Texoma weather doesn't play around. From spring thunderstorms to summer wind events and occasional ice storms, properties across Sherman, Denison, Gainesville, and Durant take a beating. When the storm passes, the cleanup begins. Here's a practical guide to handling yard debris and getting your property back to normal.
First: Safety Assessment
Before you start dragging branches, take a careful look at your property:
- Check for downed power lines. Stay at least 35 feet away from any downed line and call your utility provider immediately.
- Look for structural damage. Check your roof, windows, fencing, and outbuildings.
- Watch for hanging branches. "Widow makers" — branches caught in tree canopies that haven't fallen yet — are extremely dangerous.
- Document everything. Take photos before you clean up anything. Your insurance company may ask for visual evidence — confirm requirements with your insurer.
What Counts as Storm Debris?
Yard debris from storms typically includes:
- Fallen branches and limbs (from small twigs to major limbs)
- Uprooted trees or large root balls
- Damaged fencing (wood, chain-link, or vinyl)
- Blown-off roofing materials (shingles, underlayment, flashing)
- Damaged outdoor furniture, trampolines, swing sets
- Scattered trash, insulation, and siding
- Flooded or waterlogged items from garages and sheds
Step 1: Clear Walkways and Access Points
Start by clearing paths to your home's entrances, your driveway, and any utility access points. This ensures emergency services can reach your home if needed.
Step 2: Sort What You Can Handle vs. What You Can't
Small branches and scattered debris? Grab some work gloves and start piling. Large limbs, fallen trees, damaged fencing, and structural debris? That's where professional help makes sense.
For properties in rural areas like Sadler and Whitesboro, storm damage often affects larger areas — fence lines, pastures, and outbuildings. Our crew brings the equipment to handle acreage-scale cleanup.
Step 3: Contact Your Insurance
If storm damage is significant, file an insurance claim before spending money on cleanup. Most homeowner's policies cover storm debris removal when it's related to covered damage. Keep all receipts — including your junk removal invoice — for reimbursement.
Step 4: Call for Professional Debris Removal
Texoma Waste Works provides fast storm debris removal across the entire Texoma area. Here's what we handle:
- Loading and hauling fallen branches and tree limbs
- Removing damaged fencing, lattice, and deck materials
- Clearing waterlogged items from flooded garages and sheds
- Hauling away damaged outdoor furniture and play equipment
- General property cleanup after severe weather
Step 5: Check on Neighbors
Storms affect whole communities. If you're safe and your property is manageable, check on elderly or disabled neighbors who may need help. The Texoma community has always been about looking out for each other.
Preventing Future Storm Damage
While you can't prevent storms, you can minimize damage:
- Trim overhanging branches before storm season, especially those near your roof or power lines.
- Remove dead trees that could fall during high winds.
- Secure outdoor items — patio furniture, trampolines, and trash cans become projectiles in strong winds.
- Clean gutters to prevent water backup and roof damage during heavy rain.
We Respond Fast After Storms
When severe weather hits Sherman, Denison, Pottsboro, or anywhere in Texoma, Texoma Waste Works is available for storm & yard debris removal in Texoma. Call or text us to check availability and get upfront pricing; after major storms, scheduling depends on demand.