Essential Steps for Garden and Tree Care

When a storm hits, the impact on your property can be significant. From fallen trees to hanging branches, the aftermath often leaves behind hazards and damage that require urgent attention. Addressing these issues promptly and correctly is vital—not just for the safety of your home and family but also to maintain the long-term health of your garden and trees.

Here’s our step-by-step guide to tackling storm damage and preparing for the future:

This tree has been partially uprooted and has hanging branches due to storm Darragh.

1. Safety First: Inspect Your Property

After the storm has passed, your first priority should be safety. Fallen branches or leaning trees can create serious risks, especially if they’re near power lines, buildings, or walkways. Start by assessing your property from a safe distance, looking out for:

Hanging branches: These can fall unexpectedly and cause injury.
Split or cracked tree trunks: These may not be immediately visible but can destabilise the tree.
Uprooted or leaning trees: Even partially uprooted trees can pose a danger and need professional evaluation.

If you notice any immediate hazards, avoid the area and contact a professional tree service or emergency team. Never attempt to handle large, unstable trees or branches yourself.

This tree in a public park has sustained storm damage, with hanging branches and a split trunk.

2. Clear Fallen Trees and Large Branches

Fallen trees are a common sight after storms, and while they can look dramatic, it’s important to clear them as soon as possible to prevent further damage. If a tree has fallen onto your house, car, or other structures, call a professional arborist or emergency tree service to safely remove it.

Smaller branches or debris on the ground can often be cleared away yourself. However, always wear protective gear and use the correct tools to avoid injury.

3. Evaluate the Damage to Standing Trees

Storms don’t just bring down trees—they can also leave standing trees severely weakened. Inspect your trees carefully for signs of damage:

Split trunks or branches: These weaken the structure of the tree and make it vulnerable to future storms.
Exposed or damaged roots: Uprooted roots can destabilise a tree, even if it hasn’t fallen.
Cracked or hanging branches: These pose a serious risk and should be removed immediately.

Even if a tree appears undamaged, internal issues aren’t always visible. For large or mature trees, it’s a good idea to call a tree surveyor or arborist to assess their health and stability.

4. Call in the Experts

For trees that are damaged, leaning, or showing signs of decay, a professional arborist can help you decide the best course of action. In some cases, trees can be saved with pruning, bracing, or other treatments. However, if the damage is too severe, removal may be the safest option.

At Beechwood Trees and Landscapes Ltd, our team specialises in storm recovery and can provide expert advice, tree removal services, and pruning to help your garden recover safely.

Before and after of a fallen tree brought down by Storm Darragh. Beechwood Trees and Landscapes assessed the damage and safely cut the tree into sections before removing it.

5. Clear and Repurpose Debris

Storms leave behind plenty of debris, from fallen branches to scattered leaves. While this can look overwhelming, it’s also an opportunity to repurpose organic material:

Chop large branches for firewood.
Shred smaller branches and leaves into mulch for your garden.
Compost organic material to create nutrient-rich soil for future planting.

Clearing debris not only tidies up your space but also prevents pests and diseases from spreading to healthy plants.

6. Restore and Replant

Once the major hazards are dealt with, it’s time to focus on restoring your garden. Check smaller plants, shrubs, and flowerbeds for damage. Uprooted plants can often be replanted, while broken stems may need pruning to encourage healthy regrowth.

If you’ve lost a tree, consider this an opportunity to plant a new one. Native species or those resistant to high winds can provide shade and beauty while being more resilient to future storms.

7. Prepare for Future Storms

While storms are unpredictable, you can take steps to protect your garden and property in the future:

Regular tree maintenance: Prune weak or overhanging branches and remove deadwood to reduce the risk of storm damage.
Choose resilient plants: Opt for species that are better suited to withstand high winds and heavy rain.
Secure loose items: Garden furniture, trellises, and other outdoor structures should be properly anchored before storms hit.

Taking these preventative measures can minimise damage and keep your property safer during severe weather.

Our skilled arborists are on-site, carefully assessing the situation to determine the best approach for tackling the job.

Why Quick Action Matters

After a storm, the longer you wait to address damage, the greater the risks become. Weakened trees can topple in the next bout of bad weather, and hanging branches can fall unexpectedly. Acting quickly ensures your garden remains safe and allows damaged trees and plants to recover more effectively.

At Beechwood Trees and Landscapes Ltd, we’re committed to helping our community recover after storms. Whether you need emergency tree removal, expert advice, or help restoring your garden, our team is here to provide professional, reliable service.

Contact us today to learn more about our storm recovery services and keep your garden thriving, no matter the weather!

What to Do After a Storm: Tree Care Tips and Safety Advice