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Summary: Storms frequently damage trees in Fort Worth, creating safety hazards and costly property risks for homeowners. This guide explains how to assess storm-damaged trees, what to do immediately after a storm, when a tree can be saved or should be removed, and how certified arborists help protect your home. It also covers insurance rules, city permits, and long-term storm-prevention strategies specific to Fort Worth, Texas.
Storms are just part of life here in North Texas. According to First Street’s data, 29% of homes in Fort Worth have at least some risk from high winds, heavy rain, and occasional hail. Unfortunately, trees take the brunt of it.
If your Fort Worth yard took a hit from the storm, you’ll see split trunks, fallen limbs, twisted branches, or worse. These damaged trees are a safety hazard. A hanging limb or a leaning trunk can fall without warning, putting your home, car, or family at risk.
| Fact: The U.S. Forest Service reports that falling trees and limbs are one of the leading causes of storm-related injuries and fatalities nationwide. Source: U.S. Forest Service |
You must quickly remove the hazardous limbs or even the tree to keep your property and family safe. Here’s a step-by-step guide just for Fort Worth homeowners.
How Risky Are Storm-Damaged Trees
Storms can hit the trees hard. Heavy wind can snap large limbs or split whole trees right down the middle, while lightning can burn or literally explode trunks. Flooded or waterlogged soil can loosen roots, causing trees to lean or tip over days after the weather clears.
If the tree in your Fort Worth yard looks damaged, don’t ignore it. Damaged trees fall without warning. They can hit your home, crush your car, or hurt someone in your yard.
There’s another reason to take damaged trees seriously: homeowner responsibility. In Texas, if your damaged tree hurts someone or causes property damage, you could be responsible if it wasn’t addressed in time.
| Pro Tip: Trees weakened by storms often fail hours or days later, not during the storm, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). |
The bottom line is that you must take care of the damaged or hazardous tree immediately.
Immediate Steps You Should Take After a Storm
Once the storm passes, you may want to start cleaning up. But before you grab that rake or chainsaw, take a breath. Tree damage can be dangerous, especially if the structure is weak or leaning. You’ve to be careful when handling storm damage.
1. Safety First: Don’t walk near downed power lines. If a tree is tangled in wires, call 9-1-1 or your local utility. Stay away from hanging or cracked limbs. Trees that are leaning or have shifted roots can fall over with little warning.
| FEMA Safety Warning: FEMA strongly advises staying away from downed trees touching power lines because they may still be energized. |
2. Look for Visible Damage: From a safe distance, scan your trees. Check for split trunks, broken limbs, bark loss, or roots that look lifted. Use binoculars if required, but don’t get closer to the tree.
3. Take Photos: Use your phone to document the damage. Snap photos of every affected area, as this may help with insurance claims and give your arborist a clear picture.
| Insurance Fact (Texas Department of Insurance): TDI recommends photographing storm damage before moving any debris, as photos help speed up claims and prevent disputes. |
4. Call for Emergency Help: If a tree has hit your home, is in the road, or looks ready to fall, call for help right away. Let the emergency crews or certified arborists handle it safely.
Can the Tree Be Saved, or Should It Be Removed?
Not every damaged tree needs to come down. Some can recover with the right care, especially if the core structure is still strong. If the trunk is solid, the roots are stable, and only a few limbs are broken, your tree might still have a good future.
The tree might be saved if:
- Only minor limbs are broken.
- The trunk is solid and upright.
- The root system is intact.
- There’s no sign of rot or hollow areas.
You can hire a certified arborist to trim away the damage, treat the wounds, and support the tree with cabling or bracing if needed.
But if the damage is more severe, removal might be the safest option.
The tree should be removed if:
- Major limbs are gone or dangling.
- The trunk is cracked, hollow, or split.
- Roots are uprooted or visible above ground.
- The tree is leaning toward a home or structure.
| Government Recommendation (U.S. Forest Service): Trees with split trunks, major cracks, or significant structural failure generally cannot be saved and pose long-term hazards. Source: U.S. Forest Service |
Let the experts make the call. An ISA-certified arborist will inspect the damage and help you decide what’s best for your safety and your yard.
Why Fort Worth Residents Should Call an Arborist
While you can DIY many parts of tree care, storm cleanup isn’t one of them. It’s risky, especially if you’re dealing with chainsaws, downed power lines, tall trees, or hidden damage.
You should hire a team of certified arborists for the job. They’ll:
- Check for internal decay or hidden cracks.
- Assess root health and soil condition.
- Identify signs of pest infestations that follow storm stress.
- Use the right gear for safe trimming, removal, or support.
| OSHA Safety Warning: OSHA reports that storm cleanup involving chainsaws causes thousands of injuries every year, urging homeowners to leave hazardous tree removal to trained professionals. |
The cost of emergency tree service in Fort Worth depends on how big the tree is, how bad the damage is, and how urgent the job is. But skipping expert help can cost more if something goes wrong.
| Did You Know? Only ISA-certified arborists are trained to assess root stability, internal decay, and structural cracks, issues that homeowners cannot detect visually. |
Check Insurance, Permits, and City Guidelines
Most homeowners’ policies will pay for tree removal if a tree lands on your house, garage, or other covered structure. They often also cover damage to fences or outbuildings. Even if your neighbor’s tree fell on your property, you’re often still covered.
However, you’ll need to:
- Check your deductible before you start work.
- Document the damage with photos and videos.
- Notify your insurance agent as soon as possible.
1. Permits and City Rules
In some Fort Worth neighborhoods, you may require a permit to remove a tree, especially if the tree is protected, is in a front yard, right-of-way, or near creeks. Check with your city office to see if you require a permit to remove a tree.
2. Remove Storm Debris
The City of Fort Worth usually schedules extra brush pickups after big storms, but you need to follow their bundling and sizing rules. For example, mixing bulk waste and brush or yard trimmings is against the rules. You can also drop the debris at one of the four drop-off stations.
| City Compliance Fact: Fort Worth follows state waste-management rules requiring separation of brush and bulk waste after storms. Mixed piles may be rejected. Source: City of Fort Worth |
Keep Your Trees Safe from Future Storm Damage
Fort Worth is home to frequent storms and strong winds. While you can’t stop the weather, you can keep your trees ready to handle the worst. Here’s how:
1. Trim Before Storm Season
Cut off weak, dead, or hanging branches before storm season. Remove one of two crossing limbs so they don’t rub and weaken each other over time. Thinning the crown can lower wind resistance, so gusts are less likely to topple the tree. You can hire a certified expert to prune and trim your trees before the storm season.
| Pro Tip: Professional pruning can reduce wind resistance by up to 30%, significantly lowering the risk of storm breakage. |
2. Choose Better Trees
If you’re planting new, go with native, wind-resistant species. Some native varieties, such as live oak, cedar elm, and pecan, hold up better in storms.
3. Schedule Yearly Inspections
Just like your HVAC or roof, your trees need a thorough, professional check once a year. Hire a local specialist to inspect your trees. They can mulch around roots, trim and prune, and check for diseases or bugs every year.
Final Checklist for Fort Worth Homeowners
Let’s go through the checklist once again:
- Check for immediate hazards, like downed lines or leaning trees.
- Take clear photos of all tree damage.
- Call your insurance provider.
- Schedule an inspection with a certified arborist.
- Decide whether you want to save or remove the tree.
- Make a storm prevention plan for next year.
Can the Tree Be Saved or Removed? – Quick Comparison Table
| Condition | Tree Can Be Saved | Tree Should Be Removed |
|---|---|---|
| Limb Damage | Minor limbs broken | Major limbs are missing or hanging |
| Trunk Condition | Intact, no cracks | Split, hollow, or severely cracked |
| Root System | Stable, embedded roots | Uprooted or shifting roots |
| Leaning | Minimal or natural lean | Leaning toward home/driveway |
| Safety Risk | Low or manageable | Immediate hazard present |
Let Fort Worth Arborist Co. Help You After the Storm
We’ve helped Fort Worth homeowners recover from storms for over 20 years. Our ISA-certified team safely checks, removes, or recovers storm-damaged trees. We’re fully licensed and insured tree care experts who know the local soil and weather.
Got a storm-damaged tree? Call 817-975-0180 or contact us online to schedule a cleanup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I know if a storm-damaged tree is an emergency?
- If a tree is leaning, roots are exposed, or limbs are hanging over your home or driveway, treat it as an emergency and call an arborist immediately.
2. How soon should I address a storm-damaged tree?
- Immediately. Damaged trees can fail without warning, even days after a storm. Prompt action reduces safety risks and potential liability.
3. Will my homeowner’s insurance cover tree removal?
- Most policies cover removal if the tree hits a structure or blocks access. Always check your deductible and photograph damage before cleanup.
4. Can I remove a storm-damaged tree myself?
- It’s not recommended. Storm damage often involves hidden structural weakness, heavy limbs, or nearby power lines. Certified arborists have the equipment and training to handle this safely.
5. What trees in Fort Worth handle storms the best?
- Native species like live oak, cedar elm, and pecan are far more wind-resistant than brittle species like hackberry or Bradford pear.
6. How soon should I schedule an arborist after a storm?
- Ideally within 24-72 hours. Storm-weakened trees can fail days later, even in calm weather.
7. How do I know if a tree can be saved instead of removed?
- If the trunk is intact, roots are stable, and damage is limited to smaller limbs, a certified arborist may recommend pruning or support rather than removal.
