How Do Tree Surgeons Manage Storm-Damaged Trees?

The UK’s weather can be unpredictable at the best of times. In coastal regions like Plymouth, strong winds, torrential rain, and occasional snow can all take their toll on the local landscape. While these weather events are part of life, they can cause serious problems for trees. A once-healthy oak or sycamore can be left with snapped branches, split trunks, or even be uprooted entirely after just one violent storm.

Storm-damaged trees aren’t just unsightly, they can be dangerous. Large branches may be hanging precariously, ready to fall without warning. A weakened trunk might topple days or weeks after the storm has passed. Damaged root systems can destabilise trees, posing a risk to nearby homes, cars, or pedestrians. This is why it’s essential to call in an experienced Plymouth tree surgeon as soon as possible. Tree surgeons are trained to handle storm-damaged trees safely and effectively, protecting both people and property while preserving the health of trees wherever possible. Let’s take a closer look at how they do it.

1. Making Safety the Top Priority

After a storm, the first step for any professional tree surgeon is to carry out a thorough safety assessment. Even when the bad weather has passed, the situation on the ground can still be hazardous.

A professional Plymouth tree surgeon will:

• Survey the area for immediate dangers such as loose or hanging branches, leaning trees, or unstable roots.
• Check for structural damage to buildings, fences, sheds, or garden walls.
• Identify risks from utilities such as damaged power lines or blocked access roads.
• Establish a safety perimeter so no unauthorised person can accidentally wander into a dangerous area.

If power lines are involved, the tree surgeon will always contact the local electricity provider before starting any work. This coordination ensures that the area is safe and that the removal process doesn’t cause further risks.

2. Conducting a Detailed Tree Damage Inspection

Not all storm damage is immediately visible. A tree might appear intact at first glance but still have internal cracks or hidden root damage. This is why a detailed inspection is crucial.

An experienced Plymouth tree surgeon will examine:

• Trunk integrity – Are there splits, cracks, or missing bark that could affect stability?
• Branch health – Are major limbs broken, hanging, or twisted beyond repair?
• Root condition – Has the storm exposed or damaged the root system?
• Tree balance – Is the tree leaning or tilting dangerously?

This assessment helps determine whether the tree can be saved through pruning and support, or whether removal is the safest option.

3. Deciding Between Restoration and Removal

Every damaged tree presents a unique challenge. While some can be restored with careful pruning and support systems, others may need to be removed entirely to protect people and property.

Tree restoration may involve:

• Removing damaged branches while maintaining the tree’s natural shape.
• Installing support cables or bracing rods to stabilise weak sections.
• Treating exposed areas to prevent disease and insect infestation.

Tree removal is often necessary if:

• The trunk is split or hollowed.
• Over 50% of the crown (leaf canopy) is gone.
• Roots are severely damaged or uprooted.
• The tree poses an immediate threat to nearby structures.

4. Safe and Controlled Branch Removal

One of the most common post-storm tasks is the removal of hazardous branches. These can range from small limbs tangled in overhead lines to massive sections of the tree dangling over a roof.

Professional Plymouth tree surgeons use specialised rigging equipment and climbing gear to:

• Securely lower large branches without damaging surrounding property.
• Cut in a way that prevents tearing or splintering of healthy wood.
• Work at height safely, even in confined or hard-to-reach areas.

Unlike DIY attempts, professional removal ensures the job is carried out without risking further injury or property damage.

5. Sectional Tree Dismantling for Full Removal

When a storm-damaged tree needs to be taken down entirely, especially in a built-up area, it’s rarely safe to fell it in one piece. Instead, tree surgeons use sectional dismantling, where the tree is removed in manageable sections from the top down.

This method involves:

• Climbing or using a cherry picker to access the upper sections.
• Cutting branches and lowering them with ropes to the ground.
• Gradually removing the trunk in safe, controlled sections.
• Clearing the stump either through grinding or full extraction if required.

This careful approach protects nearby gardens, vehicles, and buildings, and is particularly important in urban areas of Plymouth where space is limited.

6. Debris Clearance and Site Restoration

Storm damage often leaves more than just one tree in disarray, gardens can be littered with branches, leaves, sawdust, and woodchips. Professional tree surgeons handle complete site clearance, which includes:

• Chipping smaller branches for mulch or disposal.
• Cutting larger timber into logs for firewood or removal.
• Removing all waste material to leave the property neat and tidy.
• Checking for further hazards such as unstable nearby trees.

By the time a Plymouth tree surgeon finishes the job, the site is safe, clean, and ready for use again.

7. Preventative Care to Reduce Future Storm Damage

The aftermath of a storm often prompts property owners to think about prevention. A good tree surgeon doesn’t just remove damage, they also help ensure your trees are better prepared for future severe weather.

Preventative measures include:

• Regular pruning to thin the canopy and reduce wind resistance.
• Removing deadwood before it becomes a hazard.
• Choosing wind-resistant species when planting new trees.
• Supporting young or vulnerable trees with stakes or bracing.
• Annual inspections to spot and treat weaknesses early.

With proper maintenance, trees in Plymouth can withstand storms much better, reducing the risk of dangerous damage in the future.

8. Why You Shouldn’t Attempt Storm-Damage Tree Work Yourself

While it may be tempting to save money by tackling a damaged tree on your own, the risks far outweigh the savings. Storm-damaged trees can be unpredictable, and without the right equipment or training, you could cause injury to yourself or others.

Professional Plymouth tree surgeons:

• Have the correct safety gear and insurance.
• Understand tree biology and structural integrity.
• Can work at height safely and efficiently.
• Use specialist equipment to prevent collateral damage.

DIY attempts can lead to accidents, incomplete removal, or even further damage to the tree and surrounding property.

Conclusion

Storm-damaged trees require a combination of expertise, experience, and the right equipment to manage safely. From the moment a Plymouth tree surgeon arrives on-site, their priority is to protect people and property while preserving tree health wherever possible. Through careful assessment, controlled removal, and preventative advice, they ensure that the aftermath of a storm is handled quickly, professionally, and with minimal disruption.

If your property has been affected by recent bad weather, don’t take risks, contact a trusted local tree surgeon in Plymouth to restore safety and peace of mind.