Northern Virginia sees its share of severe weather, from summer thunderstorms and derecho winds to ice storms and the occasional hurricane remnant. When a storm rolls through and leaves broken branches, split trunks, or fallen trees in its wake, it can be hard to know where to start. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you handle storm-damaged trees safely and effectively.
Step 1: Stay Safe and Do Not Rush Outside
The most important thing to do immediately after a storm is to stay inside until it has completely passed. Even after the main storm, conditions can still be dangerous. Downed power lines, unstable trees, and waterlogged ground that shifts under heavy weight are all hazards that are not immediately obvious.
Before you go outside to assess damage, take a few minutes to confirm:
- The storm has fully passed, and the weather is stable
- There are no downed power lines on or near your property
- The ground is stable enough to walk on safely
If you see a downed power line anywhere near fallen trees or debris, do not approach it. Call Dominion Energy or your utility provider immediately and keep everyone away from the area.
Step 2: Assess the Damage from a Safe Distance
Once it is safe to go outside, walk your property and take stock of what happened. Look for:
- Broken or hanging branches (sometimes called “widow makers” because of the danger they pose)
- Trees that have leaned or shifted in the soil
- Split trunks or major scaffold branches that have torn away
- Trees that have fallen against your home, fence, car, or other structures
- Root heave, where a tree’s root ball has lifted out of the ground
Take photos of all damage. This documentation will be useful if you file a homeowners insurance claim.
Step 3: Call a Professional Tree Service Before Touching Anything
It can be tempting to start cleaning up right away, especially if there are branches blocking your driveway or debris covering your lawn. But storm-damaged trees can be unpredictable. A branch that looks stable may be held in place by tension that releases suddenly when disturbed. A leaning tree may shift further if the ground softens or if connected debris is moved.
For anything beyond small, low branches that are clearly on the ground and no longer attached to the tree, call a professional tree service before attempting any cleanup yourself. This is especially true for:
- Any hanging or partially attached branches overhead
- Trees that are leaning or partially uprooted
- Trees or branches resting on structures
- Any situation involving a tree near a power line
ADM Tree Services, LLC offers emergency tree service throughout Northern Virginia. Call (703) 771-8080 for urgent assistance after a storm.
Step 4: Determine Whether the Tree Can Be Saved
Not every storm-damaged tree needs to come down. A tree that has lost some branches but still has a healthy, intact structure may be able to recover with the right care. The key factors to consider are:
- How much of the canopy was lost: Trees can often recover from losing up to 25 to 30 percent of their canopy. More severe losses make recovery less likely.
- Whether the main trunk is intact: A split or badly damaged trunk is a serious problem that often cannot be repaired.
- Whether the root system is stable: A tree that has partially uprooted is unlikely to regain stability and is typically a removal candidate.
- The overall health of the tree before the storm: A healthy tree has a much better chance of recovering than one that was already stressed by disease, drought, or previous damage.
A certified arborist can evaluate the tree and give you an honest recommendation about whether to save it or remove it.
Step 5: Have Hazardous Trees and Branches Removed Promptly
If a tree is clearly beyond saving, or if it poses an immediate risk to your home or family, prioritize removal quickly. Storm-damaged trees are unstable, and their condition can worsen over time, especially if additional rain or wind follows. The longer a hazardous tree stands, the greater the risk.
ADM Tree Services, LLC has the equipment and training to safely remove storm-damaged trees, including those that have fallen against structures or are in difficult-to-access locations.
Step 6: Consider Pruning and Structural Support for Trees That Can Be Saved
For trees that are worth saving, a professional can remove the damaged sections cleanly, which promotes better healing than ragged storm breaks. In some cases, cabling or bracing can provide structural support to a tree that has developed a weak union or split but is otherwise healthy and worth preserving.
Do not try to clean up broken branches yourself with a chainsaw or by pulling on hanging limbs. Improper pruning cuts can leave a tree more vulnerable to disease and decay, and attempting to pull or cut hanging branches without the right equipment and training is genuinely dangerous.
Step 7: Document Everything for Your Insurance Claim
If storm damage to your trees has affected your home or other structures on your property, your homeowners insurance may cover some of the removal and repair costs. The key threshold for most policies is whether the tree caused direct damage to a covered structure.
To support your claim:
- Take photos and video of the damage before any cleanup begins
- Keep all invoices and receipts from the tree service
- Contact your insurance company promptly to report the damage and ask about your coverage
- Ask your tree service if they can provide documentation of the work performed
What Not to Do After Storm Tree Damage
A few things to avoid in the aftermath of storm damage:
- Do not hire an unlicensed crew that shows up unsolicited after a storm. After major weather events, unqualified contractors sometimes go door to door offering cheap cleanup services. Always verify licensing and insurance before agreeing to any work.
- Do not attempt to remove large branches or trees yourself. The risk of injury is high, especially when the tree is already in an unstable condition.
- Do not ignore a leaning tree or hanging branch, hoping it will stabilize on its own. These situations rarely resolve themselves and typically get worse.
ADM Tree Services, LLC Is Here After the Storm
ADM Tree Services, LLC serves homeowners and businesses across Northern Virginia. Call (703) 771-8080 or fill out our online contact form to request a free estimate.
