Storm Damage and Tree Removal: What to Do When a Tree Falls on Your Property

Storms in the High Country can arrive quickly and leave a trail of damage behind. Heavy wind, rain, and snow often lead to split trunks, broken limbs, or uprooted trees. If you find yourself dealing with a fallen or damaged tree after a storm, it can be difficult to know what to do first.

At Krause Family Arborist, we help property owners across the region respond safely and effectively. We’ll walk you through the key steps to take when a storm causes tree damage.

Step 1: Assess the Immediate Area for Safety

Before anything else, check the area for safety. If a tree has fallen near your home, look for downed power lines. If wires are involved, stay away and call your utility provider immediately. Do not try to move branches or touch anything that may be connected to live electricity.

If large limbs are hanging over walkways or resting against your home, keep people and pets out of the area. Storm-damaged trees can shift without warning. Cordon off the area if possible, and avoid walking underneath any part of the damaged tree.

Step 2: Document the Damage for Insurance

Once the area is safe to approach, take clear photos of the damage. Document the fallen tree, surrounding debris, and any visible impact to structures like your roof, porch, or fencing. Capture different angles and distances to give your insurance company a full view of the situation.

It’s important to do this before any cleanup begins. These photos will help with your claim and support the estimate provided by your storm damage tree removal provider. If you’re not sure what to photograph, we’re happy to advise you during our initial visit.

Step 3: Don’t Try to Cut It Yourself

It may be tempting to grab a chainsaw and start cutting branches, especially if the tree is blocking access. However, removing a storm-damaged tree is dangerous without the right training. Limbs may be supporting other parts of the tree, and cutting one section can cause a sudden shift.

Trees that are partially uprooted or split can also be under tension. This makes them unstable, even if they look still. Chainsaw use in these situations can lead to serious injury. We strongly recommend waiting for trained professionals to assess and remove any large or broken trees.

Step 4: Call a Local Expert for Storm Damage Tree Removal

Krause Family Arborist is based here in the High Country, and we’ve handled storm cleanup and tree removal for years. We know how to work safely on steep terrain, near structures, and in hard-to-reach areas. Our crew is trained, certified, and equipped to deal with fallen trees, broken limbs, and emergency cleanups.

We respond quickly when trees fall on driveways, roofs, or across structures. We prioritize jobs based on urgency and always work with the property owner’s safety and needs in mind. Whether it’s a full tree removal or removing dangerous limbs, we handle the process from start to finish.

Step 5: Evaluate Surrounding Trees

One fallen tree often means other trees nearby may have been affected too. The force of the wind or impact from a nearby tree can damage root systems, weaken branch structures, or shift trees slightly off balance. These problems may not be visible right away.

After the storm cleanup is complete, we offer a follow-up inspection to check the condition of surrounding trees. If we find any signs of internal damage, decay, or instability, we’ll talk through your options. Our goal is to help you avoid future problems by catching hidden damage early.

Bonus: Clean-Up and Long-Term Solutions

In addition to tree removal, Krause Family Arborist provides full debris cleanup. We don’t leave brush piles or broken limbs behind for you to deal with. We clean the area thoroughly so you can safely use your space again as soon as possible.

We also help homeowners build a long-term plan. If your trees have gone years without pruning or thinning, we may recommend regular maintenance. Strategic trimming can reduce wind resistance and make trees less likely to fail during future storms. We can also remove dead or overcrowded trees to improve overall health and safety.

Our services don’t stop with tree removal. We also provide trimming, pruning, view enhancement, and pest control to help keep your landscape in good shape year-round.

Call Krause Family Arborist After the Storm

If a tree falls on your property during a storm, don’t wait to take action. The sooner you call, the sooner we can help protect your home and restore your space. Krause Family Arborist offers storm damage tree removal throughout the High Country, with prompt service and experienced care.

Call (828) 434-0098 to schedule your free estimate. Save our number so you’re ready the next time severe weather hits. We’ll help you clean up, stay safe, and protect your trees from further damage.