Storm-Damaged Trees: What to Do After Severe Weather

Severe weather, including heavy storms, high winds, and lightning, can wreak havoc on trees. After a storm, it’s important to take immediate action to assess any damage and prevent further harm to your property or the surrounding environment. Knowing what steps to take with storm-damaged trees can save you time, money, and potentially avoid dangerous situations. Here’s what to do when your trees are affected by severe weather.

1. Assess the Damage Safely

Before attempting to inspect storm-damaged trees, prioritize safety. Trees and branches may have fallen, and the risk of further damage or injury is high. Follow these guidelines for safe damage assessment:

• Wait for the storm to pass: Avoid going outside until the storm has fully subsided. Even after the main event, strong winds and rain could still be a threat.
• Look for hazards from a distance: Use binoculars or stay at a safe distance to assess the damage to your trees. Avoid getting too close to any tree that seems unstable.
• Check for downed power lines: If you notice power lines down near trees, stay away and call your local utility company immediately. Never touch or attempt to move downed lines.

2. Check for Immediate Hazards

After assessing the damage from a safe distance, it’s time to inspect the tree more closely for immediate hazards that may require professional intervention. Focus on these key aspects:

• Large broken or hanging branches: These are at risk of falling, even after the storm has passed. If branches are hanging precariously or fully broken off, they need to be safely removed by a tree service professional.
• Tree leaning or uprooting: If the tree has significantly shifted or the roots are exposed, this indicates that the tree may be at risk of toppling over. Do not attempt to handle this yourself, as it could be dangerous.
• Tree trunk damage: Look for cracks, splits, or cavities in the tree trunk. A damaged trunk can compromise the overall stability of the tree and may require removal.
• Loose limbs: Small or large branches that are still partially attached but damaged can become falling hazards if not removed.

3. Contact a Professional Tree Service

While small debris or broken branches might be manageable for homeowners, storm-damaged trees often require the expertise of a professional tree service. An arborist has the proper equipment and experience to:

• Safely remove large or hazardous limbs: This includes limbs that pose a danger to structures, people, or other trees.
• Inspect tree health: A certified arborist can assess the tree for structural damage and determine if the tree can be saved or needs to be removed.
• Trim or prune damaged branches: Professional pruning after storm damage helps reduce further stress on the tree, improving its chances of recovery.
• Uprooted trees: For trees that have been uprooted or are leaning dangerously, an expert can help determine if the tree can be re-staked or should be removed entirely.

4. Avoid DIY Tree Removal

After a storm, it's tempting to try to clean up the yard or take care of the damage yourself, but tree removal can be dangerous. Attempting to cut down or prune large branches without proper training and equipment can lead to injuries or additional damage. It’s crucial to leave heavy lifting and cutting to certified tree care professionals.

• Chainsaws and large branches are heavy and require specialized training to handle safely.
• Power lines: Fallen trees or limbs near power lines can create electrical hazards. Always rely on professionals who have the training to work around these hazards safely.

5. Determine if the Tree Can Be Saved

Not all storm-damaged trees can be saved, and some may need to be removed for safety reasons. However, many trees can be rehabilitated with the right care. After a storm, a professional arborist will look for signs of life, such as:

• Healthy foliage: If the tree still has healthy branches and leaves, it may recover with pruning and care.
• Minor damage: Trees that have sustained minor limb damage can often bounce back with proper trimming and maintenance.
• Tree species: Some species are more resilient to storms, while others may require more care or have a higher likelihood of not recovering from severe damage.

6. Clean Up Storm Debris

Once immediate threats are addressed, you can begin cleaning up debris in your yard. While smaller branches, twigs, and leaves can be managed with basic tools, be sure to leave the larger debris for professional tree services. They will have the necessary equipment to:

• Remove large logs and branches safely.
• Dispose of tree debris properly, ensuring that it doesn’t obstruct drainage or become a fire hazard.

7. Prevent Future Storm Damage

Once the storm cleanup is done, it’s important to take proactive steps to prevent future tree damage during storms. Regular tree care can help your trees withstand severe weather events:

• Prune regularly: Trim dead, weak, or overhanging branches before they become a hazard in a storm.
• Check tree health: Regularly inspect trees for signs of disease, decay, or pests, which can make them more susceptible to storm damage.
• Deep root watering: Ensuring your trees have strong root systems will help them stay stable during heavy winds.

8. Consider Insurance for Your Trees

In some cases, storm-damaged trees may be covered by homeowner's insurance. Check your policy or consult with your insurance provider to determine if your tree damage qualifies for compensation. This may help cover the costs of removal or repairs after a storm.

Contact a Tree Expert After a Storm

If your trees have been damaged in a storm, don’t wait—call a professional immediately for an assessment. At Higher Ground Tree Service, we specialize in storm damage cleanup, tree removal, and tree health evaluations. Our expert arborists can help restore your property’s safety and beauty after severe weather.

🌳 Need help with storm-damaged trees? Contact Higher Ground Tree Service for fast, professional tree care today!

Storms can leave significant damage to trees, but with quick action and professional help, you can ensure the safety of your property and recover quickly. Remember, always prioritize safety and rely on certified tree experts for the best care.