Safety Comes First
Never walk beneath broken hanging branches or attempt to remove limbs that are under tension. Storm-damaged trees can fail without warning, even after the wind has stopped.
If a damaged tree threatens people, buildings, roads or power lines, stay well clear and contact the appropriate emergency services or a qualified emergency tree contractor.
30-Second Answer
After a storm, inspect your tree from a safe distance. Look for hanging branches, split trunks, leaning trees, exposed roots, cracked limbs and branches resting on buildings or utility lines.
Not every damaged tree requires removal. Many recover remarkably well after losing individual branches, provided the main trunk, root system and structural framework remain sound.
However, if you notice significant structural damage or have any doubt about the tree's stability, keep people away until it has been assessed by an experienced arborist.
Understanding Storm Damage
Why Storms Damage Trees
Trees are remarkably resilient structures. They are designed to bend, sway and dissipate enormous wind forces. Healthy trees can survive thousands of storms during their lifetime.
Damage usually occurs when the forces generated by wind exceed the strength of the wood, the connections between branches or the anchorage provided by the root system.
Heavy rain often makes matters worse by saturating the soil. As the ground becomes softer, roots lose part of their grip on the surrounding earth, making overturning more likely.
The Most Common Types of Storm Damage
Broken Branches
High winds often snap overloaded limbs or branches weakened by decay.
Split Trunks
Strong winds may split trunks or separate multiple stems along weak attachment points.
Leaning Trees
Wind combined with saturated soil can partially uproot otherwise healthy trees.
Lightning Damage
Lightning can strip bark, split wood and damage internal tissues.
Root Failure
Wet soil reduces anchorage, increasing the likelihood of uprooting.
Hidden Defects
Internal cracks may remain invisible until the next storm.
How Urgent Is the Situation?
Generally Safe
- ✓ Small broken twigs.
- ✓ Minor leaf damage.
- ✓ No lean.
- ✓ No trunk cracks.
Needs Inspection
- • Large broken limbs.
- • New lean.
- • Bark damage.
- • Crown imbalance.
Emergency
- ⚠ Hanging branches.
- ⚠ Split trunk.
- ⚠ Exposed roots.
- ⚠ Tree touching power lines.
Important
Never assume a tree is safe simply because it remained standing during the storm. Hidden cracks, damaged roots and weakened branch unions may not fail until days, weeks or even months later during much lighter winds.
Storm Inspection
How to Inspect a Storm-Damaged Tree Safely
Before approaching any storm-damaged tree, stop and observe it from a safe distance. Many dangerous defects cannot be seen immediately, and broken branches may remain suspended high in the canopy for hours or even days.
Walk slowly around the tree while keeping a safe distance from the trunk. Look upwards as well as around the base, paying particular attention to changes that were not present before the storm.
If anything appears unstable, do not move underneath the canopy. No inspection is worth risking serious injury.
Hanging Branches ("Widowmakers")
One of the greatest hazards after a storm is a branch that has broken but remains suspended in the canopy. Arborists often refer to these as widowmakers because they may fall without warning.
Wind, vibration or even another branch moving in the breeze may be enough to dislodge them.
Never stand beneath a hanging limb or attempt to remove it from the ground.
Broken Branches
Broken branches are among the most common forms of storm damage. Small branches are usually of little concern, but large scaffold branches carry a significant proportion of the tree's weight and contribute to its overall structure.
If a major branch has fractured close to the trunk, the remaining attachment point may also have been weakened.
Even when the branch has already fallen, inspect the trunk for torn bark, exposed wood or long vertical cracks extending away from the break.
Split Trunks
Strong winds sometimes split a trunk along its length or force two major stems apart.
Trees with multiple stems are particularly vulnerable when the stems have developed narrow V-shaped unions with bark trapped between them. These are known as included bark unions.
A split trunk significantly reduces structural strength and should always be professionally assessed before anyone enters the area beneath the tree.
Existing Lean
Many trees naturally develop a lean during their lifetime. If the lean has remained unchanged for many years, it is not necessarily a sign of instability.
Healthy trees gradually adapt by strengthening their wood in response to the forces acting upon them.
New Lean
A tree that suddenly begins leaning after a storm should always be treated as a potentially dangerous situation.
Sudden movement often indicates that part of the root system has failed or that the surrounding soil can no longer provide adequate support.
Exposed Roots and Root Plate Movement
Examine the soil around the base of the tree from a safe distance.
Fresh cracks in the ground, raised soil or exposed roots may indicate that the entire root plate has begun lifting.
Trees showing root plate movement should be regarded as unstable until inspected by a qualified arborist.
Storm Damage Quick Guide
| Observation | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Small broken twigs. | Monitor the tree. |
| Large broken limb. | Arrange an arborist inspection. |
| Hanging branch. | Keep clear and seek professional assistance immediately. |
| New lean. | Treat as potentially unstable. |
| Split trunk. | Immediate professional assessment recommended. |
Never Do These Things After a Storm
- ❌ Walk beneath hanging branches.
- ❌ Climb a storm-damaged tree.
- ❌ Pull broken limbs with ropes.
- ❌ Stand beneath a split trunk.
- ❌ Approach trees touching power lines.
- ❌ Assume a leaning tree is stable.
- ❌ Ignore fresh soil cracks around the base.
- ❌ Enter fenced-off storm damage zones.
Hidden Damage
Not All Storm Damage Is Immediately Visible
One of the biggest misconceptions about storm damage is that if a tree remains standing and still has most of its leaves, it must be safe.
In reality, severe winds can damage wood fibres, loosen root systems and create internal cracks without causing obvious external symptoms.
These hidden defects may only become apparent during the next period of strong winds, when a previously weakened branch or trunk finally fails.
Lightning Damage
Although relatively uncommon, lightning strikes can cause dramatic and sometimes hidden damage to trees.
The electrical current rapidly heats moisture inside the trunk, creating steam that may split bark, fracture wood or strip long sections of bark from the tree.
In some cases the damage is immediately obvious. In others, internal tissues are injured while the outside of the tree appears almost unaffected.
Trees struck by lightning should be monitored carefully over the following months because delayed decline is not unusual.
Saturated Soil and Root Failure
Heavy rainfall affects more than the branches above ground. As soil becomes saturated, it loses strength and provides less resistance against the forces generated by wind.
Even a perfectly healthy tree may become unstable if prolonged rain significantly weakens the soil surrounding its roots.
This is why some trees fail after moderate winds that occur several days after exceptionally heavy rainfall.
Internal Wood Cracks
Storm forces can fracture wood fibres inside the trunk without creating immediately visible surface cracks.
These hidden defects reduce the tree's structural strength and may continue spreading with each subsequent storm.
Professional inspection may be required when hidden structural damage is suspected.
Torn Branch Attachments
Branches do not always break completely. Sometimes their attachment to the trunk is partially torn while remaining in place.
These branches may survive the storm but have lost much of their original strength.
They often fail during later storms or under the weight of snow.
Has the Tree Started Moving?
A tree that rocks noticeably in the wind after a storm deserves immediate attention.
Slight movement of branches is completely normal. Movement of the trunk at ground level, however, may indicate that the root system has become partially detached from the surrounding soil.
Fresh cracks forming in the soil around the base of the trunk are another warning sign that the root plate may be failing.
Storms Often Reveal Existing Weaknesses
Storms rarely create decay. Instead, they expose weaknesses that were already present.
Internal decay, cavities, included bark, previous pruning wounds and root damage may remain unnoticed for years until high winds place the tree under exceptional stress.
For this reason, the branch or trunk that failed during the storm is not always the true cause of the problem. The storm may simply have been the final event that revealed an existing structural defect.
Can a Storm-Damaged Tree Recover?
Surprisingly, many trees recover remarkably well from storm damage. Trees naturally compartmentalise wounds, produce new growth and adapt to changes in their structure.
Recovery depends on factors such as the species, the extent of the damage, the condition of the root system and whether the main trunk has remained structurally sound.
Losing one or two major branches does not automatically mean a tree should be removed. Conversely, severe root failure or extensive trunk damage may make recovery impossible.
Hidden Storm Damage Checklist
| Hidden Problem | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Lightning strike | Internal tissue damage may not be immediately visible. |
| Saturated soil | Reduces root anchorage and increases the risk of uprooting. |
| Internal wood cracks | Structural strength may be significantly reduced. |
| Torn branch unions | Branches may fail during future storms. |
| Root plate movement | Indicates possible loss of stability. |
Immediate Action
What Should You Do After a Storm?
Once the storm has passed, it is natural to want to inspect your trees immediately. However, the safest approach is to slow down and assess the situation carefully before entering the affected area.
Storm-damaged trees often fail after the weather has improved. Broken limbs, weakened branch unions and partially uprooted root systems may remain unstable for hours or even days.
Your first priority should always be protecting people rather than saving the tree.
Step-by-Step Safety Checklist
1. Keep Everyone Away
Prevent children, neighbours and pets from approaching damaged trees until they have been assessed.
2. Inspect From a Distance
Walk around the tree without standing beneath the canopy. Look for hanging branches, fresh cracks, leaning trunks and disturbed soil.
3. Photograph the Damage
Take clear photographs from several angles before any cleanup begins. These images may be useful for insurance claims and professional assessments.
4. Contact an Arborist if Necessary
If large limbs, trunk damage or root movement are present, arrange an inspection before attempting any pruning or cleanup.
Never Attempt These Repairs Yourself
- ❌ Climb a damaged tree.
- ❌ Cut hanging branches from below.
- ❌ Pull damaged limbs with ropes or vehicles.
- ❌ Stand beneath split trunks.
- ❌ Operate a chainsaw without appropriate training.
- ❌ Remove branches touching power lines.
- ❌ Ignore new leaning or exposed roots.
- ❌ Assume the danger has passed because the wind has stopped.
Call an Emergency Arborist Immediately If...
- ⚠ A tree has fallen onto a building.
- ⚠ A tree is blocking a road or driveway.
- ⚠ Large branches are hanging over entrances.
- ⚠ The trunk has split significantly.
- ⚠ The tree has developed a sudden lean.
- ⚠ Roots have lifted from the ground.
- ⚠ Branches are touching power lines.
- ⚠ Public safety may be at risk.
Storm Damage and Insurance
Insurance policies vary, so always review the terms of your own policy or contact your insurer for guidance following storm damage.
In many cases, insurers request photographs of the damage before emergency work begins, unless immediate action is required to protect people or prevent further damage to property.
Keeping records of inspection reports, invoices and photographs can help support any claim that may be submitted.
Can the Work Wait?
| Situation | Recommended Response |
|---|---|
| Small broken twigs only. | Monitor and arrange routine pruning if necessary. |
| Large branch on the ground. | Professional cleanup recommended. |
| Hanging limb. | Emergency attention required. |
| Tree leaning towards a building. | Immediate inspection recommended. |
| Contact with electrical cables. | Stay away and notify the electricity network operator immediately. |
Remember
Storm-damaged trees should never be judged solely by appearance. A tree with only minor visible damage may have serious hidden structural defects, while another that has lost several branches may recover completely with appropriate pruning and ongoing care. Professional assessment considers both the visible damage and the tree's remaining structural integrity.
Recovery & Next Steps
Can a Storm-Damaged Tree Recover?
Fortunately, many trees recover surprisingly well after severe storms. Trees naturally isolate damaged tissue, produce new growth and gradually rebalance their crowns over several growing seasons.
Recovery depends on several factors, including the species, age, overall health before the storm, the extent of structural damage and whether the root system remains stable.
Losing one or two major branches does not automatically mean a tree should be removed. In many cases, careful pruning and ongoing monitoring allow a healthy tree to continue thriving for decades.
Good Candidates for Recovery
- ✓ Minor branch loss.
- ✓ Sound trunk.
- ✓ Stable root system.
- ✓ Healthy canopy before the storm.
- ✓ No significant lean.
- ✓ Vigorous new growth afterwards.
Trees That May Require Removal
- ✗ Major trunk failure.
- ✗ Extensive root plate movement.
- ✗ Severe structural cracking.
- ✗ Large sections of the crown detached.
- ✗ Multiple high-risk defects.
- ✗ Significant danger to people or property.
Storm Damage Self-Assessment
Use this checklist after severe weather. If you answer "Yes" to several questions, arrange a professional inspection before assuming the tree is safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I remove a storm-damaged tree immediately?
Not always. Many trees recover successfully after storm damage. The decision depends on structural integrity, root stability and the level of risk posed by the remaining tree.
Is it safe to prune broken branches myself?
Small twigs may be removed safely, but broken limbs under tension or hanging branches should only be dealt with by trained professionals using appropriate equipment.
Can a tree survive after losing a large branch?
Yes. Many healthy trees continue growing normally after losing one or more large branches, provided the trunk and root system remain sound.
How soon should a storm-damaged tree be inspected?
Trees presenting an immediate risk should be assessed without delay. Less severe damage should still be inspected as soon as practical to prevent hidden defects from worsening.
Can hidden storm damage appear later?
Yes. Internal cracks, weakened branch unions and damaged roots may not show obvious symptoms until weeks or months after the storm.
What if my tree is touching power lines?
Stay well away from the tree and contact the electricity network operator immediately. Never attempt to remove branches from power lines yourself.
Can lightning kill a tree?
Yes. Lightning can kill a tree immediately or cause internal damage that leads to gradual decline. Some trees recover, while others suffer irreversible structural injury.
Should I wait to see if the tree recovers?
If there is any possibility that the tree could fail and injure people or damage property, do not wait. Arrange an inspection first, then monitor recovery if the tree is considered safe.
Need a Storm Damage Assessment?
Storm damage is not always obvious. Our qualified arborists can assess your tree, identify hidden structural defects and recommend the safest and most cost-effective solution—whether that is pruning, monitoring or removal.
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