How Storm Damage Affects Trees & When To Call A Tree Surgeon

Storms can cause significant damage to trees in a very short space of time. High winds, heavy rain, lightning strikes and the sheer weight of saturated branches can all leave trees in a dangerous or seriously weakened condition.

Knowing how to assess storm-damaged trees and understanding when professional help is needed could protect both your property and the people around it.

How Storms Affect Trees…

Branch Failure & Crown Damage

One of the most common results of storm damage is the loss of large branches or significant sections of the crown. Strong winds place enormous stress on the upper parts of a tree, and branches that are already weakened by disease, decay or poor structure are particularly vulnerable. Broken branches that remain partially attached, often called widow makers, are especially hazardous as they can fall without warning long after the storm has passed.

Uprooting & Root Damage

Prolonged heavy rain saturates the ground, reducing its ability to support a tree's root system. Combined with high winds, this can cause trees to lean significantly or uproot entirely. Even trees that appear to remain standing after a storm may have suffered root damage that is not immediately visible, leaving them structurally compromised and at greater risk of falling in future.

Split Trunks & Bark Damage

Lightning strikes can split a tree's trunk or strip bark from the surface, while strong winds can cause the trunk itself to crack under pressure. These injuries open the tree up to disease, decay and pest infestation, and can significantly shorten its lifespan if left untreated.

Leaning Trees

A tree that has developed a new lean following a storm is a cause for concern. While some trees naturally grow at an angle, a lean that appears suddenly after severe weather suggests the root plate has shifted, and the tree may no longer be stable enough to remain safely in place.

Assessing Storm-Damaged Trees

After a storm, it is worth taking a careful look at the trees on your property from a safe distance. Signs that a tree may need professional attention include large broken branches still attached to the crown, significant bark loss or splits in the trunk, roots lifting out of the ground, a new or worsening lean, and branches that have fallen onto structures, fencing or power lines.

It is important not to attempt to carry out any work on a storm-damaged tree yourself. Even trees that appear stable can shift unexpectedly, and working at height with these trees is extremely dangerous without the proper training, equipment and insurance.

When To Call A Tree Surgeon

Immediately After A Storm

If a tree or large branch has fallen onto your home, a vehicle, fencing or a neighbouring property, you should contact a professional tree surgeon as soon as possible. Similarly, if a tree is leaning over a building, pathway or area where people are likely to walk or gather, this warrants an urgent callout.

At JW Tree Surgery, we are experienced in storm damage tree recovery across Oxford, and we respond promptly so that dangerous situations can be made safe without delay.

In The Days Following A Storm

Not all storm damage presents an immediate risk, but it still needs to be addressed. Broken branches, splits in the trunk and areas of significant bark loss should all be assessed by a qualified tree surgeon within a few days of the storm. A professional will be able to identify the extent of the damage, advise on whether the tree can be saved through remedial pruning, or recommend removal where the tree is beyond recovery.

Before The Next Period Of Bad Weather

If a tree on your property was already showing signs of weakness before a storm, such as fungal growth at the base, cavities in the trunk or significant deadwood in the crown, it is worth having it inspected before the next bout of severe weather arrives. Addressing structural weaknesses in advance is far safer and often more cost effective than dealing with the consequences of a failure.

What A Tree Surgeon Will Do

Depending on the extent of the damage, a qualified tree surgeon may carry out emergency crown work to remove broken or hanging branches, reduce the weight of the crown to stabilise a leaning tree, fell and safely dismantle a tree that is beyond saving.