What to Do After a Storm Damages Your Trees

Storms can change a landscape in a matter of minutes. High winds, heavy rain, lightning, snow, and ice can break branches, split trunks, uproot trees, and leave limbs hanging precariously overhead. Here in Western Maine, where mature trees surround many homes, driveways, and properties, storm damage can create serious safety concerns.

After a storm passes, it’s natural to want to get everything cleaned up as quickly as possible. But damaged trees can be unpredictable, and rushing into cleanup can make a dangerous situation worse.

Knowing what to look for, what to avoid, and when to call a professional can help protect your family, your property, and the trees in your landscape.

1. Put Safety First

Before assessing your trees, make sure the area is safe to approach. Storm-damaged trees can contain hidden hazards, including broken branches suspended in the canopy, split trunks, unstable root systems, and limbs under significant tension.

A tree or branch that appears stationary may shift or fall unexpectedly, especially when debris is moved or cut.

Keep people and pets away from damaged trees, particularly those leaning toward homes, garages, sheds, driveways, or areas where people regularly walk.

Always stay well away from downed power lines and assume they are energized. Trees and branches can conduct electricity, even when wires are difficult to see. Never attempt to remove a branch from a utility line or work near electrical equipment. Contact your utility provider, and call emergency services if there is an immediate threat to people or property.

If a tree has fallen onto your home or another structure, avoid approaching damaged areas until they can be assessed safely.

2. Look for Signs of Serious Tree Damage

Once it is safe to observe your property from a distance, look for visible signs of damage. You don't need to climb a tree or get close to unstable debris to identify potential problems.

Pay particular attention to:

• Broken or hanging limbs: Large branches suspended in the canopy can fall long after the storm has passed.

• Cracked or split trunks: Deep cracks, separated stems, or major splits can indicate a significant structural problem.

• Leaning trees: A tree that has suddenly developed a new lean may have a compromised root system.

• Heaving soil: Raised, cracked, or disturbed soil around the base of a tree can indicate that its roots or root plate have shifted.

• Broken tops: A tree that has lost a substantial portion of its upper crown may have structural damage that needs professional evaluation.

• Damage near structures: Trees with broken limbs or damaged stems over houses, garages, roads, and frequently used areas deserve particular attention.

Storm damage isn't always obvious. A tree may retain most of its canopy while sustaining a significant crack or root disturbance. If something looks different after a storm, it is worth having it evaluated.

3. Don't Rush Into DIY Cleanup

When branches and trees are scattered across a yard, the temptation to grab a chainsaw and start clearing is understandable. However, storm cleanup is one of the situations where tree work can become especially dangerous.

Broken limbs may be trapped under tension. Fallen trees can be supported by other trees, structures, or uneven ground. Cutting one section can cause the remaining wood to shift, roll, or spring unexpectedly.

Ladders and chainsaws are particularly dangerous around damaged trees, especially when overhead branches or unstable trunks are involved.

Homeowners can often handle small branches that are already safely on the ground, provided there are no electrical hazards or other risks. But leave large limbs, suspended trees, split trunks, and work at height to trained professionals with the appropriate equipment.

When in doubt, don't cut it. Keep your distance and get a professional assessment.

4. Determine Whether the Tree Can Be Saved

Not every storm-damaged tree needs to be removed.

Depending on the type and severity of the damage, a tree may recover with appropriate pruning and continued care. Smaller broken branches or limited crown damage may be manageable, while severe trunk splits, extensive root failure, or major structural damage may make a tree unsafe to retain.

An arborist can evaluate the tree's overall condition, the extent of the damage, and the consequences if another branch or the entire tree were to fail.

Possible recommendations may include:

• Removing broken, damaged, or hazardous branches.

• Pruning to address specific structural problems.

• Monitoring a tree for signs of decline when immediate removal isn't necessary.

• Using support systems in appropriate situations.

• Removing a tree when the risk cannot be acceptably managed.

The right decision depends on the individual tree, its condition before the storm, the damage it sustained, and what lies beneath or around it.

At Hutch's Tree, we believe in preservation whenever it can be done safely. The goal isn't to remove every tree that has been damaged, but to determine what work is actually necessary to protect people and property.

5. Check the Rest of Your Property, Too

After dealing with the most obvious damage, take time to consider the surrounding landscape.

A fallen tree may have struck neighboring trees, broken limbs higher in the canopy, or disturbed roots without bringing another tree down. Trees that were already declining or structurally compromised may also be more vulnerable after severe weather.

From a safe location, look over the property for changes such as new leaning, damaged branches, cracked stems, or disturbed soil around mature trees.

Pay special attention to large trees near buildings, driveways, walkways, and areas where people gather. If you notice something concerning, arrange for a professional assessment rather than waiting for the next storm to reveal the extent of the damage.

6. Be Careful When Choosing a Tree Service

After a major storm, reputable tree services can become busy quickly. Unfortunately, urgent cleanup needs can also attract inexperienced or uninsured operators.

Before hiring someone to handle significant storm damage, take time to verify their qualifications.

Ask about:

• Appropriate licensing and credentials for the work being performed.

• Liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage.

• Experience with storm-damaged trees and hazardous removals.

• The equipment and methods they plan to use.

• Whether they can assess the tree's condition and explain the recommended work.

Be cautious of anyone who pressures you into immediate removal without explaining the risks or discussing reasonable alternatives. A professional should be able to describe the problem, explain why a particular approach is recommended, and answer your questions.

For complex or high-risk situations, consider working with an ISA Certified Arborist or a professional with appropriate tree risk assessment qualifications.

7. Think About Prevention Before the Next Storm

No property can be made completely immune to storm damage. Even healthy trees can lose branches or fail during extreme weather. However, regular tree care can help identify some problems before they become emergencies.

Routine inspections and appropriate maintenance can help uncover deadwood, weak branch attachments, structural defects, and other conditions that may warrant attention.

Depending on the tree and its location, recommended care may include selective pruning, removal of dead or hazardous branches, or further assessment of structural concerns.

Proper planting and long-term maintenance matter, too. Choosing suitable species, providing adequate growing space, and avoiding unnecessary damage to roots and trunks can support healthier trees over time.

The best time to address many tree care concerns is before a storm arrives. Regular attention can help you make informed decisions rather than trying to solve every problem during an emergency.

Need Help With Storm-Damaged Trees in Western Maine?

Storm damage can range from a few broken branches to large trees resting on buildings or tangled in other trees. Knowing what can safely wait and what needs immediate attention isn't always easy.

If a storm has damaged trees on your property, Hutch's Tree can help assess the situation, identify potential hazards, and determine what work may be needed. Whether the right solution is selective pruning, hazardous limb removal, or complete tree removal, our goal is to protect people and property while preserving trees whenever possible.

If you see a dangerous tree or large broken limb after a storm, keep clear of the area and contact a qualified professional.

When it comes to storm-damaged trees, safety comes first, and a careful assessment can make all the difference.