How to Save a Storm-Damaged Tree: Recover Your Tree Now!

February 13, 2025

Severe storms can leave behind a chaotic landscape, with your property’s trees suffering significant damage. Heavy winds, ice, or lightning can cause everything from broken branches, split trunks, and uprooted roots. While some trees can bounce back with proper care, others need professional intervention. Taking the right steps quickly can mean the difference between saving a storm-damaged tree and needing a full removal.

As a locally owned company with a team of certified arborists in Bucks County, PA, All the Above Tree Service has seen our fair share of severe weather and what it can do to local landscapes. We’re here to share our professional knowledge and experience with folks like you, so you can be prepared when a storm occurs. We’ll go over immediate actions to take and what the long-term road to recovery entails. Moreover, we’re breaking down what situations warrant a removal.

Give us a call with any questions or to schedule one of our many tree services. From emergency tree removal to storm clean up and stump grinding, we do it all so Bucks County can stay beautiful.

Assess the Damage

Determining the extent of the storm damage helps guide the next steps. Some trees endure minor damage, while others suffer structural failures that compromise their stability. A basically healthy tree for example, with a few remaining branches may have a strong chance of recovery, while severe structural failure often signals the need for removal.

Key indicators help determine a tree’s viability. If large cracks extend through the trunk or structural weakness is evident, professional intervention becomes necessary. The tree’s crown and primary limbs also reveal important clues. The loss of several major limbs on one side can create an imbalance that weakens the tree over time. Clean breaks on a few branches allow for easier pruning and recovery, while jagged, splintered wood complicates healing and increases the risk of disease.

Immediate Safety Measures

A storm-damaged tree poses safety risks to people, property, and nearby structures. Before making any repairs, check for hazards. Hanging limbs, leaning trunks, and unstable branches can fall without warning. Keep children and pets away from damaged trees and inspect the surrounding area for downed power lines.

Pruning broken branches that pose an immediate threat helps reduce risks. Removing small hanging limbs prevents further damage to the tree’s crown. However, large or high branches require specialized equipment and should be left to professionals.

If a tree leans dangerously or has sustained severe root damage, avoid standing beneath it. The structural integrity may be compromised, increasing the risk of collapse. Such trees with deep splits in the trunk may require cabling or bracing for support.

When Removal May Be Necessary

Some trees suffer damage that leaves them too compromised to recover. A split trunk, severe canopy loss, or extensive root failure can weaken a tree beyond repair. Even if it remains standing for now, hidden structural weaknesses could cause it to fail in the next storm.

Leaning trees often signal root damage. When a storm disrupts a tree’s foundation, its ability to stay anchored diminishes. Though it may seem stable at first, strong winds or heavy rain can bring it down unexpectedly.

Mature shade trees that sustain deep trunk fractures or lose several major limbs often also become safety hazards, especially when located near homes, driveways, or power lines. If the tree’s structural integrity is too compromised to withstand future storms, leaving it in place poses a significant risk. While expert pruning may sometimes extend its lifespan, removal is often the only option when stability can no longer be restored. A professional arborist can assess the damage, weigh the risks, and recommend the safest course of action.

Why You Should Always Hire an Arborist for Post-Storm Tree Care

Professional, ISA-certified arborists leverage years of specialized training to spot hidden tree damage that untrained eyes frequently miss. Their expertise in damage assessment helps prevent future tree failures through early intervention. Using professional-grade equipment, they safely remove broken limbs while minimizing additional stress to your tree. Years of hands-on experience with various tree species enables them to craft species-specific recovery plans that promote optimal healing. Licensed arborists also carry comprehensive insurance coverage, protecting homeowners from liability while ensuring quality work the first time.

Long-Term Recovery & Preventative Care

Long-term success hinges on proper recovery efforts, both professional and DIY. By having an expert remove damaged limbs at the branch collar, you allow for more efficient healing, as the tree can naturally compartmentalize wounds without the need for artificial treatments.

Supplemental watering is also crucial for stressed trees, especially during dry spells. Once a week, you should do a deep soak to support root recovery and help stabilize young trees. Adding mulch around the base can also be beneficial for insulating roots so they can retain moisture, but it’s important to keep it a few inches from the trunk to prevent rot.

Fertilization is another effective recovery strategy, but it should be approached with caution. High-nitrogen fertilizers may push weak growth, making trees susceptible to future damage. Instead, opt for a balanced, slow-release formula that provides nutrients without overstimulating new shoots.

Last, but certainly not least, investing in routine inspections by our trusted team can help protect trees on your property from future complications.

Call Now for Storm Cleanup Services in Bucks County, PA!

Storm damage leaves homeowners with tough decisions. Restoring trees requires skill, patience, and the right approach. Whether a tree needs professional pruning, cabling, or full removal, expert care ensures safety and long-term health.

All the Above Tree Service provides storm cleanup and emergency tree care, delivering expert solutions tailored to your landscape’s needs. Contact our team today for a professional assessment and take the first step toward restoring your trees to full health!