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