Tree surgeon Callum Kirk, who works in the Newtownabbey area and covers much of Belfast, said storms bring a different kind of working day.
Instead of scheduled jobs, he must be prepared to respond to fallen trees and potentially dangerous situations.
“Whenever there’s a storm, we have to be on standby for any trees that could come down over someone’s driveway or their property,” he said.
He said preparing for severe weather involves checking and sharpening equipment, even when there is no guarantee of being called out.
“You haven’t got planned work, you don’t know, it’s sort of a surprise, you’re just more or less going to help people,” he said.
Kirk explained that much of his work comes after the worst of the weather has passed, when fallen trees need to be removed from roofs, garages and other properties.
He said that work can be particularly hazardous.
“If you see a tree that looks like it’s going to fall, get in contact with someone before it’s too late.”
He encouraged homeowners to keep an eye on potentially unstable trees throughout the year, particularly as the storm season approaches.
