ArborActive Tree Care Guide
What to Do About Storm-Damaged Trees
After a storm, stay clear of hanging limbs, newly leaning trees and anything touching a utility line. Once the immediate hazard is handled, an arborist can assess whether the tree can be retained.
When to stay back and call for help
Treat downed lines as energized. Stay clear of the line, the tree and nearby objects they touch. If there’s immediate danger, call emergency services and notify the utility. Keep people out of the area under hanging limbs or beside a tree with lifting roots or a fresh split.
ISA guidance on storm damage and tree riskCan a storm-damaged tree be saved?
One broken limb can often be addressed with pruning. A fresh trunk split, shifting root plate or major loss of live crown calls for an on-site assessment. The decision depends on the damage, remaining structure and what the tree could strike.
Who to call for the damage you see
Make these decisions from a safe distance. Keep people out of the affected area until it has been assessed.
A tree on a line or a line on the ground
Call the utility and call emergency services if anyone is in immediate danger. Tell the tree company about any wire involvement so it can coordinate access once the utility has addressed the hazard.
A tree on a building or blocking access
Keep clear of the tree and any damaged area. When it is safe to call, tell the tree company what was struck, whether anyone is trapped or at risk, and which access points are blocked.
A damaged tree still standing
A hanging limb above a walkway, a fresh trunk split or lifted soil at the base warrants prompt attention. If only small debris fell and the tree has no obvious new damage, schedule a follow-up if you have concerns about the crown.
What to document after the storm
From a safe distance, take photos of the whole tree, the damage and any affected structure. Note blocked access and any known utility involvement. If a structure or vehicle was damaged, contact your insurer to ask what documentation it needs.
Common questions
- Is a leaning tree always an emergency?
- Some trees have leaned for years. A new or increasing lean after a storm, especially with cracked soil or lifted roots, warrants keeping people away and getting prompt help.
- Can a tree show damage after cleanup?
- Yes. Check from the ground for newly visible cracks, hanging branches or soil movement before reopening a driveway, playground or other area below the tree. An arborist can advise whether a follow-up inspection is appropriate.
- Should I cut a hanging branch myself?
- Keep clear. Hanging limbs and bent wood can move without warning. Use a qualified tree crew, and leave work near utility lines to the utility and qualified line-clearance personnel.
Ask ArborActive about your property
For urgent tree service, call 860-337-4850 from a safe place. For follow-up assessment or cleanup, use the request form and describe the damage and site access.