March 12, 2025
After a heavy storm passes through, it’s always a good idea to step outside and give your trees a once-over. While they are built to withstand an array of environmental conditions, all it takes is one powerful storm to wreak havoc on your beloved trees.
Strong winds, torrential rain, and even lightning strikes can leave your trees in a compromised state, and when that happens, quick action is key. Depending on the extent of the damage, your tree may require professional services from an ISA-certified arborist or complete removal.
If you’re wondering whether your storm-damaged tree can be saved, take a closer look at our guide and then call Caldwell Tree Care for a risk assessment.
The Root of the Matter
- After a storm, check for structural issues like broken branches, split trunks, or uprooting to determine whether your tree is salvageable.
- Timely intervention increases the chances of saving your tree and prevents further damage to your landscape.
- Pruning, cabling, and soil and root care can often restore a storm-damaged tree.
How Professionals Assess a Storm-Damaged Tree
Before making any decisions about your tree’s future, a certified arborist will assess the extent of the damage. They will start by taking a careful look at its overall structure. Is the trunk split or severely cracked? Are large limbs dangling precariously? Has the tree been completely uprooted? These are all indicators that the tree has suffered significant stress and could be hazardous.
For example, if more than 50% of the branches are broken or missing, the tree’s ability to photosynthesize and thrive will be drastically reduced. Additionally, a tree that has been partially uprooted or has its root system compromised may struggle to regain stability.
Fortunately, not all damage may be as severe as it initially appears. If a tree has only lost a few branches or suffered minor wounds to its bark, it may still have a good chance of recovery.
If you’re ever unsure about the severity of the damage your tree has suffered, consult a tree care professional who can properly assess a storm-damaged tree and determine whether it can be restored.
Ways an Arborist Can Save a Storm-Damaged Tree
If your tree has suffered damage but is still structurally sound, an ISA-certified arborist can implement several strategies to help restore it after the storm. These treatments may include pruning, cabling and bracing, or soil and root work.
Pruning After a Storm
One of the most effective methods for helping a tree recover after a storm is pruning, which removes weakened or broken branches to promote healthy new growth. When done properly, this service can improve the tree’s appearance as well as reduce the risk of further damage during future storms.
Cabling & Bracing
For trees with minor structural issues, cabling and bracing can provide the necessary support while the tree works on healing itself. By using cables or rods to reinforce weak branches and prevent splitting, your tree can focus on delivering essential nutrients to the needed areas. Plus, the extra support helps prevent potential liabilities from falling branches.
If your tree has sustained damage to its bark or trunk, an arborist may recommend treatments in addition to cabling and bracing to prevent disease and insect infestations.
Soil Care & Root Rehabilitation
Trees that have lost a significant portion of their root system may benefit from root invigoration, mulching, and proper fertilization. These treatments help promote new root growth and are often paired with strategic watering techniques to help a tree fully recover in the months following a storm. A professional arborist from Caldwell Tree Care can assess your tree’s condition and determine the best course of action for healthy, stable growth.
Signs It’s Time to Say Goodbye to Your Storm-Damaged Tree
While saving a storm-damaged tree is always the ideal outcome, there are times when removal is the safest and most practical solution. We recommend cutting down:
- Trees that pose a risk to people or property
- Trees that have been completely uprooted
- Trees that have large sections of their trunk missing
- Trees with a deep vertical crack (or split) in the trunk
- Trees with more than half of their canopies lost
- Young trees that have lost too much of their crowns
Contact Caldwell Tree Care for Professional Tree Inspections
Has your tree been affected by a recent storm? If so, it’s important to have it assessed by a certified arborist right away. The good news is that the experts at Caldwell Tree Care are ready to jump into action at a moment’s notice. We can evaluate your storm-damaged trees and determine the best path forward, whether that involves pruning, cabling, or full removal.
Don’t wait until a damaged tree becomes a bigger hazard — contact our professionals today for a tree risk assessment and expert guidance on saving or removing your tree after a storm.