standby, an emergency preparedness plan, and your homeowner's insurance handy.
Lastly, she discourages people from chopping trees up without a professional.
"We're the deadliest industry. And it's even more deadly after a storm," Bryant said. "So, we don't want Joe Blow homeowner out there without chainsaw chaps, eye protection, ear protection, head protection."
An arborist can also bring a tarp to protect your home while it's being prepared.
Bryant adds that water oak trees seem the flimsiest, especially in metro Atlanta.