Be very careful who you call. After storms like the one on Tuesday, you will get door knockers driving through Wake Forest and Clayton claiming they can take the tree down and fix your roof at the same time.

Always demand a written scope of work and proof of insurance before anyone steps onto your property. A legitimate tree service will never pressure you on the spot.

From an insurance standpoint, you need to document the situation thoroughly before any work begins. Take clear photos of the leaning trunk, the root base, and any surrounding structures.

Keep in mind that policy terms generally require a tree to actually damage a covered structure before insurance will cover the removal cost. If it is just leaning over the driveway, it might be an out-of-pocket maintenance expense, but you should still consult your policy details to be certain.

heard that wind in fuquay too. sounded like a freight train. woke up at three am to a loud crack outside.

lucky it was just a branch but the air smelled like wet pine needles for two days. hope your driveway stays clear.

If you do bring in a heavy tree crew, make sure you show them exactly where your septic tank and lines are located.

Those big trucks will crush a leach field in seconds. City folks do not have to worry about this, but out here in Wendell and Wake Forest, we have to protect our lines. Have you had your tank pumped recently anyway? It is a good time to check while they are out there.

I have been trying to get a tree service out to my place in Brier Creek for two weeks now just for some routine oak pruning. The waiting game is real.

Every single certified climber I called is booked solid with emergency storm work. Who has actual availability right now without a three-week wait?

We just closed on our new build in Wendell, and we have several large pines right near our property line. I am incredibly anxious about this storm season.

What exactly should I be looking for to tell if a pine tree is unstable? Is there a checklist of warning signs I can follow? Thank you so much for any advice.

Kip, look closely at the soil around the base of the tree. If you see fresh cracks in the red clay, or if the soil is mounding up on one side, that means the root plate is shifting.

Also look for pine needles turning brown rapidly from the top down, which can indicate root damage. Glad to see you are staying proactive.