Storms & safety

What to do about trees after a storm

Updated October 1, 2026 · Guide by TreeRemovalServices.net

Short answer

Start with safety: treat every downed line as live, and look up for hanging branches before walking under trees. Then triage. First, trees on structures, lines or blocking exits. Next, hangers and split trees near where people walk. Last, everything else. Photograph damage before cleanup, check whether your city runs storm-debris pickup, and be careful who you hire.

Aerial view of a neighborhood with damaged roofs and downed trees after a severe storm

The first 24 hours

Stay away from downed lines and anything touching them; report them to the utility.
Look up for hangers before walking under any tree.
Photograph everything before it's moved.
Call your insurer if trees hit structures or vehicles.
Call a tree service for trees on structures or blocking exits.

The following weeks

Once emergencies are handled, have damaged trees you'd like to keep assessed. Many trees recover with good pruning. Stack debris at the curb only if your city has announced storm-debris collection, and follow its sorting rules. Usually that means vegetation separate from construction debris, and nothing blocking storm drains, hydrants or meters.

Keep a simple log: dates, who you called, what each company quoted, and receipts. Insurance adjusters, and in federally declared disasters FEMA, may ask for it, and it makes follow-up far easier when you're dealing with several contractors at once.

Which trees need attention first

Situation: Tree touching power lines
Who to call: Electric utility (stay back)

Situation: Tree on the house, a vehicle, or blocking the only exit
Who to call: Tree service; 911 if anyone is hurt

Situation: Hanging broken limbs over walkways, driveways, play areas
Who to call: Tree service

Situation: Trees newly leaning, with lifted soil
Who to call: Tree service or arborist, soon

Situation: Broken limbs on the ground, minor damage
Who to call: Clean up yourself or schedule later

Post-storm triage order
Priority	Situation	Who to call
1	Tree touching power lines	Electric utility (stay back)
2	Tree on the house, a vehicle, or blocking the only exit	Tree service; 911 if anyone is hurt
3	Hanging broken limbs over walkways, driveways, play areas	Tree service
4	Trees newly leaning, with lifted soil	Tree service or arborist, soon
5	Broken limbs on the ground, minor damage	Clean up yourself or schedule later

Chainsaw safety if you cut small debris yourself

Chainsaw injuries surge after storms. Wear eye, ear, leg and hand protection, never cut above shoulder height or from a ladder, and never cut wood that's bent or pinned. Leave anything large, tensioned, or near wires to professionals.

Common questions

How do I spot a storm-chaser scam?

Watch for pressure to sign on the spot, demands for full payment up front, no verifiable insurance, out-of-state plates with no local address, and requests to sign over your insurance benefits.

Editorial note: this guide is general information written for homeowners. It isn't a substitute for an on-site assessment by a qualified arborist, or for legal or insurance advice.