A lot of storm damage could be smaller with an hour of prep in the autumn. Here is a simple checklist before the windy season starts.

Before the season

• Walk the garden and look up. Note any dead limbs over the house, the driveway or the road.

• Check trees near power lines. Do not touch them yourself, but let the network operator know, or ask us to look.

• Take photos of every large tree. They help with insurance claims if something comes down.

• Save our number in your phone: 01494 783536.

When a storm is coming

• Move cars away from large trees if you can.

• Bring in garden furniture and anything that could blow into a tree or a window.

• Stay out of rooms directly under big limbs while the wind is up.

After it passes

Stay away from any tree touching a power line, and call 105 first. Do not climb a damaged tree or try to cut a limb that is under tension. Bent wood can spring back with enough force to cause serious injury.

Take photos of the damage before anything is moved, then call us on 01494 783536 and we will make the tree safe and clear it carefully.