A Dead Ash, a Blocked Drive, and a Power Line: A Day of Storm Cleanup
Storms can wreak havoc, and sometimes the victims are already weakened. Recently, I spent a long day dealing with the aftermath of a storm that brought down a large ash tree, already suffering from dieback, directly across a customer's driveway. This wasn't just a simple cleanup; it involved downed power lines, a concerned homeowner, and a few unexpected twists.
(The Scene: A Blocked Driveway and a Dangling Wire)
The morning after the storm, the scene was disheartening. The once-majestic ash, a victim of the widespread ash dieback disease, had finally succumbed. It lay sprawled across the customer's driveway, completely blocking access. The snapped trunk and scattered branches made it clear this wasn't a simple cleanup job. To make matters worse, a large branch had taken down a power line, which was now dangling precariously near the fallen tree. The fact that it was blocking their driveway and involved a power line added a significant sense of urgency and danger to the situation.
(Assessing the Danger: Power Lines Take Priority)
My first priority was absolute safety. With a downed power line involved, I knew I couldn't touch the tree until the power company had assessed and dealt with the situation. I immediately contacted them to report the downed line and blocked driveway. Ensuring the area was clear of people and vehicles was paramount. Given the tree's weakened state from dieback, the wood was likely brittle and unpredictable, adding another layer of complexity. Full safety gear – sturdy boots, gloves, safety glasses, and a hard hat – was non-negotiable.
(Waiting for the Professionals)
This was the most stressful part. We had to wait for the power company to arrive, assess the damage, and disconnect the power. This delay added to the customer's inconvenience, and I kept them updated on the situation as best I could. It's crucial to remember that only qualified power company personnel should handle downed power lines.
(A Careful Approach (After the All-Clear))
Once the power company gave the all-clear, we could finally begin the tree removal. Because the tree was blocking a driveway, minimizing further damage was important. I started by carefully removing the smaller branches that were resting on the driveway surface. This allowed me to gain better access to the main trunk without causing scratches or dents to the concrete.
(Dealing with the Dieback (and a Change of Plans))
The ash dieback made the task more complicated. The wood was significantly weaker and more prone to splintering than healthy wood. This meant making careful, controlled cuts to avoid kickback and other chainsaw hazards. Each cut had to be planned meticulously, taking into account the weakened state of the wood. In the process of clearing the smaller branches, I ended up clearing more of the driveway than initially planned. This meant more work, but it also ensured complete access for the customer.
(Sectioning the Trunk)
With the branches cleared, I focused on sectioning the main trunk. Due to its position across the driveway, I had to cut it into manageable pieces that could be moved without causing further obstruction. This involved making several strategic cuts, paying close attention to tension within the trunk to prevent any unexpected movements.
(Clearing the Driveway)
Once the trunk was in smaller sections, we were able to move them off the driveway. This was a big effort, and finally, the driveway was clear!
(Lessons and Considerations)
This experience highlighted several key points:
Power Line Protocol: Downed power lines are extremely dangerous. Never approach or touch them. Always contact the power company immediately.
Ash Dieback Impact: The dieback clearly played a role in the tree's failure, emphasizing the importance of managing and monitoring ash trees affected by the disease.
Urgency vs. Safety: While clearing the driveway quickly was important, safety had to be the absolute priority, especially with the power line involved.
Professional Assistance (Even More So): This situation reinforced the need for professional assistance, especially when power lines are involved.
(A Sigh of Relief (and a Satisfied Customer))
It was a long and physically demanding day, but seeing the driveway clear and the customer able to use it again was a real relief. Dealing with the aftermath of storm damage is never easy, especially with added complications, but with careful planning, coordination with the power company, and a focus on safety, it can be managed effectively. Have you had similar experiences? Share them in the comments.
