How To Identify Storm Damage on Trees

Some types of storm damage are obvious, like when a tree or heavy branch falls on your home and breaks through the roof. But just because something catastrophic didn’t happen to your tree during a storm doesn’t mean it wasn’t damaged. Knowing how to identify storm damage on trees that may not be as obvious can help you watch out for impending safety hazards and take measures to mitigate areas of concern.

If you are dealing with storm damage, scheduling tree services in Whitehouse, TX, can help you determine your next steps.

Signs of Storm Damage on Trees To Watch Out For

After a storm has cleared and the weather has calmed down, it’s often a good idea to do a walk-through of your property to look for any signs of damage. This is especially important in areas like Whitehouse that tend to experience severe storms and other natural disasters, such as tornadoes, regularly. However, if you see any severe damage, especially any trees that are touching power lines or leaning significantly toward your property, your first priority should be getting to safety.

If you can safely walk throughout your property, look out for any of the following signs that your trees may have been damaged in the storm:

• Broken branches on the ground or hanging off the trunk
• Bark damage or missing sections of bark
• Split trunks or long cracks in the trunk
• Uprooted trees, with their root balls exposed

It’s normal to see leaf loss after a storm, especially if there were strong winds that shook the branches. But if you see a significant amount of leaf loss, keep an eye on the tree in the weeks and months ahead to ensure that the remaining leaves are still vibrant and not wilting or turning brown.

Trees that experienced significant storm damage could have structural weakness that increases their chances of falling in the next storm. It’s important to have a professional inspect your tree and determine whether it is safe to remain on your property.

Identifying Storm Damage vs. Other Types of Tree Issues

Your tree may be experiencing problems that are attributed to some other cause rather than storm damage. Understanding the cause of the damage to your tree can help professionals determine the correct treatment. For example, if your tree is suffering due to a pest infestation or fungal infection, treatment will look different compared to if branches were torn off in a storm.

If you see any of the following, your tree may be experiencing other stressors that also need to be addressed:

• Signs of fungal growth, such as mushrooms or conks
• Large holes in the trunk, indicating pest or insect activity
• Branches that snap instead of bend
• Soft spots on the bark
• Leaves that have turned brown or wilted

Schedule Professional Tree Service Today

Despite the relatively good wind tolerance of trees, storms can quickly damage a tree’s structural stability. Now that you know how to identify storm damage on trees, call Clear Cutters Tree Service for storm damage cleanup, trimming, pruning, or removal. Request a free quote today at 903-805-9619.