• By Truelove Tree Care
• March 5th, 2025

Mother Nature can be unpredictable. One moment, your yard is full of beautiful, sturdy trees; the next, a heavy storm rolls through, leaving broken branches, uprooted trees, and scattered debris in its wake. If you’ve ever dealt with the aftermath of a severe storm, you know how overwhelming it can be. But before you grab a chainsaw and start cutting, it’s important to know the right way to handle tree damage safely.

A damaged tree isn’t just an eyesore—it can be a serious safety hazard. Unstable limbs, hanging branches, and weakened roots all pose a risk, not just to your property but to you and your family. So, what should you do when a storm leaves your yard in chaos? Here’s a step-by-step guide to assessing the damage, cleaning up safely, and knowing when it’s time to call in the professionals.

Assess the Damage (Safely!)

After a storm, your first instinct might be to rush outside and start picking up fallen branches. But before you do anything, take a moment to assess the situation carefully. Downed power lines, hanging limbs, and partially uprooted trees can all be dangerous. If you see electrical wires tangled in branches or lying on the ground, stay far away and call your utility company immediately.

Look at your trees from a safe distance. Are there large branches dangling overhead? Has a tree split or cracked near the trunk? Is there a tree leaning dangerously close to your home, driveway, or power lines? If the damage looks severe or if you’re unsure whether a tree is stable, don’t risk it—this is when calling in professional emergency tree services is the best option.

Prioritize Immediate Hazards

Some damage is purely cosmetic—like small broken branches or scattered leaves. But other issues require urgent attention. If a tree has fallen onto your house, car, or a neighbor’s property, don’t try to remove it yourself. Fallen trees can be deceptively heavy, and cutting the wrong branch could cause further damage or injury.

If you notice a tree that’s partially uprooted but still standing, treat it as an immediate hazard. Trees in this condition can fall at any moment, especially with a gust of wind or even slight movement. A professional tree removal service can assess whether the tree can be saved or if removal is necessary.

Start the Cleanup Process

Once you’ve made sure the area is safe and there are no immediate hazards, you can start clearing smaller debris. Gather branches, leaves, and twigs, and pile them away from your home and walkways. If the storm knocked down a tree but it’s not in a hazardous location, you might be able to handle small sections yourself by cutting them into manageable pieces.

For stumps left behind after a tree has fallen or been removed, consider stump grinding to reclaim yard space and prevent future hazards. A decaying stump can attract pests and fungi, so getting rid of it sooner rather than later is a smart move.

When to Call the Pros

While you might be able to handle minor debris, there are times when bringing in a professional tree care team isn’t just a good idea—it’s necessary. If you’re dealing with:

• Large fallen trees or major branches
• Trees leaning dangerously close to your home or power lines
• Cracked trunks or split trees
• Unstable trees that could fall at any moment

Then it’s time to call in the experts. A professional tree service can safely handle hazardous situations, whether that means carefully removing a damaged tree or providing preventative tree trimming to reduce future storm risks.

At Truelove Tree Care, our team specializes in fast and efficient emergency tree removal to keep your property safe. We also offer tree pruning and tree trimming services to help strengthen your trees before the next storm hits.

Preparing for Future Storms

While you can’t prevent every tree from being affected by a storm, you can take steps to reduce the chances of severe damage. Regular tree maintenance helps keep your trees strong and less likely to suffer breakage during high winds.

• Schedule regular pruning – Removing weak or dead branches before a storm hits can prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles.
• Check for early signs of disease – Sick or weakened trees are more likely to fall in extreme weather.
• Clear trees away from power lines and structures – Keeping trees properly trimmed reduces the risk of branches damaging your home or knocking out power.

If you’re unsure whether your trees are storm-ready, consider a professional tree health assessment. Our team at Truelove Tree Care can evaluate your trees and provide expert recommendations to help protect your property.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Storm damage can be unpredictable, but knowing how to handle it can make all the difference. Whether you need immediate tree removal, stump grinding, or preventative trimming, having a trusted tree care service on call ensures your property stays safe year-round.

At Truelove Tree Care, we’re here to help—before, during, and after the storm. If you need fast, reliable emergency tree services or want to prepare your trees for future storms, contact us today for a free estimate. Stay safe, and let’s keep your yard looking its best!