After a strong storm in Colorado Springs, your yard may look calm at first glance. Then you may notice a branch hanging lower than usual or soil raised near the trunk. Knowing how to identify storm damage on trees helps you catch these warning signs before they threaten your home.
Some damage is obvious right away, while other forms of hidden stress can show up days or weeks later. At Arbor One Tree Service LLC, we help homeowners understand when storm damage needs professional attention. This guide explains what to check first and when to call for emergency tree services.
Common Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore
After severe weather, these visible warning signs may point to urgent tree damage:
- Broken branches: Snapped limbs still attached by thin strips of bark can fall without warning during the next gust of wind.
- Hanging limbs: Suspended branches, often called widowmakers, may be lodged high in the canopy. These pose a serious overhead threat. If heavy winds caused a limb to drop near your utilities, contact an emergency tree service right away, especially if a tree or branch falls on a power line.
- A cracked tree trunk: Visible splits along the main stem indicate structural failure that often cannot be repaired safely.
- Uprooted trees: Exposed root plates can signal serious anchorage failure and require an evaluation by a certified professional.
How To Check For Storm Damage on Trees
Learning how to identify storm damage on trees also means looking beyond the obvious broken branches. These steps can help you find hidden damage that is easy to miss after a storm:
- Check whether the trunk leans more than it did before the storm.
- Look for raised soil opposite the leaning tree, which may show the root ball lifting.
- Evaluate the ground for soft or cracked soil near the trunk after heavy rain.
- Watch for signs of root damage, which may make the soil feel loose around the base.
- Listen for creaking in light wind, which can suggest stressed wood fibers.
- Look for hollow areas near the trunk, but keep your distance from any unstable tree.
If you spot hollows or fungi after a storm, learning how to tell if your tree is rotting inside is vital for assessing structural stability.
Why Acting Quickly Matters After a Storm
Storm damage can worsen when a tree is left unchecked after rough weather. Noticing possible signs of tree removal early helps homeowners act before hazards become harder to manage. When heavy limbs hang near roofs or driveways, emergency tree services can help limit the immediate risks. Sometimes, severe weather is the final blow to an already struggling tree, and tree bark falling off may indicate that the tree was already damaged before the storm.
Prompt action with documentation can also support an insurance claim by showing how the damage looked right after the storm. Calling sooner may also reduce repair costs, since smaller hazards are often easier to manage. Right after a major storm in the Springs, tree services are often overloaded with emergency jobs, so it’s best to call as soon as possible to reduce your wait time.
Trust Arbor One Tree Service LLC for Reliable Storm Recovery
Now you know how to identify storm damage on trees after severe weather affects your property. At Arbor One Tree Service LLC, we can explain whether your tree needs careful pruning or safe removal after storm damage.
Our team safely removes fallen trees and evaluates damage near homes or outdoor spaces. Call Arbor One Tree Service LLC at (719) 256-0484 for expert storm damage help in Colorado Springs.
