Common Storm Damage
- Broken or hanging limbs
- Split branch unions
- Partially uprooted trees
- Trees or branches on structures
- Fresh trunk cracks
- Multiple damaged branches in the same canopy
Some Storm-Damaged Trees Can Be Retained
Damage does not automatically mean the entire tree must be removed. The amount, location, and severity of the damage matter. In some cases, pruning may address the damaged parts; in others, removal may be the practical option.
Safety Around Utilities
If a tree or limb is touching, hanging from, or very close to a power line, keep people away and contact the appropriate utility or emergency authority. Do not attempt to pull or cut material away from electrical lines.
Start With Safety, Not Cleanup Speed
Storm cleanup is one of the easiest times to make a rushed decision. Broken limbs can be suspended overhead, damaged trunks can shift, and downed utility lines may be hidden by foliage. Texas A&M Forest Service recommends looking both up and down before beginning cleanup and staying away from utility lines and dangerous hanging branches.
If large limbs are broken or overhead chainsaw work would be required, professional help is the safer route. The first objective is to make the area safe, not to make the yard look finished.
How To Judge Whether The Tree Might Remain
A storm-damaged tree may still be worth keeping when the trunk and roots are sound, the tree was healthy before the storm, and enough major structure remains. On the other hand, severe trunk splitting, major root failure, loss of most primary limbs, or a new unstable lean can make retention less practical.
Avoid over-pruning simply because the canopy looks uneven after a storm. Removing too much additional live canopy can add stress to a tree that is already recovering.
Oak Damage Requires Extra Care
Fresh wounds on oaks deserve special attention because of oak wilt. Texas A&M Forest Service advises painting fresh oak wounds promptly and generally avoiding oak pruning from February through June when possible. Storm damage may force work outside ideal timing, but wound protection still matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should Every Storm-Damaged Tree Be Removed?
No. Some can recover when the trunk, roots, and remaining main limbs are sound.
What If A Limb Is Hanging But Has Not Fallen?
Keep people and vehicles out from under it. Large suspended limbs can shift unpredictably and should be handled carefully.
Can You Trim A Tree After A Storm Instead Of Removing It?
Yes, when the damage is limited and the remaining tree is reasonably sound. The extent and location of damage determine the better approach.
What If The Tree Is Touching A Power Line?
Stay away and contact the appropriate utility or emergency authority. Do not attempt to pull or cut the tree free.
Should I Save Photos Of The Damage?
Photographs can be useful for insurance documentation and for discussing the scope, but do not enter an unsafe area just to take pictures.
Recheck Nearby Trees After A Major Event
A storm that breaks one tree can also damage neighboring trees without bringing them down immediately. After the immediate cleanup, look for newly broken branches, fresh trunk cracks, changed lean, or root movement in trees close to homes, driveways, patios, and other frequently used areas.
This follow-up check is especially useful when wind or ice affected several trees on the property. The goal is not to remove healthy trees unnecessarily, but to catch damage that was easy to miss during the first cleanup.
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Call About Storm Damage
Describe whether the tree is standing, broken, leaning, or down and what it is affecting.