While it’s obvious that a fallen limb should be cleaned up following a storm event, it’s not always easy to decide whether or not your tree can – or should – be preserved.

In order for Majestic Tree Care to assess tree damage, a certified arborist will visually inspect the tree. Your personal arborist will provide a written proposal with any pruning or health care recommendations.

Assessing Storm Damage: If many smaller branches are broken during a windstorm, pruning will clean them out along with any other deadwood. Corrective measures to the overall structure may be recommended at this time. Larger broken branches, split crotches, removal of bark and splitting or splintering of the trunk can be caused by strong winds and heavy ice storms. When a tree is severely damaged, the first question that must be answered is: Is the condition of the tree such that keeping it is worthwhile?” (source: TCIA) Partially uprooted trees due to windthrow may be salvagable but it depends on the type of tree, the degree of uprooting and the direction of the wind during the event. Evaluation by a certified arborist and installation of appropriate supports and/or cables may be required. If a tree is not worth saving, your arborist will likely recommend immediate removal. If it its not removed and the tree dies, it could become a hazard tree. Removal of hazard trees is dangerous and requires special training, techniques, and equipment.

Torn and broken wood in storm damaged limbs is unpredictable and will often move while cutting! Please do not attempt working with a chainsaw at height and NEVER on a ladder! Potential overhead hazards such as cracked or hanging branches should be removed by qualified tree workers. As a homeowner, you could be held liable if a hazardous branch or tree falls and damages property or causes personal injury.

As tree care professionals, Majestic is be happy to provide you with a copy of our business liability insurance, workman’s comp insurance, ISA Certified Arborist number, as well as Minneapolis, St Paul, or surrounding area city tree service licenses, if required. If you have a tree that has sustained damage from a storm or other event, please call Majestic Tree Care today for a consultation.