What to Do After a Storm Damages Your Trees

Table of Contents

1. Understanding the Risks of Storm Damaged Trees
2. Immediate Safety Measures After a Storm
3. How to Assess Tree Damage Effectively
4. Repair or Removal: Making the Right Choice
5. Why Professional Help Matters: Emergency Tree Service & Storm Cleanup
6. Preventing Future Storm Damage
7. Contact Fulshear Tree Service

When storms hit, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. Broken branches scatter across lawns, trees lean in alarming angles, and sometimes, entire trunks are uprooted. As we’ve seen firsthand, these storm damaged trees aren’t just an eyesore—they’re a serious safety hazard.

A tree that looks “okay” at first glance may actually be unstable, especially if its roots were loosened or the trunk cracked during high winds. Even a single large limb falling at the wrong time can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your home or car—or worse, injure someone.

As a local tree service, we’ve responded to countless emergencies where homeowners didn’t realize the hidden dangers in their yards. One memory that sticks with us is a large oak that partially uprooted in a neighborhood just blocks away. At first, the family thought it was safe because it wasn’t leaning dramatically. Within hours, a sudden gust shifted it enough to crack the roof of their garage. Situations like this underscore why understanding storm damage—and acting quickly—is so important. If you want to reduce risks before the next storm, our storm preparation guide is a helpful resource.

Once the storm passes, instinct may tell you to run outside and start cleaning up. Our advice? Slow down. Safety is the first step in managing storm damaged trees.

• Stay clear of unstable trees and limbs. Some branches look solid but are under tension. When they fall, they can snap violently.
• Avoid downed power lines. Trees often take out utility lines in storms. Treat every line as live and dangerous. Call the utility company immediately—don’t try to move or cut the tree yourself.
• Document the damage. Take photos of leaning trees, cracked trunks, and broken branches. This helps professionals and insurance claims.
• Don’t rush into DIY cleanup. Small branches and twigs are manageable, but heavy logs or limbs over driveways, roofs, or fences require proper equipment and expertise. That’s where emergency tree service comes in—they can handle the heavy lifting safely and efficiently.

After ensuring safety, it’s time to evaluate the damage. Assessing storm damaged trees isn’t just about appearance; it’s about structural integrity.

Check these key areas:

• Trunk damage: Splits, cracks, or hollows in the trunk often signal instability.
• Root damage: Uprooted or partially exposed roots weaken the tree’s foundation.
• Broken or hanging branches: Sometimes careful pruning can save the tree, but larger limbs often require professional removal.
• Leaning trees: Slight lean may self-correct, but extreme leaning near homes or driveways is a warning sign.

Documenting everything—photos, notes, and specific locations—helps an emergency tree service handle the cleanup more effectively.

After assessing storm damage, the next decision is critical: repair the tree or remove it altogether.

• Repair:
  Minor damage—small broken limbs, superficial bark splits, or slight leaning—can often be remedied with pruning, cabling, or treatment. Learn how tree cabling can prevent storm damage to save trees in future storms.
• Removal:
  Trees that are uprooted, severely split, or dangerously leaning usually require professional removal. Delay can put your home, family, and property at risk.

Erring on the side of caution ensures safety. Professional storm cleanup teams can guide you through these decisions.

Many homeowners wonder if they can manage storm damaged trees themselves. The short answer: not safely.

Benefits of professional service:

• Safety first: Proper tools and experience prevent property damage or injury.
• Efficient cleanup: Professionals remove branches, logs, and debris quickly.
• Insurance documentation: Detailed records simplify claims.
• Preventive advice: Teams inspect other trees and suggest pruning or cabling to reduce future risk.

A story that illustrates this: after a hailstorm, a large elm had limbs hanging over the roof. Homeowners tried removing one themselves and nearly lost control of the saw. Our team safely removed all hazardous limbs, performed storm cleanup, and recommended preventative measures for nearby trees.

Professional storm cleanup isn’t just convenient—it protects your family and property.

While storms are unpredictable, preparation helps:

• Regular tree inspections: Detect disease, decay, or structural weaknesses early.
• Routine tree trimming: Remove dead or weak limbs and strengthen trees.
• Proper planting and spacing: Avoid planting too close to structures or other trees.
• Mulching and root care: Healthy roots anchor trees, reducing storm risk.

Preventive care is more than maintenance—it’s insurance against dangerous situations. For detailed tips, visit our storm preparation guide.

Storms are unpredictable, but damage management doesn’t have to be. At Fulshear Tree Service, we help homeowners handle storm damaged trees with fast, reliable emergency tree service and thorough storm cleanup.

If a recent storm has left your trees at risk—or if you want to protect your property before the next one—call us today at (832) 720-3302, email ocanaslawnservice@gmail.com, or visit us to schedule an inspection.

Don’t wait until a small problem becomes dangerous—let us help keep your home, family, and property safe.