Storm Damage Emergency Response

A severe overnight storm with gusts exceeding 70mph brought down a mature weeping willow across the client's driveway in Rickmansworth, trapping two vehicles and bringing down a low-voltage power line. The homeowner was unable to leave the property and the downed cable presented an immediate safety hazard. The call came in at 4:30am during one of the busiest storm periods of the year.

Our emergency crew of three was on-site within 90 minutes. After liaising with UK Power Networks to confirm the line was isolated, we carried out immediate make-safe work — removing the limbs from the power line and cutting back enough of the crown to free the driveway. We returned at first light with a full team of five to complete the removal, processing the trunk sections and clearing all debris.

The driveway was cleared and accessible by 6:15am the same morning, allowing the homeowner to get to work. Full removal and site clearance was completed by midday. The remaining stump was ground out the following week, and we provided a written report for the client's insurance claim which was settled without issue.