What to Do After Storm Damage to Your Trees in Texas

Central Texas is no stranger to severe weather. From spring supercells to summer derechos and the occasional ice storm, our trees take a beating. When the storm passes and you walk outside to survey the damage, it can be overwhelming — broken limbs, leaning trunks, and debris everywhere.

Here is a practical guide to handling storm-damaged trees safely and efficiently.

Before you assess anything, make sure it is safe to be outside:

• Check for downed power lines. If a tree has fallen on or near power lines, stay inside and call your utility company immediately. Do not approach downed lines under any circumstances.
• Watch for hanging branches. "Widow makers" — large broken branches still caught in the canopy — can fall without warning. Do not walk under damaged trees until a professional has assessed them.
• Check for gas leaks. If a tree has struck your home and you smell gas, evacuate and call 911.

Once it is safe, walk your property and document what you see. Take photos for your insurance claim before any cleanup begins.

Look for:

A completely uprooted or snapped tree is the most urgent situation, especially if it has landed on your home, vehicle, fence, or is blocking access to your property.

Large broken branches still attached to the tree are dangerous. They can fall at any time, especially as the wood dries and the remaining attachment weakens.

A tree with a split or cracked trunk may look salvageable but is often structurally compromised. Have a professional evaluate it before assuming it can be saved.

A tree that was not leaning before the storm and is now leaning significantly has likely lost root anchorage. These trees are at high risk of falling.

Small debris — twigs, small branches under 2 inches in diameter — can be cleared by homeowners. Anything larger should be left to professionals, especially if:

• The branch is still attached to the tree
• The debris is on or near your roof
• The tree is near power lines
• You would need a chainsaw or ladder

Attempting to cut a branch under tension (bent and loaded with weight) without training is extremely dangerous. The branch can kick back violently when cut.

If you have significant damage — a tree on your home, a blocked driveway, or dangerous hanging limbs — call a professional tree service as soon as possible. After a major storm, reputable companies book up quickly.

When you call, be ready to describe:

• The size and species of the tree (if known)
• What it has fallen on or near
• Whether there are power lines involved
• Your address and the best access point to your property

Most homeowner's insurance policies cover storm damage to structures (your home, fence, detached garage) but not the tree removal itself unless the tree has fallen on a covered structure. Document everything before cleanup begins:

• Photograph the fallen tree and all damage from multiple angles
• Note the date and time of the storm
• Keep all receipts from emergency tree service

Your insurance adjuster will want to see the damage before it is cleared, so communicate with them before authorizing major cleanup work if possible.

The best storm preparation happens before the storm. Regular tree maintenance significantly reduces the risk of storm damage:

• Annual pruning removes dead and weak branches before they become projectiles
• Crown thinning reduces wind resistance in large canopy trees
• Cabling and bracing can support structurally weak trees or multi-stem trees
• Hazard assessments by a certified arborist identify high-risk trees before they fail

Eagle Tree and Lawn Care provides emergency tree removal services across Hays, Comal, Caldwell, and Guadalupe counties. We respond quickly after storms to help homeowners get their properties safe and cleared.

Call us at (512) 749-2336 any time for emergency service. We are locally owned, fully insured, and have been serving Central Texas since 2009.