Homeowners taking down trees at risk of falling before Tropical Storm Nicole moves in

STONE MOUNTAIN, Ga. — Some homeowners across metro Atlanta are taking down dead or dying trees to avert the possibility they may be knocked down by strong winds from the remnants of Tropical Storm Nicole.

One crew Channel 2′s Tom Regan spoke to spent the day removing a 200 foot tall white oak tree in the front yard of a home near Stone Mountain in DeKalb County.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

“We have some high winds coming in. This tree could reach basically all the houses around it, so the homeowner was just worried. He didn’t want those bills on his pocket, so he just called us and said, ‘I would rather this removing the tree and cause damage to anyone around me,;” said Cesar Gonzalez of Leo’s Tree Service.

If a tree is deemed at risk of falling, a homeowner is responsible for removing it to avoid being held legally responsible if it falls and injures or kills someone. According to federal officials, around 100 people are killed each year by falling trees.

TRENDING STORIES:

• Tropical Storm Nicole: North Georgia school districts canceling class ahead of the storm
• A school employee forgot her purse in the restroom, she was fired and arrested for what was
• Georgia police strip searched women, exposing private parts in front of strangers

That’s why homeowners should inspect trees to check for signs of rotting, decay, weak root structure and other warning signs.

“The bark starts falling off, and with pine trees you can see a lot of blemishes and twists in them, that’s when there’s trouble.” said Gonzalez.

Gonzalez says he expect to be busy over the coming days, removing downed trees.

Georgia Power says it’s preparing for possible power outrages cause by downed trees and tree limbs.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

IN RELATED NEWS:

Henry County Emergency Crews prepare for storm drains ahead of Tropical Storm Nicole

©2022 Cox Media Group