Severe weather can have a major impact on trees, particularly mature trees with large canopies and extensive branches. Strong winds, heavy rain, and storms can break branches, split limbs, damage trunks, disturb roots, or even cause entire trees to fall. While some storm damage is immediately obvious, other problems may not be easy to identify from the ground. A branch may remain partially attached within the canopy, or a tree may appear upright while having suffered significant structural damage. For this reason, property owners should take care when inspecting trees after severe weather and consider professional assistance where damage appears significant. Experienced Tree Surgeons Wakefield can assess storm-damaged trees and recommend the most appropriate way to deal with the situation.
Storm damage can also create unexpected problems around homes, gardens, commercial premises, driveways, roads, and pathways. Fallen branches may block access, damage property, or leave unstable sections hanging above areas used by people and vehicles. Attempting to cut or remove large damaged branches without appropriate equipment and experience can make the situation more dangerous. Depending on the condition of the tree, professional Emergency Tree Work, Deadwood Removal, Tree Pruning, or Tree Removal may be required. Acting promptly after serious storm damage can help property owners regain control of the affected area while allowing remaining trees to be assessed and maintained appropriately.
1. Keep Your Distance From Severely Damaged Trees
The first step after discovering storm damage is to avoid approaching trees that appear unstable or severely damaged. A tree that has been affected by strong winds may have branches hanging within the canopy, cracks in major limbs, or sections that have shifted from their original position. These branches can move unexpectedly, particularly when there is still wind present. Even if a branch appears secure, it may have lost much of its structural support and could fall without warning. Property owners should therefore avoid standing beneath damaged canopies or attempting to climb the tree to inspect the problem themselves.
Professional Tree Surgeons Wakefield have the appropriate experience and equipment to assess damaged trees and determine how they should be managed. They can consider the position of broken branches, the condition of the trunk, the surrounding environment, and the potential impact on nearby structures and access routes. This is particularly important when a damaged tree is close to a home, garage, fence, road, driveway, or public pathway. Where there is an immediate concern, Emergency Tree Work Wakefield can provide a suitable response. Professional assessment can help establish whether damaged sections can be safely removed or whether more extensive work is necessary.
2. Look for Broken and Hanging Branches
Storms can cause branches to break at different points throughout a tree. Smaller branches may fall completely, while larger limbs can become partially detached and remain suspended within the canopy. These hanging branches can be difficult to see from certain angles, particularly when they are high in a mature tree. Broken branches can also leave exposed areas within the canopy that may require professional attention. After severe weather, property owners should look for obvious fallen branches around the garden and surrounding property but should avoid attempting to remove large or elevated branches themselves.
Deadwood Removal and professional Tree Pruning may be suitable for addressing certain damaged branches. A tree surgeon can identify which branches have been broken and determine whether they need to be removed completely or whether the tree can be safely managed in another way. Selective pruning can also help remove damaged growth while maintaining the remaining healthy structure of the tree. If storm damage has affected a large portion of the canopy, a more detailed assessment may be required before any work is undertaken. In some situations, Crown Reduction may be considered to manage an excessively large canopy, although this depends entirely on the tree’s condition and should not be used simply as a response to every type of storm damage.
3. Check for Changes in the Tree’s Position or Structure
One of the more serious signs of storm damage is a noticeable change in the position of a tree. Strong winds can cause trees to lean, particularly when roots or surrounding soil have been disturbed. A tree that previously stood upright but is now visibly leaning should be treated with caution. Other signs may include raised soil around the base, exposed roots, cracks in the ground, damaged trunk areas, or movement within the tree. These signs do not necessarily mean that a tree must be removed, but they should be assessed by an experienced professional.
A professional Tree Survey or tree assessment can help determine the condition of the affected tree and whether it may be suitable for continued management. Depending on the findings, services such as Tree Pruning, Deadwood Removal, or Crown Reduction may help manage parts of the canopy. However, if the storm has caused significant root or structural damage, the tree may no longer be suitable for its location. In such circumstances, Tree Removal may be the safest and most practical solution. Our Tree Surgeons Wakefield consider the tree itself as well as the surrounding environment when recommending work, particularly where the tree is close to buildings, roads, pathways, or other areas where instability could create significant problems.
4. Deal With Fallen Trees and Blocked Access
A fallen tree can create immediate difficulties for homeowners and businesses. Trees can fall across driveways, garden paths, entrances, fences, roads, parking areas, or other important access routes. Large fallen trees can also leave heavy branches and sections of timber spread across the surrounding area. Moving this material can be difficult without suitable equipment, particularly when the tree is large or positioned close to structures. Professional Emergency Tree Work can help deal with urgent situations and allow property owners to regain access to affected areas.
After the main tree has been removed, there may still be a considerable amount of debris left behind. Branches, timber, smaller vegetation, and other material can make the area difficult to use. Our Site Clearance service can help clear larger quantities of unwanted material following storm damage. If a substantial stump remains in the ground, Stump Removal can help clear the base and make the area easier to landscape or use again. This can be particularly helpful when a fallen tree has affected a garden, driveway, or commercial outdoor area. By combining emergency tree work with appropriate clearance services, property owners can address both the immediate problem and the remaining effects of storm damage.
5. Arrange Follow-Up Maintenance for Remaining Trees
After a storm has damaged one tree, it is also worth considering the condition of other trees across the property. Severe weather can affect multiple trees at the same time, and some damage may not be immediately visible. Branches may have developed cracks or become weakened without falling, while trees that remain standing may have experienced stress to their structure or root systems. A professional inspection can help property owners identify trees that require monitoring or maintenance following the storm. This can be especially important for properties with mature trees or large numbers of trees.
A professional Tree Survey Wakefield can provide useful information about the condition of trees across the property and help identify future maintenance requirements. Some trees may only need Deadwood Removal, while others may benefit from regular Tree Pruning, Crown Lifting, or Crown Reduction. Trees that remain healthy and stable can continue to be monitored as part of an ongoing maintenance programme. Hedge Trimming may also be useful if storm conditions have left boundaries overgrown or damaged. By arranging follow-up care after severe weather, property owners can avoid focusing only on the tree that suffered the most obvious damage while overlooking other potential concerns around the property.
Conclusion
Storm damage can leave trees in an unpredictable condition, and the safest approach is to treat significant damage seriously. Broken branches, hanging limbs, leaning trees, damaged trunks, exposed roots, and fallen trees can all require professional assessment. While some damage can be managed through Tree Pruning, Deadwood Removal, Crown Reduction, or other maintenance services, more serious structural damage may make Tree Removal necessary. The correct solution depends on the condition of the individual tree and the risks created by its location.
If your property has suffered tree damage following severe weather, professional Tree Surgeons Wakefield can assess the affected area and recommend appropriate work. Emergency Tree Work can help with urgent situations, while Site Clearance and Stump Removal can deal with the remaining debris and tree stump after removal. For trees that remain on your property, a Tree Survey can help establish their condition and identify future maintenance requirements. Regular Tree Pruning, Crown Lifting, and Deadwood Removal can then be arranged where appropriate. Taking professional action after a storm can help restore your property, address damaged trees, and establish a better maintenance plan for the future.