Puget Sound Energy crews recently teamed up with their tree removal partner Asplundh to remove problem trees in Port Orchard which posed a threat to nearby homes affected by the December tornado.

In the wake of the Dec. 18, EF-2 tornado that touched down in Port Orchard, many homeowners in the affected area were left to pick up the pieces. In addition to significant property damage, a number of trees near homes were left standing with significant root, branch or limb damage. Thanks to efforts from Asplundh and PSE, a few of the homeowners can rest a little easier knowing some of the dangerously damaged trees have been removed.

Initially the Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management had trouble locating an arborist to handle the problem trees, one of which was leaning significantly to one side and posed a high risk of falling over.

“Puget Sound Energy immediately responded with mutual aid to assess the risk and facilitate removal of these dangerous trees prior to a severe wind storm,” said Elizabeth Klute, Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management director. “It’s the relationships we build prior to an emergency that can bring a ray of sunshine on an otherwise cloudy day!”