In Central Iowa, storms are part of life and storm damage to trees is unfortunately a common occurrence.  

High winds roll through. Heavy rain saturates the ground. Ice builds up faster than expected. And when it’s over, what’s left behind can feel overwhelming like broken branches, leaning trees, and questions about what’s safe and what isn’t.

At Unlimited Tree Service, we’ve walked countless properties after storms. The pattern is always the same:

It’s not just about what fell.
It’s about what’s now at risk.

Here’s what to do next and how to make the right call for your property.

1. Start With a Safe Assessment

After a storm passes, take a walk around your property but keep your distance.

Look for:

• Large limbs hanging or partially broken
• Trees leaning that weren’t before
• Split trunks or visible cracks
• Branches resting on structures or vehicles

If anything is near a power line, stop immediately and call your utility provider.

Storm damage can create hidden tension in trees. What looks stable may not be.

2. Document Damage Before Moving Anything

If a tree has impacted your home, fence or other structures, take clear photos before cleanup begins.

This helps:

• Insurance claims move faster
• Damage is accurately recorded
• You avoid disputes later

3. Clear Small Debris and Leave the Rest

You can safely remove small branches and loose debris.

But larger limbs or unstable trees should be left alone.

Tree work after a storm is one of the most dangerous situations homeowners face.
Improper cuts or shifting weight can cause sudden movement.

4. Schedule a Professional Tree Inspection

Not all storm damage to trees is visible.

Storm stress can weaken:

• Internal structure
• Root systems
• Branch attachments

A tree may look intact but fail weeks later.

That’s why an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist inspection is one of the most important steps after a storm.

When Storm Damage to Trees Needs to Be Removed

Not every damaged tree needs to come down but, some do.

Here’s how to know the difference.

1. The Tree Is Leaning or Uprooted

If a tree has shifted significantly or roots are exposed, stability is compromised.

In Iowa’s soil conditions, especially after heavy rain, this is a major risk factor.

These trees rarely recover safely.

2. The Trunk or Major Limbs Are Severely Damaged

Cracks in the trunk or large broken limbs affect structural integrity.

As a general rule:

If more than 40–50% of the tree is damaged, removal is often the safest option.

3. The Tree Poses a Risk to Your Home or Property

A tree leaning toward:

• Your home
• Driveway
• Sidewalk
• Power lines

…should be evaluated immediately.

Even if it hasn’t fallen yet, it’s now unpredictable.

4. The Tree Was Already Struggling Before the Storm

Storms don’t usually create tree problems, they expose them.

If the tree already showed signs of:

• Disease
• Decay
• Hollowing
• Weak structure

…the storm may have pushed it past recovery.

5. The Tree Is Blocking Access or Creating Immediate Issues

If a fallen tree blocks:

• Driveways
• Roads
• Entry points

…it needs to be removed quickly and safely.

The Part Most Homeowners Miss

Storm damage to trees is rarely random.

It’s usually the result of:

• Unbalanced canopy weight
• Overgrown limbs
• Structural weaknesses
• Lack of regular pruning
• Undetected disease

In other words, most storm damage is preventable.

How to Reduce Future Storm Damage to Trees

The best storm response strategy starts before the storm.

✔ Routine Pruning & Structural Balancing 

Reduces wind resistance and removes weak limbs.

✔ Annual Tree Health Assessments

Identifies risks before they become emergencies.

✔ Proactive Removal of High-Risk Trees

Prevents property damage and costly cleanup.

A Smarter Way to Care for Your Trees

At Unlimited Tree Service, we don’t just clean up storm damage.

We help prevent it.

Our process is simple:

1. Onsite Analysis
2. Holistic Maintenance Plan
3. Custom Tree Health Solutions

Because tree care isn’t just about reacting, it’s about planning.

Need Help After a Storm? We’re Here.

If your property was impacted by a recent storm or if something doesn’t look right -- don’t wait.

What feels stable today may not be tomorrow, request your free quote. 

📞 Call Unlimited Tree Service at 515-985-5057 or visit www.unlimitedtreeiowa.com

Schedule a professional evaluation and get clear answers.

Your trees, our priority — Unlimited Care.