Uncertain about what to do for tree safety after a storm? Find out how to spot danger signs, avoid hazards, and protect your trees with our expert advice.
Check for Immediate Dangers First
After a storm, start by looking for anything that could hurt someone straight away. Check if a tree has fallen across a road, a pavement, a driveway, or a doorway. If it blocks a safe exit from the home, treat it as urgent and do not try to force your way past branches that may shift.
Look closely for any trees that are leaning more than they did before. A lean can mean the roots have lifted, the ground has softened, or the trunk has cracked. Even if the tree is still standing, it may be unstable and could fall without warning.
Scan the ground around the base of each tree. Raised soil, broken roots, fresh cracks, and gaps where the earth has pulled away are all signs that the tree may not be secure. These clues are often easier to spot than problems more serious up in the canopy.
If there are people nearby, keep them back. Put children and pets indoors while you check the area. If you need to warn others, use simple barriers like bins, cones, or tape, and tell neighbours to avoid the risk until it is properly dealt with.
Watch Out for Power Lines and Cables
Treat any cable as live unless a professional says otherwise. If a tree or branch is touching overhead lines, stay well away and keep others back, too. Even a line that looks quiet can still carry electricity, and the danger can extend to wet ground and nearby metal objects.
You’ll need to look for any lines that may have been pulled lower than usual. A falling tree can sometimes stretch cables, and they may snap later, even once the storm has passed. If you see sagging lines or poles that are beginning to tilt, it’s best to report it as soon as you can, and do not stand underneath.
Be careful with the smaller cables as well. Garden lighting wires, phone lines, and internet cables can be tangled in branches or dragged down. While they may not carry the same risk as power lines, they can still cause injury, trips, or damage if you cut or pull them.
If a cable is down on the ground, do not touch it, move it, or step over it. Keep a safe distance and contact the right emergency service. If you can do so safely, take a photo from far back to show what you saw, as it can help when reporting the issue.
Check Trees Near Buildings, Driveways, and Paths
Any trees that are close to buildings need lots of extra care, especially after high winds or extreme weather. Assess for large branches that may have cracked but not fallen yet. These can drop later, especially when the tree dries out or when another gust comes through.
Inspect the roofline, gutters, and windows for signs of impact. Even a small hit can loosen the roof tiles, damage flashing, or block your drainage. If you start to see new marks appear or broken pieces, keep people away from that side of the building until you know it is safe.
Check driveways and paths for hidden hazards. Leaves can cover fallen limbs, and puddles can hide uneven ground where roots have lifted nearby. A clear path is important, but do not rush to tidy if there is still a risk of more falling debris.
If a tree is close to a parked car or garage, do not assume it is safe because it is still standing. Look up at the tree and see if you can find any hanging branches, split limbs, and parts caught in other trees. If you are unsure, move vehicles away if you can do so without walking under the canopy.
Check Nearby Trees for “Chain Reaction” Risks
Storm damage can spread from one tree to another. If one tree falls, it can pull down branches from nearby trees, tear off limbs, or push another trunk into a dangerous lean. Walk the area slowly and look at the surrounding trees, not only the one that obviously failed.
Look for any branches that may be lodged in other trees. These can fall later, sometimes days after the storm, as they dry and shift. A branch caught high up can be hard to spot, so step back and check the canopy from different angles.
Pay attention to groups of trees that shelter each other. If one has been removed by the storm, the remaining trees may now face stronger winds than before. A tree that was stable last year can become more exposed overnight, especially if its crown is uneven.
Also, it’s best to check for visible soil damage and any drainage issues. Heavy rain and strong winds together can sometimes weaken the root plates, especially when the ground is waterlogged. If the earth is soft, trees can move gradually each time the wind picks up, which increases the chance of a later fall.
What Not to Do: Common Mistakes After a Storm
Do not start cutting or sawing straight away, even if you own the tree. A storm-damaged tree can be under tension, and branches can spring back when cut. Without training and proper equipment, it is easy to suffer serious injury.
Do not climb any damaged tree in an attempt to “see what is wrong”. Storm damage can crack the limbs and weaken the trunk, and these faults are not always visible. A branch that held your weight before may fail now, and ladders can slip on wet ground.
You must remember not to pull on the branches with a vehicle or rope unless a professional has encouraged the use of that method. Pulling can make the trunk split, tear out roots, or send wood snapping in unpredictable directions. It can also cause lots of damage to your cars, walls, and nearby trees.
Do not ignore any smaller signs just because nothing has fallen yet. Fresh cracks, leaning, or lifting soil are early warnings to look out for. If you spot these problems, it's best to arrange a proper inspection and keep people out of the risk area until it is dealt with.
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