Look over your trees before Santa Ana winds arrive

What you'll learn

• How to notice dead hangers, dangling branches, and new soil shifts from the ground
• Why certain eucalyptus and oak limbs might break on hot, still days instead of just during wind
• When to reach out to SDG&E about a tree near a wire, and when to dial 911 plus SDG&E for a downed wire
• How to record damage for your insurance company without getting close to an unsafe tree

Step by step

1. From the ground, take pictures of dead hangers, new cracks, and trees that might strike a roof, driveway, or wire. Never stand underneath them.
2. Move patio furniture and other loose yard things inside so the wind cannot toss them around.
3. Keep your insurance claims number handy. The California Department of Insurance notes that damage a fallen tree causes to an insured home is usually a homeowners claim, depending on the policy. A car typically needs full auto coverage. Check any tree removal allowance and deductible with your insurer directly.
4. If a standing tree is leaning toward a wire, keep your distance and call SDG&E at 1-800-411-7343. If a wire is already down, stay back and call 911 plus SDG&E at 1-800-411-7343 from somewhere safe. Never try to find out if the wire is live.
5. Once emergency crews and the utility clear the area, Limb SD can connect you with a licensed independent professional for cleanup. Never climb or cut unstable wood yourself.

Further reading

• SDG&E: guidance for downed power lines
• SDG&E: power-outage safety
• California Department of Insurance: guidance on fallen tree coverage
• UC ANR: summer branch drop
• ISA: Pruning Mature Trees