Tree Damage After a Storm? Here's What to Do Immediately

Learn the critical steps to take and who to call for emergency cleanup and removal in NC

Storms can turn even the healthiest trees into serious hazards. In a matter of minutes, high winds, heavy rain, or ice can bring down limbs, crack trunks, and scatter debris across your property — or worse, onto your home or power lines.

If you've just experienced tree damage from a storm in Gaston County, the most important thing you can do is act quickly, safely, and strategically. At Huffstetler Tree & Lawn Services Inc., we specialize in 24-hour emergency tree services throughout Alexis, Dallas, Gastonia, and surrounding areas.

This guide will walk you through exactly what to do after a storm damages your trees, how to evaluate the risks, and when to call in professionals for safe, insured removal and cleanup.

First Things First: Is It Safe?

The most important question after a storm is: Is it safe to go outside?

Here’s what to check before doing anything:

• Are power lines down or tangled in trees?
  Stay far away. Call 911 or your power company immediately.
  
  
• Is your roof or structure damaged?
  Avoid entering affected areas until it’s confirmed safe.
  
  
• Are large limbs hanging or cracked overhead?
  Don’t walk under them. These are often unstable and can fall without warning.
  
  

If any of these apply, wait for emergency services or a professional tree crew like Huffstetler to arrive before inspecting further.

Step-by-Step: What to Do After Storm Tree Damage

Step 1: Document the Damage

Use your phone or camera to take clear photos and video of:

• The fallen or damaged tree
  
  
• Impact to structures, fences, vehicles, etc.
  
  
• Close-ups of cracks, splits, and uprooted roots
  
  
• Wide shots showing overall scene
  
  

Do this before any cleanup begins — it’s essential for insurance claims.

Step 2: Call Your Homeowner’s Insurance Company

Notify your provider as soon as possible. They will:

• Advise if your policy covers the damage
  
  
• Send an adjuster or request documentation
  
  
• Guide you through the claim process
  
  

Most North Carolina policies do cover storm damage if the tree hits a home, garage, fence, or other insured structure. If the tree only falls on your lawn, you may need to pay out-of-pocket for removal.

Step 3: Contact a Local Emergency Tree Service

The safest and fastest way to restore your property is to call a trusted local tree company with 24-hour emergency response, like:

Huffstetler Tree & Lawn Services Inc.
Phone: 704-913-6109
Location: Alexis, NC
Service Area: Gaston County and surrounding towns

We offer:

• Immediate dispatch for emergency removals
  
  
• Limb and trunk removal
  
  
• Stump grinding and cleanup
  
  
• Property protection (tarps, temporary support structures)
  
  
• Insurance claim documentation
  

Step 4: Avoid DIY Cleanup

We strongly advise against attempting to cut or remove storm-damaged trees yourself. Why?

• Limbs under pressure can spring back violently
  
  
• Power lines may be hidden in debris
  
  
• Chainsaws without proper rigging can cause injury
  
  
• Uprooted trees can shift suddenly
  
  

Professional crews use cranes, aerial lifts, and rigging to remove trees safely without causing more damage to your property.

Types of Storm Tree Damage (And What They Mean)

Understanding the type of damage can help you act more effectively.

1. Split Trunk or Major Cracks

• Indicates serious structural failure
  
  
• Tree should be removed — not saved
  
  
• Extremely dangerous if leaning or partially attached
  

2. Hanging Limbs (Also Called “Widowmakers”)

• Often found in maples, oaks, and pines
  
  
• Can fall suddenly, even days after the storm
  
  
• Must be removed immediately
  

3. Uprooted Trees

• Often caused by saturated soil or wind gusts
  
  
• Cannot be saved
  
  
• May damage underground utilities or foundations
  

4. Torn Bark or Debarked Limbs

• Opens the tree to disease and pest infestation
  
  
• May be trimmed if rest of tree is healthy
  

5. Broken Roots or Leaning Trunks

• If more than 20 percent of the root system is exposed, the tree is usually beyond saving
  
  
• Immediate removal is advised
  

Local Weather Risks in Gaston County

Homeowners in Gaston County face storm risks year-round:

• Spring and summer thunderstorms (high wind, lightning)
  
  
• Late summer hurricanes and tropical storms
  
  
• Winter ice storms and freezing rain
  
  

Each brings unique threats to trees:

• Lightning strikes can split trees internally
  
  
• Ice buildup adds extreme weight to branches
  
  
• High winds twist and crack trunks
  
  

That’s why Huffstetler Tree & Lawn Services offers seasonal storm prep and emergency response to protect your property before and after storms.

Case Example: Emergency Storm Response in Gastonia

In August 2024, a severe thunderstorm brought 60 mph wind gusts through Gastonia. One homeowner near Robinwood Road woke up to a 40-foot pine tree across their garage.

Within 90 minutes of their call, Huffstetler Tree & Lawn Services arrived:

• Assessed the risk of nearby leaning trees
  
  
• Removed the fallen trunk using a crane
  
  
• Cleared all debris and applied temporary tarps
  
  
• Provided documentation for insurance
  
  

The homeowner’s policy covered removal and repairs — but they told us the real value was the peace of mind and fast response.

Pro Tip: Prepare Your Trees Before the Next Storm

Many tree-related disasters are preventable. Huffstetler offers storm prep trimming services that help:

• Remove weak or overgrown limbs
  
  
• Identify dead or dying trees
  
  
• Improve airflow to reduce wind resistance
  
  
• Create clearance from roofs, wires, and fences
  
  

Schedule a tree safety inspection each spring or fall to reduce your storm risk.

FAQs: Storm Tree Damage in North Carolina

Who pays if a tree falls during a storm in NC?

If the tree was healthy and the damage was caused by weather, your own homeowner’s insurance typically covers it — even if it was your neighbor’s tree.

What if a tree falls but doesn't hit anything?

You are likely responsible for removal. Most insurance policies do not cover debris removal unless the tree caused damage to a covered structure.

Can I be sued if my tree falls on someone else's property?

If your tree was dead, dying, or known to be hazardous, you may be liable for damages. That’s why proactive tree care is essential.

How fast can Huffstetler respond after a storm?

We typically dispatch within 1 to 2 hours of your call, depending on demand and location. We operate 24/7 during storm events.

Does my insurance require me to use a specific company?

No. You are free to choose your own tree service provider. Huffstetler works with all major insurance carriers and provides detailed invoices and damage documentation.

Need Emergency Tree Help After a Storm?

Storm damage is stressful — but cleanup doesn’t have to be.

Call Huffstetler Tree & Lawn Services Inc. today at 704-913-6109 for immediate response across Gaston County. We handle emergency removals, cleanup, insurance documentation, and complete storm restoration.

Serving Alexis, Dallas, Mount Holly, Gastonia, and nearby communities with fast, insured, and experienced storm recovery.

We’re always there — when trees fall, we rise to the call.