Severe storms are a fact of life across many parts of Australia. From summer thunderstorms and coastal winds to cyclones and heavy rain systems, extreme weather can leave behind more than just fallen fences and flooded gutters. One of the most common — and often overlooked — consequences of storms is damage to trees.
While a fallen branch might seem like a simple clean-up job, storm-affected trees can pose serious safety risks long after the clouds clear. Hidden cracks, weakened roots, and unstable limbs can turn even healthy-looking trees into hazards. This is where professional arborists play a vital role.
In this article, we’ll explore how storms affect trees, the warning signs of dangerous damage, why DIY fixes can be risky, and how a qualified arborist can help restore safety and preserve your landscape.
- How Storms Impact Trees
- Why Storm-Damaged Trees Are So Dangerous
- Warning Signs Your Tree Needs Professional Attention
- Why You Should Never DIY Storm-Damaged Tree Work
- What an Arborist Actually Does After a Storm
- The Long-Term Effects of Ignoring Storm Damage
- Storm Season in Australia: Why Preparation Matters
- Choosing the Right Arborist for Storm Damage
- Tree Preservation vs Removal: Making the Right Call
- Insurance and Storm-Damaged Trees
- After the Storm: A Simple Checklist
- Final Thoughts
- Storm Damage Tree FAQs
How Storms Impact Trees
Storm damage doesn’t always look dramatic. Sometimes it’s obvious — a tree lying across your driveway or branches scattered across your lawn. Other times, the damage is subtle and develops over days or weeks.
Common types of storm-related tree damage include:
Broken or Hanging Branches
Strong winds can snap limbs or leave them partially attached, creating dangerous “widowmakers” that may fall without warning.
Uprooted or Leaning Trees
Saturated soil combined with high winds often loosens root systems. A tree that suddenly leans after a storm may be signalling root plate failure, even if it hasn’t completely fallen.
Trunk Splits and Structural Cracks
Lightning strikes or sudden wind pressure can cause vertical cracks or internal fractures. These weaken the tree’s structural integrity and increase the chance of collapse.
Root Damage and Soil Erosion
Heavy rainfall can wash away supporting soil, exposing roots and destabilising trees. This damage often goes unnoticed until the tree fails.
Canopy Imbalance
Storms can remove large sections of foliage, throwing off a tree’s natural balance. An uneven canopy increases stress on remaining limbs and roots.
Why Storm-Damaged Trees Are So Dangerous
After a storm passes, many property owners focus on visible mess — fallen leaves, small branches, or debris. But the real danger often lies in what you can’t see.
Storm-compromised trees can:
- Fall days or even weeks after the storm
- Drop branches unexpectedly
- Damage roofs, cars, fences, and power lines
- Injure people or pets
- Spread disease through open wounds
- Decline slowly, becoming unstable over time
Even trees that appear upright and healthy may have internal damage that only a trained arborist can identify.
Warning Signs Your Tree Needs Professional Attention
If your property has been through a recent storm, keep an eye out for these red flags:
- New leaning or shifting of the tree base
- Cracks in the trunk or major limbs
- Hanging or broken branches lodged in the canopy
- Exposed roots or lifted soil around the base
- Bark peeling or splitting
- Sudden leaf loss or browning
- Mushrooms or fungal growth near roots
- Trees contacting power lines
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to call an arborist.
Why You Should Never DIY Storm-Damaged Tree Work
It can be tempting to grab a chainsaw and start cutting after a storm, especially if branches are blocking access or cluttering your yard. However, storm-damaged trees are unpredictable and extremely dangerous.
Here’s why DIY tree work often ends badly:
Trees Are Under Tension
Storm-damaged limbs may be bent or twisted under pressure. Cutting in the wrong place can cause branches to snap back violently.
Hidden Structural Damage
Internal cracks aren’t visible from the outside. A tree that looks stable can suddenly fail while being worked on.
Power Line Risks
Many storm incidents involve trees tangled with electrical lines. This requires specialised training and coordination with utility providers.
Height and Equipment Hazards
Working at height without professional climbing gear and safety systems dramatically increases the risk of serious injury.
Insurance Issues
Most home insurance policies don’t cover injuries or damage caused by unlicensed tree work.
In short, storm clean-up is not just about removing debris — it’s about managing risk.
What an Arborist Actually Does After a Storm
A qualified arborist doesn’t just cut trees down. Their role is to assess, stabilise, and preserve trees whenever possible, while keeping people and property safe.
Here’s what professional storm damage services typically include:
1. Tree Risk Assessment
An arborist evaluates:
- Structural stability
- Root condition
- Canopy balance
- Internal damage
- Proximity to buildings and utilities
This helps determine whether a tree can be saved or needs removal.
2. Emergency Tree Services
For immediate hazards, arborists can safely remove hanging limbs, stabilise trees, or clear access ways.
3. Selective Pruning
Rather than removing entire trees, professionals often reduce weight in damaged canopies to restore balance and promote recovery.
4. Tree Bracing and Cabling
In some cases, arborists install support systems to help trees heal while reducing the risk of failure.
5. Complete Tree Removal
When a tree is beyond saving, safe dismantling ensures surrounding structures and landscaping are protected.
6. Ongoing Health Management
Post-storm care may also include soil treatment, pest management, and monitoring for disease.
The Long-Term Effects of Ignoring Storm Damage
Leaving damaged trees unattended can lead to costly problems down the track:
- Increased chance of collapse during the next storm
- Gradual tree decline and death
- Spread of pests and fungal diseases
- Higher removal costs later
- Reduced property value
- Safety hazards for family, visitors, or tenants
Early intervention from an arborist is almost always more affordable than dealing with a full tree failure later.
Storm Season in Australia: Why Preparation Matters
Australia’s climate makes storm preparedness essential. Summer storms, east coast lows, and tropical systems can arrive with little warning, especially in coastal and regional areas.
Proactive tree maintenance before storm season can significantly reduce damage. This includes:
- Regular pruning to remove weak branches
- Canopy thinning to reduce wind resistance
- Health checks for mature trees
- Root zone protection
- Removing dead or dying trees
A well-maintained tree is far more likely to withstand extreme weather than one that’s been neglected.
Choosing the Right Arborist for Storm Damage
Not all tree services are created equal. When hiring an arborist, look for:
- Proper qualifications and certifications
- Full insurance coverage
- Experience with storm-damaged trees
- Modern safety equipment
- Clear, written quotes
- Knowledge of local council regulations
Working with an established team ensures your property is handled safely and professionally.
Companies like Wiktora Bros Tree Works specialise in storm damage response and tree care, helping homeowners and businesses restore safety after severe weather events. Their experienced arborists understand how Australian conditions affect trees and provide tailored solutions for everything from emergency removals to long-term tree health management.
Tree Preservation vs Removal: Making the Right Call
One of the biggest misconceptions after storms is that damaged trees automatically need to be removed. In reality, many trees can recover with proper care.
Arborists aim to preserve trees wherever possible because mature trees provide:
- Shade and cooling
- Improved air quality
- Increased property value
- Wildlife habitat
- Soil stabilisation
Removal is typically recommended only when:
- Structural integrity is compromised
- Root systems have failed
- Disease or decay is extensive
- The tree poses ongoing safety risks
A professional assessment ensures you don’t lose valuable trees unnecessarily.
Insurance and Storm-Damaged Trees
If storm damage affects trees on your property, your insurer may require documentation from a qualified arborist. Professional reports can help support claims for:
- Emergency tree removal
- Property damage caused by fallen trees
- Preventative work required for safety
Having an arborist involved early can streamline the insurance process and provide peace of mind.
After the Storm: A Simple Checklist
Once it’s safe to go outside, follow these steps:
- Walk your property and look for visible tree damage
- Keep clear of hanging branches and leaning trees
- Photograph damage for insurance records
- Avoid using chainsaws near unstable trees
- Contact a qualified arborist for assessment
- Schedule preventative maintenance for surviving trees
Quick action can prevent further damage and reduce risk.
Final Thoughts
Storms are unpredictable, but your response doesn’t have to be. Trees are living structures, and when they’re damaged, they require expert care — not guesswork.
Whether it’s a fallen limb, a leaning gum tree, or subtle structural damage, a professional arborist provides the knowledge, equipment, and experience needed to manage storm-affected trees safely.
If your property has been impacted by severe weather, reaching out to a trusted provider like Wiktora Bros Tree Works can help restore safety, protect your landscape, and ensure your trees remain healthy for years to come.
Investing in professional tree care after a storm isn’t just about clean-up — it’s about protecting your home, your family, and your environment.
Storm Damage Tree FAQs
You should arrange an arborist inspection as soon as it’s safe to do so. Even if a tree hasn’t fallen, hidden damage such as cracked trunks, weakened roots, or hanging branches can become dangerous days or weeks later. Early assessment helps prevent further property damage and reduces safety risks.
Not all storm-damaged trees need to be removed. Many can recover with professional pruning, canopy balancing, or structural support. A qualified arborist will assess the tree’s stability and health before recommending removal. Companies like Wiktora Bros Tree Works focus on preservation wherever possible, removing trees only when they pose an ongoing safety risk.
In most cases, no. Storm-affected trees often contain hidden tension, making branches unpredictable when cut. There’s also a risk of falling limbs, unstable trunks, and nearby power lines. Hiring a professional arborist ensures the work is carried out safely using proper equipment and techniques.
Some insurance policies cover emergency tree removal or damage caused by fallen trees, but coverage varies. Insurers often require documentation from a qualified arborist. Having a professional assessment can support your claim and confirm whether removal or remedial work is necessary.
Regular tree maintenance is the best protection. This includes removing deadwood, reducing heavy canopies, checking root health, and addressing structural weaknesses early. Booking routine inspections with experienced arborists like Wiktora Bros Tree Works helps prepare your trees for severe weather and lowers the chance of storm-related damage.
