Storm-Damaged Trees — What to Do Immediately and When to Call an Emergency Arborist

ByEastern Tree & Garden Specialists

High winds and winter storms frequently hit Newmarket, Mildenhall, Burwell, Red Lodge and wider Suffolk, leaving many homeowners unsure what to do when a tree is damaged or has fallen. Storm-damaged trees can be extremely dangerous, even if the problem looks minor.

This guide gives you the essential steps to take immediately, what not to do, and when to call a qualified emergency arborist.

1. First Step — Stay Safe and Assess From a Distance

Storm-damaged trees can shift or fall without warning.

Keep away from:

  • hanging or cracked branches

  • partially uprooted trees

  • leaning trees

  • trees touching buildings

  • power lines (call 105 immediately)

  • fences or sheds under tension

Never climb a damaged tree or try to cut it yourself — the wood may be unstable.

2. Check for Signs of Immediate Danger

These are red flags that the tree may collapse:

  • tree leaning heavily

  • soil lifting or cracking around the base

  • exposed or snapped roots

  • large broken branches (hangers)

  • cracks in the trunk

  • trunk split vertically

  • branches lodged or snagged in other trees

If you see any of these:

Call an emergency arborist right away.

3. If a Tree Has Fallen on a Road or Path

If the tree is blocking public areas:

  • report it to Suffolk Highways if it’s on the road

  • do not attempt to drag or move it

  • keep the area cordoned off

If the tree has brought down power lines, call:
📞 105 (UK Power Networks)
Do not go near the wires.

4. If a Tree Has Fallen on Your Property

A tree on:

  • your house

  • garage

  • car

  • shed

  • boundary fence

…requires professional removal.

Do not attempt DIY cutting — tension in fallen trees can cause unpredictable movement.

Insurance tip:

Take clear photos before any work begins.
Most insurers cover tree damage caused by storms.

5. Look for Hidden Damage

Even if the tree is standing, check for:

  • stripped bark

  • hanging branches

  • cracks or cavities

  • twisted limbs

  • exposed roots

  • lightning strike marks

  • pressure on fences or structures

Some damage is internal and only visible to an arborist.

6. Do NOT Use Chainsaws or Ladders Yourself

Storm-damaged wood is some of the most dangerous to cut.

DIY risks include:

  • kickback

  • shifting weight

  • trapped chainsaws

  • falling branches

  • unstable footing

  • tree collapsing unexpectedly

Professional arborists use rigging, lowering equipment and MEWPs to manage this safely.

7. When to Call an Emergency Arborist

Contact a professional immediately if:

  • the tree is leaning

  • branches are hanging dangerously

  • the tree is split or cracked

  • the base has shifted

  • roots are exposed

  • the tree is touching a roof or building

  • the tree is blocking a driveway or road

  • the damage is near power lines

  • you hear cracking or movement in the wind

Even a light breeze can cause further failure.

8. What Emergency Arborists Do

A qualified arborist will:

  • assess the structural integrity

  • remove dangerous limbs

  • stabilise or dismantle the tree safely

  • use rigging and lowering systems

  • operate chainsaws at height

  • prevent further property damage

  • advise on recovery or removal

They follow strict BS3998 safety standards.

9. Can Storm-Damaged Trees Be Saved?

Many can — it depends on:

  • species

  • age

  • extent of damage

  • location

  • structural strength

Trees often recover from:

  • minor branch loss

  • light canopy damage

  • small cracks

  • partial limb breakages

Trees usually need removal if:

  • the trunk is split

  • more than 50% of the crown is lost

  • roots have lifted significantly

  • decay fungi are already present

  • it is unstable and leaning

An expert assessment is essential.

10. Preventing Storm Damage in the Future

Many emergencies could be avoided with the right tree care.

Recommended maintenance includes:

  • crown reductions

  • crown thinning for airflow

  • removing deadwood

  • checking for decay or cavities

  • keeping trees balanced

  • reducing weight on long limbs

  • structured pruning every 2–3 years

RHS storm resilience guidance:
🔗 https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=528

Proper pruning reduces wind resistance, which is the main cause of storm failure.

How Eastern Tree & Garden Specialists Can Help

We provide 24/7 emergency call-outs and storm-damage assessments across:

Newmarket • Exning • Burwell • Red Lodge • Mildenhall • Lakenheath • Soham • Surrounding Suffolk villages

Our services include:

  • emergency tree removal

  • dangerous limb dismantling

  • storm-proofing pruning

  • long-term maintenance plans

  • insurance reports

  • decay and structural assessments

We respond quickly and work safely to protect your home and garden.

Need Emergency Help With a Storm-Damaged Tree?

Stay safe — let trained professionals handle the risk.

📞 Contact Eastern Tree & Garden Specialists
24/7 Emergency Arborist • Qualified • Insured • Reliable

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