What To Do With a Tree That Was Damaged in a Storm

You’ve just come through a storm, and now you’re left looking at that poor, beaten tree in your yard, thinking to yourself, “What now?”. Not to worry—we have just the thing to help you out. Here’s an easy-to-follow guide to what you need to do when a storm wreaks havoc, and your tree is damaged in a storm.

What To Do with a Tree That Was Damaged in a Storm

Assess the Storm Damage

First things first, take a deep breath and evaluate the situation. Walk around the tree and check for visible damage and check for:

• Broken or hanging branches
• Split trunks
• Uprooted root systems

Be cautious, as damaged trees can be unpredictable and potentially hazardous. It may be best to call a professional arborist or tree service for large trees with severe damage.

Be Safe

Be careful near any partially broken or hanging branches. These branches can fall at any given time in a gust of wind or due to gravity.

Don’t attempt to deal with a tree that’s near power lines. Call a utility company to take care of potentially dangerous situations.

Prune Broken Limbs

Attend to the minor damage first. Use your pruning shear or saw, and trim off the broken branches by making clean cuts near the main branch or trunk. In doing so, the tree heals faster, limiting other potential pest and disease problems. Proper pruning is essential; clean cuts are key!

Clear Debris

Pruning must be followed by debris cleanup. Remove broken branches, leaves, and other debris around the tree from the storm.

Check Stability

After a storm, it’s necessary to determine whether the tree is safe. Inspect the trunk base for uprooting or soil heaving.

If the tree is leaning over or its roots have structural damage, it’s not always safe to leave it alone. Future storms can result in tree falls if they are damaged. Get a certified arborist to assess the tree.

Assess Tree Damage from Storm

Depending upon the level of damage to the tree, take the following actions.

• Minor Damage – If your tree has suffered minimal damage, it may only need a bit of pruning. Its chance of surviving with just a little TLC is good.
• Moderate Damage – A few large broken branches or some damage to the trunk, may require more aggressive pruning. This could include bracing to help hold the tree in place while it grows around the wound.
• Severe Damage – In the case of a split trunk or significant root damage, it may be best to remove the tree. Tree removal is a hard call for property owners, but safety comes first.

Tree TLC

Give a little extra TLC for healthy trees.

• Keep the roots soaked—especially during dry periods.
• Add some mulch to the base to keep the moisture in the ground.
• Fertilization helps speed up recovery by adding nutrients back into the ground.

Monitor the Trees

Observe signs of regrowth on your tree over the next few months. If you notice signs such as leaves losing their natural color or the growth of mushrooms near the base, call an arborist for advice.

Make the Call

Sometimes, a tree can’t be saved despite your best efforts.

Don’t feel shy about calling in a professional arborist for advice if you’re unclear on how to proceed.

The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) offers information about tree damage. Professionals have the expertise to analyze the situation and recommend the best action.

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