PRIMO TREE EXPERTS
7 Warning Signs of Serious Tree Damage From Storms
Severe weather can leave trees looking fine at first glance while hiding structural damage that may become dangerous later. After strong winds, heavy snow, lightning, or ice, knowing the signs of tree damage from storm events can help you decide when a tree needs professional attention.
Some damage is easy to spot, such as broken branches or a split trunk. Other problems, including damaged roots or internal cracks, can be harder to identify.
Here are seven warning signs homeowners should look for after a major storm.
Why Should You Check Trees After a Storm?
Storms can affect a tree's branches, trunk, roots, and overall stability. Even when a tree remains standing, damage may have weakened its structure.
A post-storm inspection can help identify:
Broken or hanging branches
Cracks in major limbs
Split or damaged trunks
Sudden changes in tree position
Crown damage
Signs of declining tree health
Early assessment is particularly important when a damaged tree is close to a home, driveway, road, utility line, or other structure.
7 Warning Signs of Serious Tree Damage From Storms
1. Large or Broken Branches Are Hanging in the Tree
Broken branches are among the most visible signs of storm-damaged trees.
Small twigs may not be a major concern, but large broken limbs can create significant hazards. A branch that remains partially attached can fall unexpectedly, especially during another period of wind.
Look for:
Large limbs hanging from the canopy
Broken branches caught in other limbs
Freshly exposed wood
Branches resting on structures or vehicles
Cracks where major limbs connect to the trunk
Avoid standing underneath damaged branches or attempting to pull them down yourself.
A professional assessment can determine whether damaged limbs need pruning or removal.
2. The Trunk Has Cracks, Splits, or Visible Damage
The trunk provides much of a tree's structural support, so serious trunk damage should never be ignored.
After a storm, inspect the trunk from a safe distance for:
Long vertical cracks
Split sections
Fresh wounds
Broken bark
Cavities that have been exposed
Areas where the trunk appears separated
A crack involving a major union or extending through a significant portion of the trunk can indicate a structural problem.
If the tree is near a building or another area where people regularly pass, contact an emergency tree service for an assessment.
3. The Tree Is Leaning More Than Before
A tree that suddenly develops a noticeable lean after a storm may have suffered damage to its roots or anchoring system.
This is particularly concerning when the lean is accompanied by:
Cracks in the soil
Lifted or exposed roots
Soil movement around the base
A root plate that appears raised
Recent changes in the tree's position
A new lean is different from the natural shape of a tree that has always grown at an angle.
If you notice a significant change after a storm, keep people and vehicles away from the area until the tree can be assessed.
4. Roots Are Exposed, Lifted, or Broken
Storm damage to trees does not always occur above ground.
Strong winds can place considerable force on a tree's root system. A tree may remain standing while its roots or surrounding soil have been disturbed.
Warning signs include:
Exposed roots
Uplifted soil
Cracks around the base
Broken roots
A raised section of the root plate
New movement at the base of the tree
Root damage can affect stability even when the canopy looks relatively normal.
This is one reason a professional inspection can be valuable after a severe storm.
5. Major Portions of the Crown Are Missing
Look at the overall shape of the tree after the storm.
If large sections of the crown have been broken away, the tree may have suffered substantial structural damage. Losing major limbs can also change the balance of the canopy.
Pay attention to:
Large gaps in the canopy
Several broken primary branches
A noticeably uneven crown
Torn branch unions
Extensive bark damage
Some trees can recover from storm damage with appropriate pruning and care. Others may have sustained damage that makes removal the safer option.
The extent and location of the damage matter.
6. The Tree Has Severe Bark or Trunk Wounds
Storms can strip bark when branches break, trees collide, or objects strike the trunk.
Small wounds may not necessarily mean a tree needs to be removed. However, extensive bark loss or a major wound can expose internal wood and indicate significant structural damage.
Watch for:
Large areas of missing bark
Deep wounds
Torn wood
Split trunk sections
Damage around major branch unions
Avoid applying paint, sealants, or other products to storm wounds unless specifically recommended by a qualified professional.
The appropriate response depends on the type and extent of the injury.
7. The Tree Shows Signs of Decline After the Storm
Some storm damage is not immediately obvious.
A tree may initially appear stable but show signs of declining health later. Changes in foliage, branch growth, or crown condition can indicate that the tree is struggling.
Possible warning signs include:
Premature leaf loss
Sparse foliage
Dead branches
Crown dieback
Discolored leaves
Reduced new growth
However, these symptoms do not automatically mean the tree is dying.
If you're wondering how to tell if a tree is dying, look at the overall pattern rather than one symptom. Storm injury, root damage, disease, drought, pests, and other factors can produce similar signs.
A professional tree health assessment can help determine what is actually happening.
What Should You Do After Finding Tree Damage After a Storm?
Start by making the area safe.
Keep people and pets away from trees with significant structural damage. Be particularly careful around trees touching or close to electrical lines.
Then:
Look from a safe distance.
Check for obvious broken branches and trunk damage.
Look for changes around the root zone.
Avoid climbing or cutting damaged trees yourself.
Contact a professional if serious damage is present.
Do not assume that a standing tree is automatically safe.
When Do You Need Emergency Tree Service?
Not every broken branch requires an emergency response. However, some situations need prompt professional attention.
Contact an emergency tree service when a tree:
Has fallen onto a house or vehicle
Is blocking a road or important access point
Has large broken limbs hanging overhead
Is leaning significantly after a storm
Has been split through the trunk
Is resting against a structure
Has fallen or is touching power lines
If electrical lines are involved, stay away from the tree and contact the utility company. Never attempt to move a tree or branch that is in contact with a power line.
When Is Emergency Tree Removal Necessary?
Emergency tree removal may be considered when storm damage has left a tree unstable and presents an immediate risk to people or property.
However, removal is not automatically the answer for every storm-damaged tree.
Depending on the damage, a professional may recommend:
Removing broken branches
Pruning damaged portions
Monitoring the tree
Supporting certain structural weaknesses
Removing the entire tree
The goal is to determine what the tree needs based on its condition and the surrounding risks.
Can Storm-Damaged Trees Recover?
Yes, some storm-damaged trees can recover.
The outcome depends on factors such as:
Amount of canopy lost.
Location and severity of wounds
Trunk condition
Root damage
Tree species
Overall tree health before the storm
Structural stability
A tree with limited branch damage may need appropriate pruning and monitoring rather than removal.
On the other hand, extensive trunk damage, severe root disturbance, or major structural failure can create concerns that require professional evaluation.
Tree Recovery After a Storm: What Helps?
Once immediate hazards have been addressed, focus on long-term tree recovery after storm damage.
Useful steps can include
Inspect the Tree
Have significant damage assessed rather than assuming the tree will recover on its own.
Remove Unsafe Broken Material
Damaged branches that pose a hazard may need professional pruning or removal.
Protect the Root Zone
Avoid unnecessary traffic, excavation, or soil compaction around damaged trees.
Maintain Appropriate Moisture
Trees under stress may benefit from appropriate watering when conditions are dry. Avoid creating waterlogged soil.
Monitor the Tree
Continue watching for changes in foliage, branch condition, new growth, and overall stability.
How Can You Prevent Tree Damage From Future Storms?
You cannot prevent every storm-related problem, but regular tree care can help identify weaknesses before severe weather arrives.
A proactive tree damage prevention approach may include:
Regular tree inspections
Removing dead or hazardous branches
Appropriate pruning
Monitoring weak branch unions
Protecting the root zone
Addressing structural problems early
Maintaining overall tree health
Regular professional inspections can be particularly useful for mature trees near homes and other structures.
When Should You Call a Professional for Storm Tree Removal?
Consider professional storm tree removal when damage involves large trees, major limbs, significant trunk cracks, root disturbance, or structures.
Professional hazardous tree removal may also be appropriate when a damaged tree cannot be safely retained.
This is especially important when:
The tree is large
The tree is leaning
Power lines are nearby.
The trunk has split
Large branches are suspended overhead.
The tree has fallen onto a structure.
Access to the tree is difficult.
Storm-damaged trees can behave unpredictably. Cutting or climbing them without the right experience and equipment can create additional hazards.
Catering to Serious Tree Damage the Right Way
Serious tree damage from storm events isn't always obvious. Broken branches, trunk cracks, root disturbance, sudden leaning, crown loss, bark injuries, and declining health can all indicate that a tree needs closer attention.
After a major storm, don't judge a tree only by whether it is still standing. Look for structural changes and signs of instability, and seek professional help when the damage could threaten people or property.
Timely assessment can also help determine whether a tree can recover or whether emergency tree removal is necessary.
Primo Tree Experts provides professional storm damage assessment, emergency tree services, and tree removal throughout the Twin Cities area.
Our experienced team can help identify hazardous branches, damaged trees, and potential safety concerns, then recommend the appropriate tree care solution for your property.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if a tree has serious storm damage?
Look for major broken branches, trunk cracks, sudden leaning, exposed roots, extensive crown loss, severe bark wounds, and signs of declining health.
Can a tree survive losing large branches in a storm?
Some trees can recover from significant branch loss, but the outcome depends on the amount and location of the damage and the tree's overall condition.
Should I remove a tree that is leaning after a storm?
A new or worsening lean can indicate root or structural damage. Keep people away and have the tree professionally assessed before deciding whether removal is necessary.
What should I do if a storm-damaged tree is touching power lines?
Stay away from the tree and contact the utility company. Never attempt to cut, move, or remove a tree that is touching an electrical line.
When should I call an emergency tree service?
Call promptly when a damaged tree presents an immediate threat to people, buildings, vehicles, roads, or other important property.
Can storm-damaged trees recover?
Yes. Trees with limited damage may recover with appropriate care and monitoring, while trees with severe structural or root damage may require removal.