Henrietta, NY: Storm Cleanups—What to Photograph Before Insurance

After strong wind or ice storms, having the right photos can save hours and prevent unnecessary back-and-forth with insurance adjusters. This Henrietta-specific guide clearly shows exactly what to document, what to avoid near live power lines for safety, and how different cleanup options can impact both the overall cost and project timelines.

Safety first (before any photos)

• Assume any line is live. If limbs are on or near service drops, stay clear and call the utility.

• Don’t climb on roofs or walk under split or hanging limbs.

• If a trunk is leaning with fresh soil cracks on the lift side, keep people and pets out of that zone.

  The 8 photos insurers ask for (and why)

• Wide shot of the whole scene:
  Stand far enough back to show the house, yard, and debris in one frame. Adjusters use this for context and scale

• Damage to structures (close-up + mid-shot)
  Siding dents, fascia pulls, gutter/soffit tears, fence breaks, deck rail hits. Shoot one close-up and one step-back view for each area.

• Roof and edges (from the ground)
  Photograph any missing shingles, bent drip edge, and punctures around penetrations. Don’t climb—use zoom from the driveway/sidewalk.

• Tree failure point
  Split union, torn-out limb, trunk shear, or uproot. Photograph the break and any visible decay/conks—helps justify the cause.

• Impact marks
  Dents on vehicles, crushed grills/AC units, broken pavers. Include a reference (glove/tape measure).

• Wires and service mast area
  From a safe distance, capture limb-to-wire contact and any mast/anchor damage. Utilities may need this.

• Property line/right-of-way
  If debris blocks sidewalks or the street, show where it sits relative to the curb/ROW; Henrietta/Town involvement may differ.

• Before you move anything
  Get photos prior to cutting or dragging limbs. If emergency mitigation is required (e.g., limb through the roof), take “during” photos as you go.

• Pro tip: Shoot video walking the perimeter; stills + video cover gaps.

Henrietta NY, notes that change claims

• Open exposures near MarketPlace/RIT corridors often mean wind-thrown limbs without full uproots; photos should prove wind direction and landing pattern.

• Older neighborhoods with shallow rooting near driveways/sidewalks: include base-flare photos showing heave or cracked soil.

• HOA streets and Town ROW: photograph curb lines and any posted signs if debris is partly in the right-of-way.

What adjusters need to approve fast mitigation

1. Make-safe” actions (remove hanger over roof, tarp roof, clear driveway for access) are commonly approved quickly when documented.

2. Line-item estimates that separate hazard removal, general debris, stump, and repair impacts tend to move faster.

3. Keep receipts for tarps, plywood, or temporary fence.

Cleanup options (and how they affect price)

• Cut & leave (you handle disposal later): Lowest cost, fastest driveway/roof relief.

• Chip on site (mulch left): Mid-range; good if you can use mulch.

• Chip & haul (clean slate): Higher cost; best for tidy yards or HOA rules.

• Stump decisions: Grind for lawn recovery, excavate if you’ll pour concrete or repave.

Simple homeowner timeline

1. Take the 8 photo sets above (+ a short walkthrough video).

2. If wires are involved, contact the utility; otherwise, call for a make-safe.

3. Email photos + your address and any deadlines (roofers, insurer).

4. Choose disposal plan (leave/chip/chip & haul).

5. After work, take “after” photos for your claim records.

FAQ:

• Will the Town pick up storm debris?
  Policies vary by scope and timing; if debris sits in the right-of-way, call Henrietta DPW for guidance. Keep photos of the location relative to the curb.

• Should I knock ice off branches?
  No. Iced wood is brittle—knocking accelerates breakage. Wait for temps to rise or have a pro handle hangers.

• What if my fence or neighbor’s yard is involved?
  Photograph property lines and damage on both sides; exchange contact info and share your wide shots with both the insurer and the neighbor.

Call 585-201-8533 — we’re 24/7.

Town service page: Tree Service in Henrietta, NY

Nearby towns: East Rochester NY, Greece, NY