What Should I Do If a Tree Falls in My Yard?
If a tree falls in your yard, the first step is to stay away from the tree and assess the situation from a safe distance. Fallen trees can have broken branches, unstable sections, or hidden hazards. If the tree has damaged your home, vehicle, fence, or utility lines, professional assistance may be needed.
For homeowners in Thomasville, North Carolina, B&G Tree Service & Pressure Washing provides professional storm cleanup, tree removal, and debris removal for fallen and storm-damaged trees.
Keep People Away From the Fallen Tree
A fallen tree may look harmless once it is on the ground, but damaged branches and sections of the tree can remain unstable. TreesAreGood recommends taking safety precautions after storm-related tree damage and resisting the urge to handle dangerous tree work yourself.
Keep children and pets away from the area and avoid standing underneath broken or hanging branches.
If the tree has fallen onto a structure or is near electrical lines, do not attempt to move or cut it yourself.
Check for Damage to Your Property
From a safe location, look for obvious damage to your:
- Roof
- Home or other structures
- Vehicles
- Fence
- Driveway
- Landscaping
- Utility lines
A fallen tree can create additional problems if damaged sections remain unstable or if the tree is resting against another structure.
If utility lines are involved, stay away from the area and contact the appropriate utility provider or qualified professional.
Why a Professional Assessment Matters
It can be difficult for a homeowner to determine how much structural damage a tree has suffered simply by looking at it.
A tree may appear relatively healthy while having hidden damage to its trunk, roots, or major branches. Conversely, a tree with several broken limbs may still be capable of recovering if its main structure remains stable.
A professional assessment considers factors such as:
- The extent of storm damage
- Tree condition and stability
- Size and species of the tree
- Location of the tree
- Nearby homes and structures
- Driveways, fences, and landscaping
- Accessibility
- Potential hazards from broken or hanging branches
The International Society of Arboriculture explains that a professional can assess storm damage and help determine whether trees can be saved or require removal.
Do Not Try to Cut a Storm-Damaged Tree Yourself
Storm-damaged trees can be especially dangerous because broken branches may be under tension, trees may shift unexpectedly, and damaged sections can fall without warning.
The risk is even greater when a damaged tree is near a house, vehicle, utility line, or other structure. The International Society of Arboriculture recommends taking safety precautions and using qualified professionals for dangerous storm-damaged tree work.
If a tree has fallen against a structure or is touching electrical lines, stay away from the area and contact the appropriate utility or emergency professionals rather than attempting to handle the tree yourself.
What Happens After a Storm Damage Assessment?
After the tree is evaluated, the appropriate solution may be different depending on the situation.
Professional Tree Trimming
If the tree is structurally sound but has broken or damaged branches, professional trimming may be enough to remove the affected limbs and improve the tree’s condition.
Tree Removal
If the tree is severely damaged, unstable, or poses an ongoing safety risk, complete removal may be the safer option.
Storm Cleanup
Storms can leave behind fallen branches, damaged trees, and scattered debris. Once hazardous trees and limbs have been addressed, cleanup can help restore access and make the property safer and easier to use. B&G provides storm cleanup and debris removal for residential and commercial properties.
Stump Grinding
If a damaged tree needs to be removed, the remaining stump may also need to be addressed. Stump grinding can help reclaim the space and prepare the area for future landscaping.
Storm-Damaged Trees in Thomasville, NC
Storm damage can happen quickly, especially during severe weather in the Thomasville area. A tree that looked healthy before a storm can develop broken branches, leaning, trunk damage, or other problems afterward.
B&G Tree Services & Pressure Washing provides tree removal, tree trimming, storm cleanup, and related tree services throughout Thomasville and surrounding communities, including High Point, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Lexington, Asheboro, and Salisbury.
If you are unsure whether your damaged tree can be saved, getting a professional evaluation can help you make an informed decision instead of automatically removing the tree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can every storm-damaged tree be saved?
No. Some trees can recover after damaged branches are professionally removed, while others have structural damage that makes removal the safer option.
Should I remove broken branches myself?
Large or damaged branches can be dangerous and may behave unpredictably. It is safer to have significant storm damage evaluated and handled by a qualified professional.
Can a leaning tree be saved after a storm?
Sometimes, but severe leaning can indicate significant structural or root damage. A professional should evaluate the tree before deciding whether it can remain safely in place.
Does storm damage always mean tree removal?
No. B&G notes that not every tree with a problem needs to be removed. Depending on its condition, professional trimming or pruning may be a more appropriate solution.
What should I do if a storm-damaged tree is near my house?
Keep people away from the affected area and avoid attempting to cut or move the damaged tree yourself. Have the tree professionally evaluated, particularly if large branches or the trunk are near your home.
Get Professional Help With Storm-Damaged Trees
A storm-damaged tree does not automatically need to be removed. In many situations, professional trimming may help preserve the tree. However, severe trunk damage, instability, extensive root damage, or dangerous positioning can make removal the safer choice.
B&G Tree Services & Pressure Washing can help homeowners and businesses evaluate their tree service needs and address storm-related damage. From tree trimming and removal to storm cleanup and stump grinding, the right service can help restore a safer, cleaner property.
Contact B&G Tree Services & Pressure Washing for a professional assessment and free estimate.
