High winds, torrential rain, and lightning strikes are a few causes of tree damage during a storm. Even healthy trees are at risk of losing branches or getting struck. There are several factors to keep in mind while pruning any plant, but dealing with storm damaged trees requires extra care.

Who to Call After Storm Damage

If a tree on your property has fallen into a public road, walkway, or brought down power lines, there are several calls to make:

1. 911 or a local non-emergency line. Emergency services need to be alerted to manage the situation and clear the area for public safety.
2. Tree service. Trees on public roads may be cleared by county authorities. However, they may only clear it off the road and onto your lawn. You are responsible for removing the tree from your yard or private property.
3. Insurance company. Take pictures and document any damage the fallen tree has made to your home, car, or other structures. Use these when you make an insurance claim.

During this process, stay away from any downed power lines and don’t attempt to remove broken branches until the area is safe.

Pruning Storm Damaged Trees

Once the area is clear, pruning a damaged tree is still considered a hazard. Whether the tree is uprooted, split in half, or losing limbs, it’s weakened and unpredictable. It’s not safe to attempt to remove broken branches dangling too high to reach—even with a ladder. The safest option is to have a professional tree service handle the precarious situation.

If there are broken branches you can reach, it’s important to properly prune to prevent tearing the bark and causing more damage. Only prune the most hazardous branches. Leave any light pruning for later. The tree is already under enough stress, so the less you need to cut the better.

One thing you should focus on is cleanup. Clear leaves, branches, and other debris from the area. Keep an eye on the tree’s condition and call an arborist if you notice signs of disease or pests, as weakened plants may not be able to recover from additional complications. If you have to do more pruning, wait until the late winter or early spring while the tree is dormant. Continue to monitor the condition during the following growing season. With the right care and pruning methods, your tree has a chance of bouncing back after a storm.