How to protect yourself from falling trees and branches after a fatal accident in DC

People living on Capitol Hill near Garfield Park in DC are still reeling after a woman was killed by a falling tree branch while walking her dog last week.

The incident has led to greater awareness of when trees can pose a safety risk.

Like most plants, trees show their ailments. How can you protect yourself?

Experts recommend regularly inspecting the trees on your property, especially large trees with drooping branches near bedrooms and other parts of your home.

If you decide to have a professional remove these potentially dangerous branches, it’s a good idea to get several written quotes, according to Kevin Brasler of Washington Consumers’ Checkbook.

“We’ve found that tree services and the arborists they send often have different approaches to dealing with problem trees, and that sometimes you don’t need to remove the entire tree. Some suggest more pruning than others,” Brasler said.

Brasler said to make sure any tree service you hire is licensed and insured.

“(The written proposals) should include workers’ compensation and liability insurance,” Brasler said. “Tree trimming work is very dangerous, not only for the workers who do it, but potentially for your property and the property of your neighbors.”

And if you lose trees or limbs after a storm, he recommends not hiring people who go door to door promising to do the job and clean up immediately. Often times, they’ll claim they’re doing the work for a neighbor.

“Most of these people are scammers. They take your money and you’ll never see them again,” Brasler said. “Some do the work, but they do it poorly. Usually they’re not licensed.”

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