When a powerful storm passes most of us quickly check for damage to our homes, cars or roofs. But what about the trees in your yard? Trees often take the hardest hit during high winds, heavy rain or lightning. While some storm damage is obvious, others are not. Ignoring the signs of tree damage after storm could lead to the safety hazards or long term health problems for your trees.
In this blog we will guide you through clear signs your tree needs professional care after a storm. These tips can help you act early, avoid risks and keep your landscape safe and beautiful.
Why Storm Damaged Trees Need Quick Attention
After a storm the trees can become dangerous even if they look fine at first glance. Broken trunks or loosened roots, hanging branches might not cause any effect at this moment but they can collapse later and cause injuries or even damage property. Certified arborists, otherwise known as tree care experts, can also identify such latent hazards and ensure safe operations to cut down or fix the tree.
The late intervention of a professional also has long term health implications on the tree. A tree that appears to be a little bit broken might have internal rot in case it is not conserved in a proper manner. This is why one should study the threats and understand when it is necessary to seek the help of professional tree services.
Most Common Signs of Storm Damage
Broken or Hanging Branches
This is the most apparent indication that your tree is not doing well. When bigger limbs are broken, they can fall over at any time when they hang or are entangled with other limbs. This is dangerous to any passerby. Even the smaller branches when broken down may permit the entry of pests or disease into the tree. Storm cleanup services tend to handle such broken limbs so as to avert more damage.
Splits or Cracks in the Trunk
Look closely at the trunk after the storm. The bark or the wood cracking or having deep splits are indications of stress. They tend to occur because wind bends the tree or heavy branches forcefully exert themselves on the trunk. A professional will be able to determine whether the tree can be saved or whether it is to be removed.
Leaning Trees
Another issue is that, after the storm your tree may have started leaning then most likely the root system has been disrupted. Windy conditions have high capabilities of moving trees when the ground is wet with rainfall. A newly leaning tree may fall later unless it’s properly braced or treated by a tree care professional.
Uprooted Trees or Exposed Roots
In more severe storms trees can get partially uprooted. If you see roots sticking out of the soil or notice that the base of the tree has lifted the tree’s stability is compromised. Sometimes the tree can be saved by a process called tree cabling or bracing, but only a professional can confirm.
Subtle Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Wilted or Brown Leaves After the Storm
If your tree’s leaves suddenly turn brown or wilt after a storm, it could be a sign of root damage or stress. Trees often go into shock after a storm. While some may recover, others need professional care to increase their health and prevent further decline.
Peeling Bark or Missing Bark Strips
Bark protects the tree from insects and disease. If chunks of bark have fallen off after the storm or you see new peeling areas, the tree may have suffered internal injuries. In these cases tree inspection services are needed to assess the health of the tree and decide what action should be taken.
Lightning Strikes
A lightning strike does not always cause the tree to fall instantly. But it can lead to internal damage that weakens the tree over time. If you noticed a loud crack during the storm or see a long scar down the tree it may have been hit by lightning. This is a key time to get a storm damage tree assessment.
Why You Should Call a Tree Care Expert
While some homeowners try to handle tree damage after storm on their own it is risky. Tree work requires training, tools and safety knowledge especially after a storm. A certified arborist knows how to:
- Check if the tree is safe to keep
- Remove dangerous limbs without harming the tree
- Use cabling, bracing or pruning techniques
- Recommend treatments to help the tree recover
Calling an expert is not just about saving the tree; it’s about protecting your home and your family.
When Tree Removal Becomes Necessary
Not every damaged tree can be saved. Sometimes the damage is too severe or the tree poses a risk to structures and people nearby. If your tree:
- Is more than 50% damaged
- Has deep trunk cracks or a split down the center
- Leans dangerously close to your house
- Has hollow or decayed areas
It may need to be removed completely. In such cases you should contact emergency tree removal services to handle the process safely and efficiently.
Prevent Future Storm Damage
Taking care of your trees year round can help them survive future storms. Regular tree pruning especially to remove dead or weak branches, reduces the chance of breakage. Watering during dry seasons, mulching and professional inspections can keep your trees strong and healthy.
If you live in a storm prone area consider scheduling seasonal tree checkups before and after the storm season. These services can help catch early issues and prevent costly damage.
How to Choose the Right Tree Service Company
When it is time to get help make sure to hire a certified and insured tree care company. Look for these signs of a trustworthy service:
- Certified arborists on staff
- Positive customer reviews
- Clear pricing and service details
- 24/7 emergency support
After a storm has hit you can get the assistance of a reliable group that will be quick to get there and assist you in saving your property and keep your trees intact whenever possible.
Final Thoughts
Many different things can be brought by a storm other than puddles and leaves. They might severely harm your trees in ways that are not always apparent. Understanding the signs of tree damage after a storm allows you to act early and prevent long-term issues. Whether it’s fractured limbs, a cracked trunk, or leaning roots, don’t wait until the situation becomes dangerous.
The profession of tree care is not only about tree saving but it is an overall development of a safer and healthier outdoor environment for you and your family. Guessing about the status of your tree during a storm is not a good idea. Seek the assistance of an honest tree care professional and have him or her inform you on the way forward.