Storm Damage Tree Checklist: What to Look For After High Winds or Heavy Snow

After a big windstorm or heavy, wet snow, your trees can go from “beautiful shade” to “serious hazard” in a hurry. The tricky part? Not all dangerous damage is obvious at first glance.

A quick, careful tree inspection after a storm can help you spot problems early, protect your home and family, and decide whether you need emergency tree service after a storm or a scheduled follow-up visit.

Step One: Safety First

Before you even think about inspecting trees:

• Stay away from downed or sagging power lines. Treat every line as live. Call your utility company or 911.

• Don’t walk under broken or hanging limbs. They can fall with no warning.

• Keep kids and pets away from damaged trees until a professional has taken a look.

Once the area is safe, you can do a visual check from a distance.

Quick Storm Damage Tree Checklist

When you walk your property after a storm, here’s what to look for:

• Leaning or tilting trunks

  • A tree that suddenly leans, or leans more than it used to, can be unstable.

  • If the lean is new or the soil around the base looks disturbed, the tree may be partially uprooted and at risk of falling.

• Hanging, cracked, or broken limbs

  • Look for limbs hanging high in the canopy (“widowmakers”), especially over driveways, walkways, decks, or play areas.

  • Cracks where large branches attach to the trunk are a major red flag.

• Heaving, cracked, or lifted soil around the base

  • Soil that is raised or separated on one side of the trunk can mean root failure.

  • You might see exposed roots or gaps between the soil and the trunk.

• Broken or twisted tops (the crown of the tree)

  • If the top of the tree snapped or twisted, the tree may be structurally unsound even if it’s still standing.

  • This kind of damage often leads to decay and future breakage.

• Splits in the trunk or major branches

  • Vertical cracks, splits, or fresh missing bark are signs of serious structural damage.

  • Trees with split trunks often require storm damage tree removal or advanced corrective work.

• Branches on roofs, fences, or vehicles

  • Even if the branch seems small, it can hide roof damage or create future leak points.

  • Don’t try to drag heavy branches off roofs yourself—this is a job for a professional crew.

If you see any of these issues—or you’re just not sure how bad the damage is—calling American Tree Service for a professional tree inspection after a storm is the safest next step.

Emergency Tree Service After a Storm vs. Standard Service

Not every damaged tree is an emergency, but some absolutely are. Use this guide to decide what to do next.

Call for Emergency Tree Service After a Storm if:

You should treat the situation as urgent and call an emergency crew when:

• A tree or large limb is:

  • On your house, garage, shed, or another structure

  • Blocking your driveway or the only access to your property

  • Leaning or cracking in a way that suggests it could fall soon

• A tree or branch is:

  • On power lines or very close to them

  • Hanging over an area where people must pass (front door, walkway, main stairs)

• You hear:

  • Ongoing cracking, popping, or shifting from a damaged tree

In these cases, do not try to solve it yourself with a chainsaw. The combination of storm damage, tension in the wood, and unstable footing is extremely dangerous. Call an emergency crew like American Tree Service to handle the work safely.

Schedule Standard (Non-Emergency) Service if:

You can usually book a regular appointment when:

• Small branches broke but aren’t over structures or walkways

• A tree lost some limbs but is still upright and stable

• There’s cosmetic damage to the canopy, but no obvious cracks in the trunk

• Brush and fallen branches are scattered in the yard but not causing an immediate hazard

In these cases, a scheduled visit gives you time to talk through options like pruning, cabling, or planned storm damage tree removal if the tree is unlikely to recover well.

How to Photograph Damage for Insurance

If there’s a possibility of filing a claim, good documentation can make the process smoother. Here’s how to do it:

1. Start with wide shots

   • Take photos that show the whole scene: house, tree, and visible damage in one frame.

   • Capture the tree from multiple angles—front, side, and from the street if possible.

2. Then get close-ups

   • Photograph cracks in trunks and branches, hanging limbs, roof dents, broken fences, or damaged gutters.

   • Take clear shots of any impact points where branches hit structures or vehicles.

3. Include context in your photos

   • If safe, include something recognizable (like the house number or street sign) in a few photos.

   • This helps insurance adjusters understand the location and scale.

4. Document the timing

   • Turn on time/date stamps if your phone has them.

   • Save or screenshot local weather alerts/reporting about the storm in case your insurer requests proof of the event.

5. Keep receipts and estimates

   • Save written estimates from American Tree Service or other professionals.

   • Hold onto all invoices for emergency tree work, temporary repairs (like tarps), and debris hauling.

When possible, get guidance from your insurance company before major work—unless there’s a safety emergency. In an emergency, always protect people and secure the property first; insurance paperwork can follow.

How Proactive Trimming & Fire Mitigation Reduce Future Storm Damage

The best way to handle storm damage is to reduce the chances of it happening in the first place. Regular, professional tree care can dramatically lower your risk.

Here’s how:

• Structural pruning while trees are healthy

  • Removes weak, crossing, or poorly attached branches before they fail in a storm.

  • Encourages strong, balanced limb structure that handles wind and snow better.

• Thinning dense canopies (done correctly)

  • Reduces wind resistance and the weight of heavy, wet snow.

  • Helps prevent large limbs from snapping under load.

• Removing dead, diseased, or severely compromised trees

  • Trees that are already decaying are much more likely to fail in a storm.

  • Planned storm damage tree removal is safer and often less costly than emergency removal after something breaks.

• Cabling and bracing when appropriate

  • Supports weak crotches or heavy limbs that might otherwise split.

  • Can extend the life of valuable trees instead of cutting them down.

• Fire mitigation that also improves storm resilience

  • Removing deadwood, ladder fuels, and overcrowded trees improves wildfire safety.

  • Those same steps reduce the number of limbs and trees likely to snap or topple in high winds.

Partnering with a professional crew like American Tree Service for seasonal maintenance means fewer surprise emergencies and a more resilient landscape over time.

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Need Help After a Storm?

If your property just went through high winds or heavy snow:

1. Stay safe and keep clear of downed lines and damaged trees.

2. Use the checklist above for a quick tree inspection after a storm from a safe distance.

3. Call American Tree Service for:

   • Emergency tree service after a storm when there’s immediate danger

   • Scheduled pruning, cleanup, and long-term mitigation to make the next storm less stressful

Your trees don’t have to be a mystery after bad weather. With the right checklist—and the right team—you can protect your home, your family, and your landscape for years to come.