Strong winds, heavy rain, snow, and ice can all take a toll on your trees. After a storm passes, it can be difficult to know whether a tree is safe, needs pruning, or should be removed altogether.

While some storm damage is obvious, other problems may not become visible until weeks or even months later. Knowing what to look for can help protect your property, your family, and the long-term health of your trees.

Here’s what you should do after a storm:

Inspect Your Property from a Safe Distance

Before walking around your yard, look for obvious hazards from a safe location.

Watch for:

Broken or hanging branches
Trees leaning more than usual
Cracks or splits in the trunk
Uprooted trees or exposed roots
Branches resting on power lines

If you notice a tree touching power lines, stay away and contact your utility company immediately. Never attempt to remove branches from electrical lines yourself.

Look for Hidden Damage

Not all storm damage is immediately noticeable.

A tree may appear healthy while hiding structural damage that could cause problems later.

Signs to watch for include:

Fresh cracks in the trunk
Split branch unions
Missing bark
Large broken limbs
Soil lifting around the base of the tree
Sudden leaning after the storm

These issues may indicate that the tree’s structural stability has been compromised.

Don’t Start Cutting Right Away

It can be tempting to remove damaged branches yourself, but improper pruning often causes more harm than good.

Avoid:

Climbing damaged trees
Cutting large limbs without proper equipment
Removing branches under tension
Using a ladder with a chainsaw

Storm-damaged trees can behave unpredictably, making DIY cleanup dangerous.

Know When a Tree Can Be Saved

Many trees recover surprisingly well after storm damage.

A certified arborist can often preserve a tree by:

Removing damaged limbs
Cabling and bracing
Correcting broken branch structure
Pruning for future stability
Monitoring recovery over time

Early intervention can prevent small problems from becoming major hazards.

When Tree Removal May Be Necessary

Sometimes removal is the safest option.

Removal may be recommended if:

The trunk has split significantly.
More than half of the canopy has been lost.
The tree is leaning toward a home or structure.
The root system has been severely damaged.
The tree poses an immediate safety hazard.

A professional assessment can determine whether removal is truly necessary or if the tree can safely recover.

Why Professional Tree Inspections Matter

Storm damage isn’t always obvious, and every tree responds differently.

A certified arborist can evaluate:

Structural integrity
Root stability
Overall tree health
Future risk of failure
Whether pruning or removal is the best solution

Having a tree inspected after a major storm provides peace of mind and helps prevent future property damage.

Protect Your Trees Before the Next Storm

Routine maintenance is one of the best ways to reduce storm damage.

Regular pruning removes weak or dead branches, improves tree structure, and allows trees to better withstand high winds and heavy snow.

Keeping trees healthy year-round can significantly reduce the likelihood of major failures during severe weather.

Schedule a Storm Damage Tree Inspection in Greene County, NY

If your property has experienced storm damage, don’t wait for a damaged tree to become a bigger problem.

The team at Powell’s Tree Care provides professional tree inspections, storm damage cleanup, emergency tree removal, and expert pruning throughout Greene County and the surrounding communities.

Contact Powell’s Tree Care today to schedule a storm damage assessment and keep your property safe after severe weather.

Why Hire a Certified Arborist

Proper tree care involves much more than simply cutting branches or removing trees. Trees are valuable parts of your property, and caring for them correctly requires knowledge, training, and experience.

Homeowners throughout Greene County often search for tree services when dealing with damaged trees, overgrown branches, or safety concerns. Choosing a certified arborist helps ensure the work is done safely, professionally, and with the long-term health of your trees in mind.

What Is a Certified Arborist?

A certified arborist is a tree care professional who has earned certification through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). This certification requires extensive knowledge of tree biology, proper pruning techniques, tree health, safety practices, and ongoing education.

ISA Certified Arborists must:

-Pass a comprehensive certification exam

-Follow professional industry standards

-Stay current with modern tree care practices

-Continue education to maintain certification

Hiring a certified arborist means working with someone who understands how to properly care for trees rather than simply removing them.

Why Professional Tree Care Matters

Tree work can be dangerous and highly technical. Improper pruning or tree removal can damage trees, create safety risks, or negatively impact your property.

A certified arborist can help:

-Identify hazardous trees

-Recommend proper pruning techniques

-Improve tree health and structure

-Reduce storm damage risks

-Determine when removal is necessary

Professional tree care helps protect both your landscape and your investment.

Protecting the Health of Your Trees

Healthy trees add beauty, shade, and value to your property. Poor pruning practices or improper tree work can lead to long-term structural problems, disease, and unhealthy growth.

Certified arborists understand how different tree species respond to pruning and maintenance. Proper care helps preserve the health, appearance, and longevity of your trees.

Choosing the Right Tree Service Company

Not all tree service companies have the same training, experience, or insurance coverage. When hiring a tree service company, homeowners should look for:

-ISA Certified Arborists

-Proper liability and workers’ compensation insurance

-Professional equipment

-Experience with safe tree care practices

Working with an experienced, insured, and certified team provides peace of mind and helps ensure the job is done correctly.

Certified Arborist Services in Greene County NY

Powell’s Tree Care provides professional tree removal, pruning, and arborist services throughout Greene County and surrounding communities including Coxsackie, Athens, Catskill, and Windham.

If you have questions about the health or safety of your trees, our team can evaluate your property and provide professional recommendations tailored to your needs.

Request an Estimate