A tree can look damaged after a storm without being ready for removal. But some changes—especially around the trunk, roots, or the ground beneath it—may signal that it could fail. Keep people away from the area if you notice serious damage, and do not climb the tree or try to cut large limbs yourself. An arborist can assess how the damage affects stability, consider the tree’s surroundings, and recommend the safest practical next step.
Warning Signs to Check
Look for a tree that has started leaning in a new direction, particularly if the soil around its base has lifted or cracked. Exposed roots, a raised section of ground, or a gap between the trunk and soil can indicate that the root plate has shifted. These signs do not confirm the tree will fall, but they warrant prompt assessment. Keep people, pets, and vehicles clear of the likely fall area.
Inspect the trunk from a safe distance for deep splits, a fresh crack through a major fork, or a section that has broken and remains partly attached. A hanging branch can fall without warning. Also note whether the canopy has lost a large amount of foliage or whether a heavy limb has torn away bark and wood. Do not stand beneath damaged branches to get a closer look.
Damage That Can Be Hard to See
A tree may have internal damage even when the outer bark looks mostly intact. Storm force can split wood at a branch union or weaken the trunk where it meets the roots. A cavity, soft or decayed wood, or an old wound near new storm damage can affect how well the tree holds together. An arborist will inspect these areas and consider whether the damage compromises key supporting parts.
The amount of damage matters, but so does its location. A broken small branch may be manageable, while a split in the main trunk or a damaged root system can have broader consequences. The tree’s species, size, condition before the storm, and pattern of damage help an arborist judge whether it can recover and whether remaining limbs are likely to stay secure.
What an Arborist Considers
An arborist assesses the whole tree, not just the most obvious broken limb. They look at trunk and branch structure, root stability, signs of decay, the tree’s lean, and how storm damage has changed its balance. They may also consider whether the tree is still moving, whether cracks are widening, and whether damaged sections can be removed without leaving the rest of the tree unsafe.
The surroundings help determine the risk. A tree over a home, driveway, footpath, power line, or frequently used area can pose a greater threat if it fails. Access for equipment and the direction a limb or tree could fall also matter. If power lines are involved, keep away and contact the relevant electricity provider; do not attempt work near them.
Removal or Another Option
Removal may be recommended when the trunk or roots are badly compromised, a major split cannot be safely managed, or the tree is likely to strike people or property if it fails. In other cases, an arborist may suggest removing broken limbs, reducing selected branches, or monitoring the tree. The right option depends on whether the remaining structure can be made acceptably safe and whether the tree can continue to recover.
Until an assessment, treat a visibly unstable tree as a hazard. Keep clear of its canopy and avoid parking or gathering nearby. Do not use a ladder, chainsaw, or rope to handle a storm-damaged tree; tensioned or suspended wood can shift suddenly. For an urgent hazard, contact a qualified local tree-care professional and describe what you can see from a safe position.
A new lean, disturbed soil, trunk splits, and hanging limbs can all signal that storm damage needs professional attention. An arborist can weigh the tree’s structure, condition, and surroundings before advising on repair, monitoring, or removal. If you are concerned about a damaged tree in Perth, contact Perth Storm Tree Care to discuss an assessment.