How to Help Wind-Damaged Trees Recover

Your backyard looks like a botanical crime scene with broken limbs and leaves everywhere. The tree you planted five seasons ago is now leaning dramatically, and it seems to have lost its will to live. You need to take action regarding that tree before it becomes a problem. But don’t reach for the axe just yet. Walk around it—breathe. If it’s not a safety hazard, like power lines, leave it be for a day or two. Storm-damaged trees can go into a state of shock, so give them some time. Discover the best way to help wind-damaged trees.

How to Help Wind-Damaged Trees Recover

Leaning Like It’s Had Too Much to Drink? You Can Help.

If your tree is leaning but still has roots in the ground (even if they look like they’re trying to escape), there’s hope. You don’t need a professional arborist degree—just stakes, some ties, and tree straps.

Drive stakes into the ground away from the trunk and gently pull the tree back upright using soft, flexible material. Tie it just tight enough to hold, but not so tight that it strangles the bark and causes tree damage.

Stop the Impulse to Prune Everything in Sight

Only cut what’s dangling, cracked, or flailing in the wind. Leave the stuff that still has leaves and give them a fighting chance. Trees are temperamental, and a branch that looks half-dead in April might sprout fresh buds in May. Give it some time before you start swinging tools around like you’re in a lumberjack competition.

Wounds and Tree Boo-Boos—How to Help Wind-Damaged Trees

Large gashes or torn bark can look dramatic, but trees are better at healing themselves than you think. You don’t need tree bandages, sprays, or gimmicky goop from the garden center. What you need is a clean, sharp blade and a gentle hand.

Trim off loose, ragged bark edges to create a clean margin around the wound. This helps the tree compartmentalize the injury and grow new tissue over time.

It’s not pretty, but it gets the job done.

Don’t Feed It Like a Houseplant

Storm recovery doesn’t require mystery fertilizers or proprietary potions labeled “tree tonic.” Trees don’t need a boost from weird chemicals—they just need:

• Water
• Space
• Time

Deep watering once a week can be beneficial if there has been a drought. Don’t drown it, the roots need oxygen as much as they need water.

Sometimes Trees Bounce Back, Sometimes They Don’t—and That’s Okay

You might notice signs of recovery and new growth in a few weeks. Or nothing at all. Watch it and give it as much time as you can before it looks like it won’t make it back. Give it a full season if you can.

If nothing happens and the tree continues to look sad and brittle, call it. Removal is likely the best course of action at this point.

Are you still unsure? Call a professional arborist. They can give you the guidance you need.

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