Storm Damage Cleanup: What to Do After Trees Fall

A single storm can undo years of growth in the blink of an eye. What you do in the hours and days after a storm can significantly impact your property and the trees on it. Whether you’re dealing with a yard full of scattered branches, a tree that fell on your roof, or a few downed limbs from your mature tree, knowing how to respond and who to call can help protect your property, reduce risk, and simplify recovery.

This guide walks you through the full storm damage cleanup process, from your first safety check to deciding whether your storm-damaged tree can be saved. And if you want to reduce the risk before the next storm arrives, proactive measures such as routine pruning, cable bracing, and annual tree health assessments with a SavATree ISA Certified Arborist can significantly lower the likelihood of needing storm damage cleanup on your property.

Contact your insurance provider. Always contact your insurance provider or local municipality to inquire about information on storm damage cleanup requirements in your area.

Survey the damage. The first priority is always safety. Don’t touch any tree or branch that’s in contact with a power line, and call your local utility company if any power lines in your area (especially in your yard) are down.

Document everything. Photograph all of the damage from multiple angles before you move anything. This will come in handy for your homeowners' insurance claims. If the storm is part of a federally declared disaster, photos and videos may also support FEMA-related claims or assistance applications.

Identify the severity of the damage. Small debris and broken branches may not require professional assistance. Medium damage, such as split branches still attached to the canopy, or severe damage, such as uprooted trees, will require professional assistance.

Once you’ve assessed the situation, it’s time for storm damage cleanup.

Storm Damage Tree Removal: When You Need a Professional

While some storm damage cleanup may be performed on your own, certain situations call for a professional storm cleanup service. Anything that puts your safety, the safety of other people, your property, or standing structures in danger should be handled by a professional.

Signs a Fallen Tree Requires Professional Removal

There are a few specific ways to tell whether you’ll need storm damage cleanup from a professional service. If a tree has fallen near or on a structure such as a house, garage, shed, or fence, you should seek professional assistance. Professionals are equipped to handle these situations, and handling them yourself can lead to injury, further structural damage, utility issues, or insurance snags. In some cases, you may need proper training or equipment to safely handle cleanup.

If a tree has become tangled up in, resting against, or fallen with a power line, do not touch the tree or fallen lines. Call your power utility company and contact a professional accredited by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).

Some situations that require assistance from an ISA Certified Arborist:

A trunk that is split at the base, exposing the heartwood
Root ball exposure of 50% or more
A tree leaning at a 30-degree angle or more
Hanging limbs lodged in the canopy

Limbs can drop without warning, leaning trees can fall at any moment, and it is never worth putting yourself in harm's way.

What Professional Storm Damage Tree Removal Involves

The storm damage cleanup process will start with a tree assessment with an arborist who will evaluate structural integrity, root system stability, and proximity to structures, walkways, and driveways for potential additional damage.

Clean-up may require the use of heavy equipment to safely remove the damaged trees. Professional companies like SavATree dispatch highly qualified specialists with state-of-the-art equipment and a fleet of specialized vehicles.

How to Find Storm Damage Cleanup Near Me

After severe weather, demand for professional tree cleanup services increases quickly. Make sure you’re hiring a trusted, qualified company, as this is a prime time for scammers to overpromise services and underdeliver on the cleanup. While vetting companies, look for ISA certification, as the International Society of Arboriculture credential verifies that an arborist is knowledgeable and has passed specific training and education to handle the storm damage cleanup professionally.

Ask for proof of insurance, including general liability and workers' compensation, and a written estimate. Avoid storm chasers who are generally unlicensed and show up to do standard work, and then disappear to the next storm. Instead, look for a verified company with a branch in your area so you can be confident the work will be handled and someone will be there for any questions or concerns you have after the work is complete.

SavATree operates branches nationwide, with ISA Certified Arborists serving local communities across the country. With nearly 50 years of experience, we provide reliable, science-based care and complimentary consultations to help you recover safely after storm damage.

The Process of Tree Damage Cleanup

Depending on the situation, cleanup may look different for each homeowner. Factors such as the size of fallen limbs, whether the trunk was affected, and whether power lines are present will dictate the steps to take.

Cleaning Fallen Limbs and Debris

Small branches and debris are a common part of tree-damage cleanup. This may show up as scattered branches or pieces of the canopy. Generally, these are safe to clean up, but the disposal of the limbs will depend on the size, volume, and condition of the branches.

Trimming Storm-Damaged Limbs That Pose Ongoing Risk

After immediate debris and limbs are cleared, check that the remaining tree branches do not pose a greater issue. Sometimes limbs are cracked or weakened during a storm, but remain in the canopy, making them difficult to spot. This is why it’s best to have an ISA Certified Arborist assess your trees and, if needed, perform proper pruning.

Improper pruning after storm damage can weaken the tree and make it more susceptible to insect infestations or diseases, leading to further damage during the next storm. Hiring a professional ensures your trees get the cleanup and care that they need before the next big storm.

Deciding Whether a Damaged Tree Can Be Saved

Professional arborists assess critical issues such as crown loss, trunk health, and root system damage to determine whether the tree can be saved. Some trees are fit to survive and may need a little assistance from cabling or bracing support during recovery, while others may need to be removed. An ISA Certified Arborist's job is to give a true assessment of the health and safety of a tree, and is best equipped to determine if a removal is truly necessary or if your tree can be saved with proper care and attention.

Understanding Tree Trimming Costs After a Storm

Understanding costs is a practical part of the storm damage cleanup process.

How Much Does Tree Trimming Cost?

Trimming is an important part of tree maintenance. The cost of tree trimming will depend on the size of the tree, the complexity of the trim job, and the number of trees that require trimming. Storm damage trimming may be more expensive than regular trimming because it requires more urgent action, is performed in more hazardous conditions, and may require more than a maintenance trim.

Some insurance companies assist with storm damage cleanup costs, so it’s worth making a claim if you’ve been affected by a storm.

What Factors Affect Tree Pruning Costs?

Some of the factors that may affect pruning cost include:

Tree size: Larger trees may require additional labor and specialized equipment
Number of limbs affected or needing attention
Accessibility: Trees near structures, fences, or tight spaces may require extra care
Proximity to power lines: increases the complexity and safety requirements
Debris volume and disposal: hauling away large quantities of material may affect pricing
Emergency services: storm response calls may carry a high price tag
Location: Pricing may vary based on local labor rates and market conditions

If your property has been hit by storm damage, SavATree offers complimentary consultations and estimates for cleanup services.

When a storm hits, acting quickly and safely is the key to protecting the trees and landscape you’ve invested in over the years. From documenting damage and clearing small debris to contacting certified professionals, every step of the cleanup process helps protect your property.

The right arborist will assess the storm damage and help you make informed decisions about the right course of action for your property. SavATree’s ISA Certified Arborists are available to help restore your property after a storm, and we bring nearly 50 years of experience to every job.

FAQs

When should I call a professional for storm damage tree removal instead of handling it myself?

If a tree has fallen on a structure, is near power lines, has a split trunk, has an exposed root system, or is leaning at an angle of 30 degrees or more, you’ll want to reach out to an ISA Certified Arborist. Hanging or cracked limbs, especially if they’re still in the canopy, require a professional as well.

How much does tree trimming cost after a storm?

This will depend on many variables, such as tree size, number of affected limbs, accessibility, proximity to power lines, debris volume and disposal needs, emergency services, location, and which provider you choose to hire.

What should I look for when searching for storm damage cleanup near me?

Seek professionals who are ISA Certified Arborists and ask for proof of insurance. Make sure to get a written estimate and be cautious of unlicensed operators, especially if they are not local, offer low prices, or lack professional credentials. Hire a reputable company like SavATree, which offers a complimentary consultation, employs experienced and credentialed professionals, and provides transparent pricing.

Can a tree survive after major storm damage, or does it need to be removed?

This will depend on the type and extent of the storm's damage. If your tree suffers from crown loss and has a few cracked limbs, a proper pruning job may be all you need. In more significant cases, cabling or bracing support may be needed, or removal of the tree if it has a split trunk or severe root damage. SavATree prioritizes preservation first and will evaluate all available options to restore the tree's health.