Should I cut up a fallen tree myself?

What makes a fallen tree dangerous

A tree that has come down on something is often bent, wedged or supported by other wood, and a cut can release it with force. A limb caught in a canopy can fall without warning. Wet bark, uneven ground and snow add to the risk. A tree on a house or fence can also be holding up the load it fell onto.

Check these first

If a power line is on or near the tree, stay away and call NV Energy; unqualified people must keep 10 feet from lines up to 50 kV, and a downed line may be live. If anyone is hurt, call 911. Do not climb onto a damaged roof to cut. Hanging limbs are covered in widow-makers and hanging limbs.

What is reasonable for a homeowner

A small branch lying flat on open ground, far from lines, buildings and other wood, with nothing under tension, is a common cleanup task. We do not write chain saw or felling instructions on this site, because it is not something to learn from a web page. If you use a saw, use the protective gear and the manual from its maker.

When to call

Any tree that is on a house, a car, a road or a driveway, any tree that is bent or wedged, and any large trunk is a crew's job. Call 775.232.8243. Emergency service is available 24 hours a day, and clearing roads and driveways, removing trees from houses and hauling away storm debris are on our list. Read what to have ready first.

What a crew brings

Our crew works with a chipper, dump trucks, a Bobcat track loader and a utility chip truck, and a crane for large trees near houses. A certified arborist assesses the job before work begins. Debris collection and disposal is part of storm clean-up on our service list. The point is not that homeowners cannot use a saw; it is that storm wood hides tension, lines and weight.