Emergency Tree Removal
Has a storm recently blown through town and left quite a mess of your trees? The aftermath of severe weather can be devastating to witness, especially when beloved trees that provide shade, beauty, and character to your property are damaged. While the effects can look alarming — broken limbs, split trunks, and stripped bark — there may still be steps you can take to save your tree and help it regain its health and beauty. After all, trees are remarkably resilient, and with proper care, many can recover from even significant storm damage.
At Heartwood Tree Care, we know the devastation severe weather can bring. Fortunately, our arborists have years of experience helping homeowners assess, restore, and maintain their trees after storms. So, if you’re wondering how to save a storm-damaged tree on your property, let us walk you through the essential steps in evaluating and treating trees.
Take Your Safety Into Account Above All Else
When dealing with a storm-damaged tree, safety must always be your first consideration. Do you see power lines entangled in branches or touching any part of the tree? This situation creates an immediate life-threatening hazard that requires professional intervention — never attempt to address these problems yourself. Contact your local utility company immediately and keep everyone away from the area until professionals have resolved the danger.
Even if there are no power lines visible, keep a safe distance from the tree. Hanging branches — often called “widow makers” — can fall without warning and cause serious injury or death. If you notice any precariously hanging branches or signs of structural instability in the main trunk (such as cracks or excessive leaning), establish a safety perimeter around the tree and call for emergency tree care to have these hazards addressed safely.
Call a Tree Care Professional
At this point, you may be wondering if it’s necessary to call a tree care expert after a storm even if you don’t see any visible issues, and we would tell you that it is! All too often, storm damage is hidden from view — whether because of surrounding trees, the tree’s own full canopy, or internal damage — and a qualified professional is needed to assess the tree’s health appropriately. Certified arborists establish appropriate safety perimeters, perform advanced risk assessments, and use specialized equipment, including cranes and rigging systems, to safely remove hazardous limbs. This critical step prevents additional property damage and personal injury while setting the stage for recovery efforts.
Before hiring a tree care company, make sure you request to see their Certificates of Insurance and Workers’ Compensation coverage. These documents verify that the company is properly insured in case of property damage, personal injury, or accidents involving their crew while on your property. Without these protections in place, you could be held liable for incidents that occur during the job. Always make sure you’re working with a fully insured company like Heartwood Tree Care for your safety and peace of mind.
Consider Advanced Tree Care Solutions
Based on the arborist’s tree risk assessment, they may recommend:
Expert Pruning & Deadwood Removal
After a storm, professional pruning is often recommended. This is because removing broken, hanging, or splintered branches helps reduce stress on the tree and prevents further injury. Otherwise, the damaged areas could become entry points for pests and diseases.
The trained arborists at Heartwood Tree Care utilize precise pruning techniques to encourage healthy regrowth while maintaining the tree’s natural appearance. We target deadwood, split limbs, and jagged tears, strategically making cuts to support healing and minimize stress.
Cabling & Bracing for Structural Support
Is your tree leaning or showing signs of structural weakness? Professional cabling and bracing solutions can stabilize vulnerable limbs and trunks. This technique helps redistribute weight and prevent future breakage, giving the tree time to heal without the risk of collapse or further damage in heavy winds or storms.
At Heartwood Tree Care, we install high-strength steel cables and flexible braces where needed. These supports help reinforce the tree’s structure during recovery, especially in cases where large limbs or the main trunk have suffered storm-related trauma.
While temporary in nature, cabling and bracing can make a significant difference in saving a storm-damaged tree. Our team monitors and maintains these supports until the tree regains the strength to stand independently. This added layer of care improves the odds of survival and reduces liability concerns for property owners.
Soil Care & Nutrient Management
Recovery doesn’t stop at pruning and support. Trees under stress need proper nourishment to regain their strength, and this often requires addressing compacted soil, damaged roots, and nutrient-poor soil.
After a severe storm, we can create customized soil treatment plans that address each tree’s unique needs. This may include aeration to loosen compacted soil and improve oxygen flow, deep-root fertilization to replenish essential nutrients that storms may have stripped away, and mulching to protect and insulate roots. Together, these measures create optimal growing conditions and support the tree’s natural healing processes.
Insect & Disease Management
Storm damage can leave trees vulnerable to pests and diseases, as cracks, exposed wood, and torn bark provide easy access for harmful invaders like insects and fungi. These threats can turn an already struggling tree into a declining one if not addressed quickly and professionally.
That’s why part of professional tree care involves monitoring and protecting against infestations. Our team applies safe and effective treatments to control existing problems while implementing preventive measures to stop new issues from developing. Throughout the recovery period, we will conduct occasional inspections to catch any signs of trouble before they escalate. This proactive approach greatly increases the chances of allowing a storm-damaged tree to live a long, healthy life.
Know When Removal Is the Safest Option
Trees generally have a remarkable capacity for recovery, especially when the damage affects less than 30% of the tree’s crown. The living tissue of trees lies just beneath the bark in what’s called the cambium layer, and as long as this vital connection between roots and leaves remains intact around a significant portion of the trunk, the tree has a fighting chance.
So, what signs indicate a tree is beyond saving? Major splits through the main trunk, a severely leaning tree with exposed or damaged roots, or instances where more than half the crown is destroyed often signal that tree removal is the wisest choice. Additionally, trees that were already stressed or diseased before the storm have lower reserves to fuel recovery and may not survive additional trauma.
Of course, you will not be able to know with certainty whether your storm-damaged tree can be saved or not until you speak with an experienced arborist. They can perform a thorough evaluation using specialized equipment and techniques to assess structural integrity and recovery potential.
Plan for the Future With These Prevention Strategies
While nature’s fury can be unpredictable, you can take steps to protect your trees before the next storm arrives. Heartwood Tree Care offers a range of proactive services designed to strengthen your trees and help prevent storm-related damage. These comprehensive tree care solutions include:
- Thinning or reducing tree canopies
- Installing lightning protection systems
- Implementing cabling and bracing
- Strategically planting trees
- Tending to the tree’s roots and surrounding soil
Let Heartwood Tree Care Help Your Storm-Damaged Tree Recover
Remember, the difference between trees that survive storms and those that don’t often comes down to their pre-storm condition and the quality of care they receive after a storm. If you’re concerned about a tree that was harmed during a storm or want to avoid future heartache, reach out to Heartwood Tree Care today. Our knowledgeable arborists are passionate about preserving the beauty and safety of local properties and want to give your trees the care they crave.