Storm Damage Recovery Notes — June 2026

This note covers the steps our crew follows when assessing a property after a storm event. It is a working reference rather than a formal procedure, and we update it whenever a season closes out and we have time to review what worked and what didn’t. Property owners may find the structure useful when deciding whether to call a certified arborist or handle minor cleanup themselves.

First walk through

The first pass is always from the ground, never from a ladder. We are looking for hangers, partial breaks, split crotches, and any limb that is leaning on a structure or a power line. If a limb is touching utility lines we stop, mark the area, and wait for the utility to de-energize. Nothing on a tree job is worth a shock injury.

Triage categories

We sort what we find into three buckets. Critical hazards over occupied structures or active driveways get same day stabilization, usually a single cut to drop the limb in a controlled direction. Secondary hazards over rarely used areas get scheduled within the week. Cosmetic damage, including small branch breaks that pose no risk, gets folded into the next routine pruning visit so we are not making a special trip.

Documentation for insurance

Before we touch anything, we photograph wide shots and close ups of each damage point. The wide shot establishes context, the close up shows the failure mode. Date and time stamps stay on. We keep originals and only share copies. Most insurance adjusters appreciate seeing the failed branch on the ground next to the trunk it came from when possible.

What waits

Heavy crown restoration is usually deferred for at least one growing season. Trees that have lost twenty to thirty percent of their canopy need time to rebalance before more removal. Watering deeply during recovery, light fertilization in early fall, and patience are the typical recommendations.

This page is general guidance and does not replace a hands on assessment by a qualified arborist.

Reference: HZPT-9QX7K2-HP1B