How to Assess Storm Damage to Your Trees — And Prevent It Next Time
When a major storm blows through Central New York, your first instinct is probably to check for downed power lines or roof damage, but don’t overlook your trees. Even if they’re still standing, trees can suffer hidden structural damage that poses serious risks to your home, your family, and your neighbors.
Storm-damaged trees can drop limbs days or even weeks later, and weakened root systems may fail in the next high wind. That’s why assessing your trees right after a storm is critical—and just as important is making sure they’re ready for the next one.
This guide walks you through how to spot signs of tree damage, avoid common mistakes, and take preventive steps that protect your property year-round.
II. Step-by-Step: How to Assess Tree Damage After a Storm
Storm damage isn’t always obvious—some of the most dangerous issues are the ones you can’t see right away. Here’s a step-by-step checklist to help you inspect your trees safely and thoroughly:
A. Look for Immediate Dangers
Start with the most urgent safety risks. If you see any of the following, keep your distance and call a professional immediately:
Hanging or broken limbs: These can fall without warning and cause injury or property damage.
Split trunks or cracked branches: Structural splits weaken the entire tree and often mean the tree should be removed.
Leaning trees: A new lean, especially if the soil is heaving or roots are visible, indicates root failure.
Trees touching power lines: Never approach or try to trim trees near utility lines—this is a job for utility crews and experienced professionals only.
B. Check for Subtle Signs of Stress
Once you’ve ruled out the major hazards, take a closer look for signs of hidden or delayed damage:
Stripped bark or missing limbs: May not be fatal, but increases the risk of decay or disease.
Canopy thinning or partial defoliation: Storm stress can cause significant foliage loss, which may affect the tree’s health.
Cracks at the base or lifting roots: These often mean a tree’s stability has been compromised.
Fungi or mushrooms at the base: Signs of internal decay or root rot that make a tree more likely to fail in future storms.
Remember, even if the tree looks fine from a distance, internal or root damage can be severe—and easy to miss without training.
III. Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Storm
It’s tempting to grab a saw and start cleaning up storm damage yourself—but a rushed or misinformed response can do more harm than good. Here are a few mistakes to avoid:
1. Trying to Cut Large Limbs Yourself
Heavy, unstable branches are unpredictable and dangerous. Without the right equipment and experience, DIY pruning can result in injury or additional property damage.
2. Ignoring Minor Damage
A small crack or a slight lean might not seem like a big deal, but these are often warning signs of deeper structural issues. Left unchecked, they can turn into major hazards during the next storm.
3. Assuming a Standing Tree Is a Safe Tree
Just because a tree didn’t fall doesn’t mean it’s secure. Internal damage, weakened roots, or compromised branch structure may not be immediately visible—but they can still pose a serious risk.
By avoiding these common mistakes and calling in a professional when you’re unsure, you’re making a smart investment in your safety and your property.
IV. How to Prevent Tree Damage Before the Next Storm
Storm damage is often avoidable with the right tree care practices. Here’s how you can strengthen your trees—and reduce your risk—before the next storm hits Central New York.
1. Routine Tree Trimming
Regular trimming helps eliminate weak, dead, or overgrown branches that are most likely to break during a storm. Thinning the canopy also allows wind to pass through more easily, reducing stress on the trunk and root system.
2. Tree Health Assessments
A trained eye can spot early signs of decay, disease, or poor structure—issues that often go unnoticed until it’s too late. Scheduling a seasonal tree check-up can catch these problems before they become emergencies.
3. Strategic Tree Removal
Sometimes the safest option is removing a compromised tree entirely. Trees with internal decay, root failure, or severe leaning may not survive another storm—and taking them down in a controlled way is far safer (and cheaper) than dealing with them after a fall.
A proactive approach doesn’t just protect your property—it helps your trees grow stronger, healthier, and more storm-resilient over time.
V. Why Professional Help Matters
Storm-damaged trees aren’t just a cleanup job—they’re a safety concern. Properly assessing and managing damaged or vulnerable trees requires the right tools, training, and experience. At Plows Tree Service, we bring all three.
We know what to look for—even the hidden risks.
We’re fully insured, so you’re protected.
We respond quickly and work cleanly and safely.
Whether you need emergency help after a storm or want to prepare your property before the next one, we’re here to help Central New York homeowners protect what matters most.
Call Plows Tree Service Today
Not sure if your trees are safe? Want to take steps now to avoid costly damage later?
📞 Call Plows Tree Service at 315-864-4007
🌐 Or visit www.plowstreeservice.com
📍 Proudly serving Brookfield, Utica, Rome, Clinton, Herkimer, Oneida, Cazenovia, and surrounding communities.
We’ll assess your trees, clear hazards, and help you storm-proof your property with confidence.
