Overview
A tree that looks a little off after a storm is worth paying attention to. Some problems are obvious. A large limb hanging over your roof, a trunk that's visibly cracked near the base, or a tree that's leaning at a new angle after heavy wind are all signs that something needs to happen soon. Others are easier to miss. Roots that have started lifting, soft or spongy wood at the base, or bark that's peeling away in large sections can all point to a tree that's structurally compromised, even if it still looks mostly intact from a distance.
Winner sees its share of severe weather, and trees take a beating. After a big storm, walk your property carefully and look for splits, hanging branches, or any contact with power lines. If a tree or large limb is touching a line, keep your distance and call for professional help. Don't try to assess it up close.
Not every damaged tree is an emergency, but some genuinely are. When in doubt, a qualified arborist can give you a clear read on what you're actually dealing with.
Common Signs
- A large crack running through the trunk or a major limb. This is one of the clearer signs that something is seriously wrong. Cracks that split wood apart, especially after a storm, mean the tree has lost structural integrity and could fail without much warning.
- The tree is leaning at an angle it didn't have before. A sudden lean, particularly after heavy rain or wind, suggests the root system may have shifted or partially failed underground. A tree that has always leaned slightly is different from one that has moved recently.
- Exposed or heaving roots near the base. If the soil around the base is lifting or roots are pulling up from the ground, the tree's anchor is compromised. You might notice this as a subtle mound forming on one side.
- Branches hanging but not fully broken off. These are sometimes called "widow makers" in the trade. A branch that's cracked partway through but still attached can drop without notice, which makes the area underneath genuinely dangerous.
- Bark that's peeling away in large sections, or deep wounds in the wood. Healthy bark stays relatively intact. Significant peeling or exposed, discolored wood often points to decay working its way through the tree.
- A hollow sound when you knock on the trunk. Solid wood sounds solid. A dull, hollow knock suggests internal rot, which weakens the tree far more than what's visible from outside.
- The tree has already made contact with your roof, fence, or utility lines. Once a tree is touching a structure or pressing against something, the risk of damage during the next storm increases considerably.
If you're noticing more than one of these signs at once, it's worth getting a professional assessment before the situation gets worse.
Urgency: Today, This Week, or Plan Ahead?
Not every tree situation is a true emergency, but some absolutely are. The key is knowing the difference.
A tree that has already fallen onto your roof, is pressing against your home's siding, or has come down across a driveway trapping people inside requires immediate action. The same goes for a tree or large limb that has made contact with overhead power lines. That situation is not something to assess yourself. Keep distance and call your utility provider first, then a tree service.
After a severe storm, look for trees that are visibly leaning in a new direction, have major root lifting at the base, or have large broken limbs hanging in the canopy. Those hanging limbs, sometimes called widow-makers, can drop without warning. If you see that, treat it as urgent.
On the other hand, a dead tree standing in an open part of your yard with no structures or foot traffic nearby is a concern, but not necessarily a same-day emergency. You have time to get an arborist out for a proper evaluation and plan the removal carefully.
The honest rule of thumb: if a failure would hit something you care about, or someone you care about, don't wait to get a professional opinion. Urgency is about proximity and consequence. When those two factors are present together, act quickly.
The Value of an Inspection
A tree that looks dangerous after a storm isn't always a straightforward call. Sometimes the damage is obvious, but other times a partially split limb or a leaning trunk leaves you genuinely unsure whether the tree needs to come down or just needs some work. That uncertainty is exactly when an arborist's evaluation is worth arranging.
A certified arborist can assess the tree's structure, root system, and overall health in a way that a visual check from the ground simply can't match. They're trained to identify problems that aren't obvious to an untrained eye, including internal decay, compromised root zones, or structural weaknesses that could make a damaged tree unpredictable.
When you're looking for someone to do that evaluation, ISA certification is a reliable marker. The International Society of Arboriculture sets a recognized standard for professional training, and certified arborists are required to keep their credentials current through continuing education. That doesn't mean every uncertified tree worker is unqualified, but ISA certification gives you a concrete point of reference when comparing your options.
Getting a professional opinion before committing to removal can also save you from taking down a tree that could have been preserved, or from waiting on one that genuinely poses a risk to your property.
Common Questions
What kinds of storm damage actually count as a tree emergency?
Not every fallen branch needs an urgent call. Out here in south central South Dakota, the storms that tend to create real emergencies are the ones that drop heavy, wet snow onto trees that still have leaves, or send strong winds through without much warning. A tree that has split at the trunk, is leaning toward your house, or has landed on a structure needs prompt attention. If a tree is blocking access to your property or touching a power line, treat it as urgent and keep people away until a professional can assess it.
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A cottonwood near my fence cracked during a windstorm. Do I need emergency removal?
Cottonwoods are common across this part of South Dakota and are known for dropping large limbs, especially after wind events or ice. A crack in the trunk or a major limb hanging at an odd angle is worth taking seriously. If the damaged section is suspended over a fence, vehicle, or walkway, that is not a situation to leave and check on later. A hanging or partially attached limb can fall without much additional force. Get a professional out to look at it before the next storm rolls through.
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How do I know if a tree is about to fail, or if it just looks rough after a storm?
This is genuinely hard to judge on your own, and it is one reason an on-site evaluation matters. Some signs that suggest a tree may be structurally compromised include a sudden lean that was not there before, soil heaving or lifting near the base, cracks running vertically along the trunk, or large sections of bark that have separated. Winner's winters can stress trees significantly, and damage that looks minor after a blizzard can hide deeper structural problems. When in doubt, a qualified arborist can tell you what you are actually dealing with.
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My tree fell but missed the house. Does it still need to come out right away?
It depends on where it landed and what is still standing. If the tree fell cleanly and is resting on the ground away from structures, utilities, and foot traffic, you may have time to schedule a standard removal rather than an emergency call. But if part of the tree is still attached to the stump and leaning, or if root damage has destabilized nearby trees, the situation could still be hazardous. Tripp County gets significant weather variability, and a compromised root system or a half-fallen tree will not hold up well through the next round of wind or snow.
Calling for an Inspection
When you're not sure whether a tree needs to come down, getting a professional opinion is almost always worth it. An arborist can spot structural problems, root damage, or decay that isn't obvious from the ground. Most assessments are relatively affordable, and that small upfront cost is easy to justify when you consider what a fallen tree can do to a roof, a fence, or a parked car. If something looks off, trust that instinct. A quick visit from a qualified arborist gives you real information to work with, and in many cases, peace of mind is worth the call alone.