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.

How Bagworms Can Damage Evergreens

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Evergreens are often valued because they provide year-round color, screening, and structure in the landscape. When sections of an arborvitae, juniper, spruce, or similar evergreen suddenly begin turning brown or losing foliage, however, bagworms may be responsible. Bagworms are caterpillars that construct protective bags from silk and pieces of the plants they are feeding on. Because those bags blend into surrounding foliage, an infestation can become significant before the insects attract much attention. Understanding how bagworms feed and when they are easiest to control can help protect valuable trees and shrubs from unnecessary damage. The Bags Can Be Easy to Miss Bagworms get their name from the portable cases they build around themselves. As the larvae feed , they add pieces of needles, leaves, and twigs to the outside of the bag. This camouflage can make them difficult to recognize, particularly when populations are still relatively small. The bags may look like small brown cones or pieces of dried vegetation hanging from the branches. Penn State Extension notes that bagworms can become serious pests on arborvitae, juniper, spruce, fir, and other conifers because substantial feeding damage can occur before the infestation becomes obvious.

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