Storm Recovery 101: What to Do When Trees Fall on Your Property

October 15, 2025

Severe storms can arrive with little warning, bringing high winds, heavy rain, and lightning that can cause significant damage to trees. When a tree or large branch falls on your property, it can be overwhelming and even dangerous to handle. Knowing what steps to take in the hours immediately following the incident can make the recovery process safer and more efficient. At Midwest Tree Surgeons, we specialize in storm damage cleanup and emergency tree removal, helping homeowners and property managers restore safety and peace of mind quickly after a storm.

Step One: Stay Safe and Assess from a Distance

Safety must always come first. If a tree has fallen near a power line or utility pole, do not approach it under any circumstances. Downed lines can remain energized and pose a severe risk of electrocution. Contact your utility company immediately to report any potential hazards.


Even when no power lines are involved, it is important to approach cautiously. Fallen trees may have hidden tension points where branches or trunks can shift unexpectedly. Loose soil, sharp limbs, and unstable root systems can all create dangerous conditions. Assess the situation from a safe distance before making any decisions.

Step Two: Document the Damage

Once it is safe to do so, take photographs of the fallen tree and any damage to structures, fences, or vehicles. These images are valuable for insurance claims and will help both your insurance provider and your tree care professionals understand the full extent of the situation. Be sure to include multiple angles, showing where the tree originated and how it impacted the surrounding area.


If your property is insured, contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Most policies cover storm-related damage, including tree removal, particularly when the fallen tree caused harm to covered structures. Your insurer may require an inspection before work begins, so documentation is key.

Step Three: Call a Professional Tree Service

Removing a fallen or partially fallen tree is a task that should always be handled by trained professionals. Attempting to cut or move large limbs without proper equipment or experience can result in serious injury or further property damage. As Certified Arborists, we have the tools, training, and experience to safely remove storm-damaged trees and debris.


Our team uses specialized equipment to stabilize unstable trunks, section large trees carefully, and prevent additional impact to structures or landscaping. We also perform a complete safety inspection of the remaining trees to identify potential hazards that could pose future risks.

Step Four: Prevent Additional Damage

If the fallen tree has damaged your roof, siding, or fencing, it is important to secure the area as soon as possible. Temporary measures such as tarps or fencing can help protect your home from rain or further structural issues while you wait for full repairs.


Professional tree removal services also help prevent secondary problems such as pest infestations or rot. When fallen trees are left unattended, moisture buildup can attract insects and create conditions for decay, which can spread to nearby healthy trees. Prompt cleanup ensures that your property remains safe and your landscape continues to thrive.

Step Five: Schedule a Post-Storm Tree Inspection

After major storms, even trees that appear unharmed may have internal cracks, root instability, or hidden damage. Scheduling a professional inspection with certified arborists can identify weaknesses early and prevent future hazards.


At Midwest Tree Surgeons, our post-storm assessments include evaluating soil conditions, checking for structural imbalance, and recommending pruning or removal when necessary. We help homeowners understand which trees are at risk and which can be preserved through careful maintenance.

Restoring Safety and Peace of Mind

Storm damage can be stressful, but with the right steps and professional help, your property can be restored safely and efficiently. The key is to act quickly, prioritize safety, and trust experienced professionals who know how to handle complex removals.


At Midwest Tree Surgeons, we take pride in providing emergency response and storm recovery services throughout the region. Our commitment to safety, environmental responsibility, and quality workmanship ensures that every property we serve is left secure, clean, and ready to recover.


If a storm has left you with fallen or damaged trees, contact our team for immediate assistance. We will handle the cleanup so you can focus on what matters most—getting life back to normal.

Why Large Tree Removals Should Always Be Handled by Trained Specialists

November 26, 2025
Large trees provide beauty, shade, and structure to a property, but when a tree becomes hazardous or must be removed for safety or landscaping reasons, the process requires expertise, equipment, and careful planning. Removing a large tree is far more complicated than cutting smaller branches or clearing minor debris. At Midwest Tree Surgeons, we emphasize the importance of hiring trained specialists for any large tree removal because the risks of attempting it without proper training are significant. Professional removal protects people, property, and the surrounding landscape while ensuring that the job is completed safely and efficiently.

The Benefits of Structural Pruning for Young Trees

November 18, 2025
Young trees have tremendous potential, but without proper guidance, they may develop weak branch patterns, uneven canopies, or structural flaws that become costly and hazardous as they mature. At Midwest Tree Surgeons, we emphasize the importance of early structural pruning because it shapes the long-term health, appearance, and stability of a tree. By directing growth during the early years, property owners can ensure that their trees develop strong frameworks that withstand weather, reduce safety risks, and contribute to a landscape’s long-term beauty.

Why Fall Is the Perfect Time for Tree Inspections and Risk Assessments

November 12, 2025
 Preparing Your Trees for Winter Fall is a season of transition, and for homeowners, it offers one of the most important opportunities to care for their trees. As temperatures drop and leaves begin to fall, trees prepare for winter dormancy . This change makes it the ideal time for a professional tree inspection and risk assessment. At Midwest Tree Surgeons, we use the fall season to help property owners identify issues early, strengthen tree structure, and protect homes and landscapes from winter damage. The Importance of Fall Tree Inspections After months of growth, summer storms, and heat exposure, trees can develop hidden weaknesses that only become noticeable in the fall. Heavy winds, disease , and insect activity may have caused internal decay or structural stress. Once winter arrives, those weaknesses can turn into major hazards. Ice, snow, and wind put added weight and pressure on branches, increasing the risk of breakage. A professional inspection in the fall allows our team to identify and correct these issues before cold weather sets in. We look for signs of disease, dead limbs, root instability, and canopy imbalance. By addressing these problems now, we help ensure that your trees remain strong and stable through the winter.

What to Do When a Neighbor’s Tree Poses a Risk to Your Property

November 6, 2025
Trees add beauty, shade, and privacy to neighborhoods, but when a tree growing on one property begins to threaten another, it can quickly create tension and potential danger. Overhanging branches, invasive roots, or decaying trunks can lead to property damage or personal injury, leaving homeowners uncertain about their rights and responsibilities. At Midwest Tree Surgeons, we often help homeowners assess and manage hazardous trees before they cause serious problems. Understanding what steps to take can prevent both damage and disputes.

Sustainable Tree Care Practices for Modern Landscapes

October 29, 2025
Sustainability in modern landscaping is no longer a trend, it is a responsibility. Trees are among the most valuable components of any outdoor environment, providing shade, clean air, and natural beauty. Yet maintaining them responsibly requires more than occasional pruning or storm cleanup. It means adopting sustainable practices that promote long-term health for trees, the soil that supports them, and the ecosystems they inhabit.

How to Choose the Right Tree Service Company in the Midwest

October 22, 2025
Trees are among the most valuable features of any property, adding beauty, shade, and structure to the landscape. However, maintaining them safely and effectively requires more than a few tools and good intentions. The wrong approach to pruning, removal, or disease management can cause serious damage to both your property and the trees themselves. Choosing the right tree service company is therefore an important decision for every homeowner or property manager. At Midwest Tree Surgeons, we believe that informed customers make better choices, which is why we want to help you understand what to look for when selecting a professional tree care provider.

How Fall Weather Affects Tree Health in the Midwest

October 7, 2025
Preparing Your Trees for the Season Ahead Fall is one of the most beautiful times of year in the Midwest . Trees turn vibrant shades of red, gold, and orange, transforming neighborhoods into stunning displays of color. Yet, while autumn appears to be a time of rest for trees, it is also a period of significant transition. The cooler temperatures, shorter days, and changes in moisture all influence tree health in important ways. At Midwest Tree Surgeons, we help property owners understand how these seasonal shifts affect their trees and what care steps can ensure their health through winter and into spring.

The Connection Between Tree Health and Pest Prevention

September 30, 2025
Healthy trees are valuable assets to any property, offering shade, beauty, and environmental benefits. However, when trees become weakened by disease, damage, or poor maintenance, they can quickly attract pests. These infestations not only harm the tree itself but can also spread to surrounding vegetation, threatening the overall landscape. At Midwest Tree Surgeons, we emphasize the importance of regular care to keep trees healthy and resilient against pests that are common in the Midwest.

How Proper Tree Care Reduces Liability for Homeowners

September 23, 2025
Owning a home comes with responsibilities that go beyond paying the mortgage and maintaining the interior. The landscape, particularly large trees, can also pose risks if not properly cared for. While trees add beauty, shade, character, and value to a property, neglected or unhealthy trees can quickly become liabilities. At Midwest Tree Surgeons, we help homeowners protect their investment and reduce potential liability through expert tree care services. The Legal Responsibility of Homeowners Homeowners are generally responsible for ensuring that their property does not present unreasonable hazards to others. This is called “ Duty of Care ” in law. This responsibility includes trees. If a neglected or diseased tree falls and damages a neighbor’s property, vehicle, or injures someone, the homeowner may be held liable. Even branches that extend over property lines or public sidewalks can create risks if they break unexpectedly. Proactive care ensures that homeowners are fulfilling their duty to maintain a safe environment .

How Cabling and Bracing Protect Valuable Trees From Storm Damage

September 18, 2025
Trees are some of the most valuable assets on any property. They provide shade, beauty, and environmental benefits, and in many cases, they hold sentimental value for homeowners. However, storms in the Midwest can bring high winds, heavy rain, and ice that place enormous stress on trees. Even healthy trees can experience structural weaknesses that make them vulnerable. At Midwest Tree Surgeons, we offer cabling and bracing as specialized techniques to protect valuable trees from storm damage and extend their lifespans. Understanding Structural Weakness in Trees Not all trees grow with perfect structure. Some develop weak branch unions , where two large limbs diverge from a single point at a narrow angle. Others grow with uneven weight distribution or multiple trunks that compete for dominance. While these conditions may not cause immediate problems, they create vulnerabilities when storms strike. Strong winds and heavy snow can cause weakened branches to snap, splitting the tree and leaving behind irreparable damage.
More Posts