If a tree looks like it’s about to fall, keep everyone away from the area immediately and don’t attempt to move, cut, or stabilize it yourself. Contact professional help right away so the situation can be handled safely.
Get People and Pets Clear
Move people and pets away from the area beneath and around the tree as quickly as possible. Do not stand beneath or near any damaged branches, even ones that appear stable, since a compromised limb or trunk can fail with little to no warning. If the tree is near a road, sidewalk, or shared space, keep others clear of the area as well if it’s safe to do so.
Don’t Attempt to Intervene
Avoid attempting to push, pull, or stabilize a tree that looks like it might fall. Trees and large limbs are far heavier than they appear, and trying to manually manage one is extremely dangerous. Do not attempt any DIY cutting to try to bring the tree down yourself or make it “safer” — this kind of work requires specific training and equipment, and attempting it without that experience puts you at serious risk.
Get the Right Help
Contact appropriate professional help to assess and address a tree that appears unstable. If the tree poses an immediate danger to people, such as threatening a home someone is inside of or blocking an emergency exit, contact local emergency authorities. If a tree or any part of it is touching a power line, stay well clear of the entire area and contact your utility company or the appropriate emergency authority right away rather than approaching it.
Waiting for Help to Arrive
It’s not possible to predict exactly when an unstable tree will fall, which is part of why keeping distance matters so much while you wait for professional help. Treat the area as off-limits until someone with the right training has evaluated the situation. If you have a tree on your Westminster property that looks like it’s about to fall, reach out about emergency tree removal so the situation can be assessed and handled safely.
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