The number of trees and branches farmers had to deal with after storm Ali played havoc in September.

Farmers have been dealing with the cleanup since and, unfortunately, it looks like there is another one on the way.

As we go to press, Met Éireann is forecasting extremely windy and wet weather for Thursday night, Friday and Saturday.

During the weather event, it is best to stay indoors as much as possible and avoid being out in the brunt of dangerous winds.

If the weather comes as bad as it is forecast, it will be very likely that there will be debris to be cleared again.

If trees and branches are down in fields, they will need to be cleared when it’s safe to do so.

Take particular care that power lines have not been damaged or in the vicinity of fallen trees. When carrying out routine chainsaw work yourself, make sure you wear suitable protective equipment.

Dealing with trees that have been damaged but are not fully down can be particularly dangerous.

Professional tree surgeons are the most qualified people to consult if you think a tree on your land is dangerous and they are the best people to take it down if needs be.

The cost of a reputable tree surgeon can vary depending on the job. Every job is different and various scenarios have to be taken into account when pricing a job.

How to know if a tree is unstable

The first step when making this decision is to take a look at the tree from a distance and study its appearance. Check to see if any branches have been broken and are still in the canopy.

Move closer to the tree and see if any major limbs are on the ground.

If there are no obvious signs, have a look around the base of the tree at the root plate. If the earth around the root plate was disturbed or if there is a significant bulge around the root plate, the tree has become less stable and may need attention or felling. If a tree that was once straight now has a noticeable lean, it may need felling.