SPOKANE, Wash. – Residents in Spokane are being urged to exercise caution with the potential risk posed by fallen trees, especially as high winds are expected late Tuesday evening.
Manager Sterling Lapke from Spokane Tree Pro highlighted the unseen dangers of fallen trees.
“I mean those root balls and all that could be 10,000 pounds,” Lapke said. “And if somebody cuts it and they walk under it, they’re buried.”
Lapke recommends that professionals assess trees to determine if they pose a hazard, especially if they are downed as part of windstorm events.
Spokane Tree Pro and other removal agencies are licensed and insured to use different tools, like cranes, to minimize future risk and damage to property.
“It’s a lot safer for our guys to run,” And helps a lot with minimizing property damage,” Lapke said.
Ahead of high wind events Tuesday evening, Lapke explained that proactive measures like removing dead trees can minimize risk.
In fact, Spokane Tree Pro has seen an influx of calls from residents seeking to remove trees before the storm. However, with the storm approaching, time is limited.
“With this storm coming right now, it’s a little too late for us,” Lapke said.
But, Lapke also explained that just because they can’t remove big trees by high winds Tuesday, doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be vigilant about potential damage and proactive if you see a concern.
Spokane Tree Pro encouraged neighbors to inspect their trees for bulging roots or cracking bark before and after the storm.
“Maybe before it’s starting to get real, real windy,” Lapke said. “Kind of check. Get a visual inspection of the trees right now.”
If damage indicators are found, calling a specialist is advised.
“That would be a compromised situation that would want to be taken care of immediately,” Lapke said.
As Spokane braces for the storm, Spokane Tree Pro and other services told NonStop Local that they will be by their phones in case assistance is needed to remove dangerous fallen trees.
