3 Signs Of Tree Damage After A Storm

Posted on: 11 May 2023

If you have trees on your property, then you should check them for damage after a storm. While you might be able to repair minor damage, you'll need to remove a tree that has more serious problems.

While some damage is obvious, such as fallen branches or a leaning tree, other problems might need a closer visual check. What should you look for?

1. Changes to Branches

Tree branches often suffer from damage after heavy storms. Even if a storm isn't strong enough to rip off branches, it can crack or break them.

Look at branches to see if they look different from the way they did before the storm. Sometimes, you see obvious differences. For example, if a branch hangs down at an angle, then it is broken and probably needs to be removed.

Even if the branches look intact, check larger branches for cracks. Cracks weaken branches and make them more liable to break later. You can fix some cracks to heal the tree in some cases; however, you might have to remove branches that have serious damage.

2. Cracks in Trunks

Storm damage can leave cracks in tree trunks. Typically, minor cracks that simply affect the tree's bark aren't too serious. However, if the crack goes into the wood behind the bark, then the tree might have some serious structural problems. Even if it looks OK now, another storm or high wind could make it fall.

Pay particular attention to any trees you have with split trunks. Multiple trunks can be weaker than a single trunk. They are more susceptible to damage. They can shear away if they are battered by high winds, so any cracks or splits in these trucks need immediate attention.

3. Changes to Roots

If a storm damages a tree, then the tree might look normal; however, it might have some root problems. Trees and their root systems can move in high winds; they might not be structurally sound any longer.

If your tree doesn't look as straight as it did before the storm but doesn't have obvious signs of damage on it, then its roots might have a problem. They might have moved and might not be able to support the tree now.

You should also be concerned if you can see roots above the ground that weren't visible before the storm. This is a sign that the tree has moved and pulled some of its roots out of the ground. Sometimes, roots don't break the surface but you will see that the ground around the base of the tree is disturbed and broken.

For a fast post-storm assessment, contact a local tree service.

Share