A village that rebuilt after the 1908 tornado
Tree Service in Gilliam, LA
Making the trees around rural homes safer before storm season.
- Every estimate done in person around Shreveport and nearby towns
- The written quote lists what is and is not included
- Debris and stump handling decided in advance
Storm Readiness in a Small Village
Tree Service in Gilliam is not about big crews on busy streets. Gilliam is one of the smallest places in Caddo Parish, a village of 123 people in 2020 along US Route 71, about 4 miles north of Belcher, 4 miles south of Hosston and about 22 miles from Shreveport. What people here want is simple: trees around the house that will not come through the roof the next time a storm rolls across the fields.
A history that explains the worry
On May 13, 1908, a tornado hit Gilliam around dinnertime, killing 34 people and leaving only two homes standing. Fifteen more people died in nearby communities. More than a century later, storms are still the main reason people call us from this part of the parish. Spring thunderstorms, straight-line winds and the occasional tornado all pass through northwest Louisiana, and rural homes surrounded by open land feel them first.
What storm-prep work looks like
No tree work will stop a major tornado. But most storm damage around homes comes from ordinary thunderstorms breaking trees that were already weak. A pre-season visit focuses on: 1. Dead wood. Dead limbs and dead tops break first. Removing them is the single most useful step. 2. Weak forks. Trunks that split into two equal stems with bark pinched between them can tear apart. We may reduce one stem or recommend removal. 3. Overextended limbs. Long, heavy limbs reaching over the house or drive can be shortened to reduce leverage. 4. Decay. Hollow trunks, cavities and fungus at the base can mean the tree is weaker than it looks. 5. Distance to the house. We focus first on trees that can reach the house, the well, the propane tank, the power drop or the drive.
After a storm
If a tree is down, stay away from any wires and call the electric utility first. Do not try to cut a tree that is under tension or resting on a roof. Call (318) 309-7506, describe the situation and send photos if you can do so safely. We will tell you what needs to happen first and give you a written price.
Planning with neighbors
In a village this size, neighbors often have similar needs. If several homes nearby want pruning or removals, scheduling them together can make the trip more efficient. Ask when you call.
Clearing room for a safe shelter
If you have a storm shelter or safe room on your property, make sure no large dead tree or heavy limb is positioned to block the door or the path to it. It sounds small, but after a storm a fallen tree across that path can trap people inside. We can look at the trees around a shelter as part of any visit. The same goes for the road out of your place: a single tree across a long rural drive can cut you off until someone with a saw arrives.
Request a visit by phone or through the form. Get a free estimate
Gilliam Facts
- The 1908 tornado. On May 13, 1908, a tornado struck Gilliam around dinnertime, killing 34 people and leaving only two homes standing. Fifteen more people died in nearby communities.
- On US 71. US Route 71 runs along the west side of the village, about 4 miles south to Belcher and 22 miles to Shreveport, and about 4 miles north to Hosston and 14 miles to the Arkansas line.
- Very small village. Gilliam counted 123 residents in 2020, down from 164 in 2010, on about 2.37 square miles at an elevation of 194 feet.
Gilliam Questions
Is it worth paying for pruning just to prepare for storms?
For trees that can reach your house, usually yes. Removing dead and weak wood costs less than roof repairs and cleanup after a limb comes through.
Do you come out to Gilliam for small jobs?
Yes. If you have several small jobs, we combine them into one visit and one estimate.
A tree fell on my fence and is still hanging over the drive. What should I do?
Keep people and vehicles away from the area under the tree, check that no wires are involved and call us. Trees under tension can move suddenly when cut.
Which trees should I worry about most?
Start with the ones that could hit the house, the power drop or the drive. Dead trees, trees with big cracks and trees leaning toward the house are the priority.
Do you need me home during the work?
Not always. We need to meet you or talk through the job for the estimate, and we need access to the trees. Many rural owners leave a gate open and let us know about pets or livestock, and we call when we finish.
Free Estimates in Gilliam, LA
Free estimates in Gilliam and along US 71.
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