Checklist for Storm Damage Cleanup for Trees

August 13, 2025

When severe weather like a thunderstorm hits, bringing heavy rain and strong winds, it can leave a real mess behind. Your beautiful landscape now might have a fallen tree or scattered debris. We get it, and our team at All The Above Tree Service is here to help you navigate the aftermath with our comprehensive storm damage checklist. We’ll go over the steps you can safely tackle as well as when to call in our professional arborists to take the reins. We’re standing by, ready to provide tree removal, storm damage cleanup, expert tree pruning, and more.

Your safety is the top priority, so let’s walk through these steps together to get your property back in order.

Step 1: Evaluate the Area for Safety First

Before you grab that chainsaw or pick up debris, take a moment to survey the entire scene like a detective examining evidence. Look for downed power lines, hanging branches that could fall at any moment, and any trees leaning dangerously toward your roof or other structures. Your personal protective equipment should include sturdy boots, work gloves, safety glasses, and a hard hat if you have one available. Remember, severe weather can create hidden hazards that aren’t immediately obvious, so walk the perimeter of your property slowly and methodically before diving into cleanup work.

Learn more about knowing if your property is safe after a severe storm. 

Step 2: Document the Damage Before Cleanup Begins

It’s tempting to start tossing debris immediately. But first, grab your phone and snap photos of everything — upturned bark, crushed lawn furniture, broken canopy limbs, and any direct hits to your roof or gutters. These photos help back up your insurance claim if you’re dealing with a covered loss. Most providers want clear evidence of what the weather did, especially when damage involves trees on the house, garage, or fence.

Step 3: Remove Light Debris and Clear Pathways

Once you have determined the area is safe from electrical hazards and major falling limbs, you can begin some light cleanup. Focus on removing small twigs, leaves, and other manageable debris from your lawn and pathways. Clearing these areas first creates a safer space for you to walk and assess the larger issues. This also helps prevent further damage to your lawn and allows you to see the condition of the soil underneath.

Step 4: Inspect Trees for Structural Damage

Now comes the detective work — examining each tree for signs of serious damage that could pose ongoing risks to your property and family. Look for cracks in the trunk, exposed root systems where soil has washed away, and branches hanging at odd angles that suggest internal breaks. Pay special attention to species like oak and elm, which can be particularly susceptible to wind damage during severe weather events. Split bark, damaged branch collars, and leaning trunks all signal potential problems that need expert evaluation.

Discover how to save a storm-damaged tree. 

Step 5: Perform Basic Pruning and Cleanup Tasks

You can handle some minor pruning yourself if you feel comfortable and have the right gear. Small, cleanly broken branches are often simple to remove with pruning shears or a handsaw. When you make a cut, do it just outside the branch collar, which is the swollen area where the branch meets the trunk. This technique helps the tree heal properly and protects it from disease and pest infestation.

Step 6: Dispose of Tree Debris Properly

Your municipality probably has specific guidelines for storm debris disposal, so check their website or call before you start dragging everything to the curb. Large wood pieces can often be turned into mulch for your landscape, which actually benefits your remaining plants and trees. Smaller branches and leaves can go into yard waste collection, while diseased material should be disposed of separately to prevent spreading problems to healthy vegetation.

When to Call a Professional Storm Cleanup Team

Some situations absolutely require professional expertise, and recognizing these scenarios can prevent serious injury or property damage. Large branches hanging over your roof, trees leaning against power lines, or any situation involving electrical hazards should be left to our emergency service professionals. Additionally, if you’re dealing with mature oak or elm trees, pest infestations that may have been disturbed, or extensive root damage, our expert team has the gear and experience to handle these complex situations safely. Don’t risk your safety or create liability issues – when in doubt, give us a call.

Explore why you should trust a professional tree service with storm cleanup. 

Reach Out to Our Expert Arborists Today!

We hope this checklist helps you feel more in control after a storm. The weather is unpredictable, but your response doesn’t have to be. Your property and your trees are valuable, and taking the right steps protects them. Should you need help with anything from a detailed tree assessment to emergency tree services, contact our team of certified arborist professionals for efficient storm damage tree cleanup.