Storms and strong winds can cause significant damage to trees, gardens and surrounding properties. From broken branches and fallen trees to damaged trunks and exposed roots, severe weather can leave homeowners facing potentially dangerous situations.

Knowing what to do after storm damage is important for protecting your property, keeping people safe and preventing further damage.

At Mint and Swift Tree Surgeons Ltd, we provide professional tree surgery and emergency tree services to help homeowners and businesses deal with storm-damaged trees. With over 30 years of experience, our qualified team understands the importance of responding quickly and safely when trees have been affected by severe weather.

In this guide, we explain what to do after storm damage, how to identify potentially dangerous trees and when to call a professional tree surgeon.

1. Put Safety First

After a storm, your first priority should always be safety. Even if the weather has passed, damaged trees and fallen branches can remain unstable and may move or fall without warning.

Before assessing any damage, make sure everyone is at a safe distance from affected trees and surrounding areas.

There are several things to look out for:

• Large branches that have broken but remain hanging in the tree.
• Trees leaning at an unusual angle.
• Cracks or splits in the main trunk.
• Exposed or lifted roots around the base of the tree.
• Fallen trees resting against buildings, fences or other trees.
• Branches tangled in overhead power lines.

Never attempt to remove large hanging branches or cut down a damaged tree yourself. These situations can be extremely dangerous without the correct training and equipment.

If a tree or branch has come into contact with overhead power lines, keep well clear and contact the electricity network operator. Do not approach or attempt to move it.

2. Assess the Damage From a Safe Distance

Once the area is safe, you can begin looking at the extent of the storm damage.

Not all storm damage means a tree needs to be removed. In some cases, professional pruning or crown reduction may be enough to restore the tree's structure and manage any damaged branches.

However, certain signs may indicate more serious structural problems.

Look out for:

• Broken branches: Large broken limbs can leave the tree vulnerable to further damage and may need professional removal.
• Split trunks: Significant cracks or splits can affect the tree's structural stability.
• Root damage: Exposed or lifted roots may suggest the tree has become unstable.
• Leaning trees: A sudden change in the tree's angle following strong winds could indicate root failure.
• Fallen trees: Trees that have fallen or are resting against structures may require specialist dismantling.

If you notice any of these signs, avoid the immediate area and arrange for an experienced tree surgeon to assess the situation.

3. Contact a Professional Tree Surgeon

If your trees have suffered significant storm damage, contacting a professional tree surgeon is one of the most important steps you can take.

Storm-damaged trees can be unpredictable, particularly when branches are under tension or the tree's root system has been compromised.

At Mint and Swift Tree Surgeons Ltd, our experienced team can assess the condition of damaged trees and recommend the safest course of action.

Depending on the extent of the damage, this may involve:

• Emergency tree removal: Safely removing trees that have fallen or become dangerously unstable.
• Tree pruning: Removing broken, damaged or hazardous branches.
• Crown reduction: Reducing the size and weight of a canopy where appropriate.
• Tree dismantling: Carefully removing damaged trees in controlled sections, particularly where buildings or other obstacles are nearby.

Our aim is always to identify the most suitable solution, whether that means restoring a damaged tree or removing it completely where necessary.

4. Check for Damage to Your Property

Storm damage to trees can sometimes affect more than just your garden.

Fallen branches and trees can cause damage to roofs, garages, fences, sheds, vehicles and other outdoor structures.

Once it is safe to do so, check your property for any visible damage.

You should also consider:

• Checking your roof for damage caused by falling branches.
• Looking for broken fences, garden walls or damaged sheds.
• Checking driveways and access routes for fallen trees or debris.
• Looking for damage to nearby structures caused by moving branches.
• Taking photographs of the damage for your insurance provider.

If a tree has fallen onto your home or another structure, do not attempt to move it yourself. Contact the relevant emergency services if there is an immediate danger, and arrange for a professional tree surgeon to assess the situation.

5. Contact Your Insurance Provider

If storm damage has affected your property, it is worth contacting your home insurance provider as soon as possible.

Many home insurance policies include some level of cover for storm damage, although the exact protection will depend on your policy and circumstances.

Your insurer may ask you to provide:

• Photographs of the damaged tree and surrounding property.
• Details of when the storm occurred.
• Information about the extent of the damage.
• An assessment or quotation from a professional tree surgery company.

It is important to check with your insurer before arranging non-urgent work. However, if there is an immediate safety risk, reasonable emergency measures may be necessary to prevent further damage or injury.

Keep records of any emergency work carried out and speak to your insurer as soon as possible.

6. Can a Storm-Damaged Tree Be Saved?

One of the most common questions homeowners have after severe weather is whether a damaged tree can be saved or if it needs to be removed.

The answer will depend on the type and severity of the damage, the tree species and its overall health.

In some cases, a tree may recover with appropriate pruning and maintenance. Removing damaged branches can help improve its structure and reduce the risk of further problems.

However, if the trunk has split significantly, the roots have been severely disturbed or the tree has become structurally unstable, removal may be the safest option.

An experienced tree surgeon will be able to assess the damage and advise whether the tree can be retained.

At Mint and Swift Tree Surgeons Ltd, we always aim to recommend the most appropriate solution based on the tree's condition and the safety of its surroundings.

7. How to Reduce the Risk of Future Storm Damage

Although you cannot prevent severe weather, regular tree maintenance can help reduce the risk of damage during storms.

Keeping trees healthy and addressing potential problems before they become serious can make a difference when strong winds arrive.

Here are some ways to help protect your trees:

• Arrange regular tree inspections: Identifying signs of decay, disease or structural weakness early can help prevent future problems.
• Remove dead or damaged branches: Deadwood and weak branches may be more likely to break during strong winds.
• Maintain healthy tree growth: Appropriate pruning can help maintain a suitable structure and canopy.
• Address structural concerns: Trees with cracks, decay or other weaknesses should be assessed by a qualified professional.
• Avoid excessive pruning: Incorrect or excessive cutting can weaken trees and encourage poor regrowth.

Regular tree maintenance is particularly important for trees located close to homes, roads, pathways and other frequently used areas.

 

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