Severe thunderstorms, ice, and the occasional remnants of a tropical system all pass through Winston-Salem at different points in the year, and trees are often the first thing to show the damage. Knowing what to do in the immediate aftermath can make a real difference in how safely the situation gets resolved.
First: Make Sure Everyone Is Safe
Before anything else, get people and pets away from the damaged tree and the surrounding area. A tree that looks stable after a storm can still be holding tension in cracked limbs or a compromised root system, and it can shift or fall further with no additional warning. If the tree is touching power lines, stay well clear and contact the utility company before attempting anything else, including calling a tree service.
Don’t Attempt DIY Removal on Storm-Damaged Trees
It’s tempting to grab a chainsaw and start clearing debris yourself, especially if the damage seems minor. But storm-damaged trees are deceptive — broken limbs can be under more tension than they appear, and a trunk that looks intact may have hidden cracks from the force of the wind. This is exactly the kind of situation professional equipment and training exist for, and it’s a major reason why DIY tree removal carries real injury risk even for experienced homeowners.
Document the Damage
If your homeowner’s insurance may be involved, take photos of the tree, the damage to any structures, and the surrounding area before any cleanup begins. This documentation is usually far easier to gather in the moment than to reconstruct later once debris has been cleared.
Call for Emergency Tree Removal
Once everyone is safe, the next step is getting a professional assessment as soon as possible — both to address any immediate hazard and to prevent secondary damage from a tree that’s already failed structurally. Our emergency tree removal service is available 24/7 specifically for situations like this: fallen trees, trees leaning toward a structure, and large broken limbs still hanging in the canopy. We assess the hazard, determine the safest approach, and handle removal and debris cleanup so you’re not left managing it yourself.
What Happens to the Rest of the Tree
If the storm has damaged a tree beyond what trimming can repair, full tree removal is usually the safer long-term solution rather than trying to salvage a structurally compromised tree. And once the tree itself is gone, the stump that remains can be addressed with our stump grinding service, clearing the area completely so you’re not left with a hazard or an eyesore once the immediate emergency has passed.
After the Immediate Danger Has Passed
Once the urgent situation is handled, it’s worth having the rest of your property’s trees inspected. Storms that damage one tree often stress others nearby, even if the damage isn’t immediately visible. A broader look at your trees’ health and structure — and a regular trimming schedule going forward — can reduce how vulnerable your property is the next time severe weather rolls through.
If a storm has left you with a damaged or fallen tree, contact Wake Tree Services or call 336-733-6996 directly. Our team is available around the clock to help you get your property safe again.