What to Do After Storm Damage to Your Trees

After storm damage, the first priority is safety: stay away from downed trees or branches near power lines, avoid walking under hanging or partially broken limbs, and contact a professional tree service to assess the damage before attempting any cleanup. Acting quickly and safely helps prevent further injury or property damage.

Step 1: Check for Immediate Hazards

Before doing anything else, look for downed power lines near fallen trees or branches. Treat any tree in contact with a power line as an active hazard and keep people and pets away, and contact the utility company immediately rather than approaching it. Also watch for hanging branches, sometimes called "widowmakers," that look stable but can fall without warning.

Step 2: Avoid Walking Under Damaged Trees

A tree that survived a storm may still have hidden damage, such as internal cracks or a compromised root system, that isn't visible from the ground. Avoid parking, walking, or letting children play under any tree that shows signs of storm stress until it's been inspected.

Step 3: Document the Damage

Take photos of fallen trees, broken branches, and any property damage before cleanup begins. This documentation is often needed for insurance claims and helps a tree service understand the scope of work needed.

Step 4: Don't Attempt Large Cleanup Alone

Fallen limbs and leaning trees carry stored tension and can shift or fall unpredictably when cut or moved, which makes DIY cleanup one of the more dangerous parts of storm recovery. Chainsaw injuries and falls are common during post-storm cleanup attempts. Leave large branches, leaning trees, and anything near power lines to a professional crew with the right training and equipment.

Step 5: Get a Professional Assessment

Even trees that look fine after a storm can have hidden root or trunk damage that makes them hazardous. A professional inspection identifies which trees are safe, which need trimming, and which should be removed before they become a bigger risk.

Step 6: Schedule Debris Removal

Storm debris left on a property can attract pests, create tripping hazards, and make it harder to spot additional damage. Scheduling prompt cleanup and haul-away keeps the property safe and helps it recover its normal appearance faster.

Why Fast Response Matters

Storm-damaged trees don't always fail immediately, sometimes a compromised tree stands for days or weeks before finally coming down. Addressing storm damage quickly reduces the window where a hidden hazard could cause injury or additional property damage.

Tree Top Tree Service has helped Snohomish and Skagit County property owners respond to storm damage since 1987. Our licensed, bonded, and insured crew handles everything from emergency assessments to full debris cleanup and haul-away.

FAQ

Is it safe to remove small branches myself after a storm?
Small, ground-level debris is usually safe to clear. Avoid anything involving a ladder, a chainsaw, or a tree still under tension from storm damage.

How soon after a storm should I have my trees inspected?
As soon as it's safe to do so. Hidden damage can make a tree hazardous even if it looks fine, so a prompt inspection helps catch problems early.

What if a tree fell on my property but isn't touching my house?
It should still be inspected and removed. Fallen trees can settle, shift, or attract pests, and cleanup is safer when handled by a professional crew.

Does storm damage cleanup include hauling away debris?
Yes. Tree Top Tree Service handles full cleanup and debris haul-away as part of storm damage response.