Hidden Dangers Linger After Storms
According to a long-term study of post-storm assessments , 94% of trees classified as having imminent failure risk actually sustained damage during storms, cited a tree study published in Urban Forestry & Urban Greening. Despite appearing intact, many trees may lean, crack, or lose root support, becoming ticking time bombs for homeowners.
Know the Warning Signs
Experts from Tree Scouts, a conservation-minded tree care company, recently outlined the most overlooked warning signs in their latest public guide, “How to Tell if a Tree Needs Removal After a Storm.” Drawing on years of experience across residential and commercial landscapes, they spotlight key red flags property owners often miss these tree removal signs:
- Leaning over 15°
Vertical or spiral cracks in the trunk
Lifted root plates or heaving soil
Hanging limbs caught in the canopy
Canopy loss exceeding 50%, reducing recovery chances
A representative from Tree Scouts explains, “Trees can be compromised in ways you don’t see—and the longer you wait, the greater the risk.”
Regulatory Risks: More Than Just Safety
In many cities across the U.S., tree removal isn’t as simple as cutting it down — it can be a legal tangle. Mature or native species are often protected by local ordinances, requiring permits or official documentation before any work begins. “Most homeowners don’t realize that tree removal often involves more than a chainsaw — it’s permits, inspections, and strict regulations,” the Tree Scouts rep explains. Even well-intentioned removals can result in fines if not done by the book.
Beyond the Cut: What Comes Next
Post-removal stewardship is just as important as the removal itself. Responsible tree care includes safe debris disposal, stump grinding, and planning for future planting.
Eco-conscious disposal: grinding stumps, recycling wood into mulch
Insurance documentation for storm damage
Strategic replanting based on resilience, location, and local regulations
These steps help homeowners restore shade, improve safety, and rebuild landscape balance.
Why This Matters Now
With climate-driven storms ramping up, what doesn’t fall immediately can fall later—and with disastrous consequences. According to Purdue University’s Extension, high wind gusts are often strong enough to snap limbs or uproot even mature, healthy trees — especially when soil is saturated or trees are already under stress. The Tree Scouts article urges homeowners to shift from reactive cleanup to proactive hazard assessments.
Final notes:
As storm season progresses, one overlooked tree can spell disaster. For Central Texas and other cities across the United States, a certified arborist’s inspection within days of a storm could be the difference between stability and catastrophe. The Tree Scouts blog offers a timely, locally grounded guide to spotting danger early—and taking responsible, legally sound action.
