Summer storms in Missouri can be unpredictable, rolling in quickly with high winds, heavy rain, lightning, and sometimes even hail. While we welcome the rain for our landscapes, these storms can leave behind a mess for homeowners, especially when it comes to trees.

Tree Care 101: No tree is completely safe—not even the healthiest-looking ones. Even the best arborist cannot see every internal defect, know exactly what’s happening underground, or predict weather events that could lead to failure. However, good arborists are trained to look for warning signs such as ground heaving, crown dieback, root rot, or fruiting bodies that may indicate decay.

At Hansen’s Tree Service, we often get a surge of calls after storms, and for good reason. Damaged trees can pose serious risks to your home, vehicles, and even your safety. Knowing what to look for—and what to do next—can help you respond confidently and avoid making a bad situation worse.

Here’s your go-to guide for post-storm tree care.

What Happens to Trees in Summer Storms?

Trees are built to withstand the elements, but repeated exposure to strong winds, hail, and saturated soil can stress—or heavily damage—even the healthiest specimen. Here are some of the most common types of storm-related tree damage:

• Broken limbs or hanging branches
• Split or cracked trunks
• Partially uprooted trees (also known as leaning or “heaving”)
• Debris impact from flying objects or falling limbs
• Lightning strikes that cause internal or external burns

Even if your tree looks mostly fine, internal damage or root instability may not be immediately obvious.

What You Should Do After a Storm

• Assess from a distance – First and foremost, stay safe. Walk around your property and observe your trees from multiple angles. Look for broken branches, exposed roots, or signs that a tree is leaning more than usual.
• Take photos – If there’s visible damage, especially to your home, fence, or nearby power lines, document it. This can be useful for insurance claims or professional assessments.
• Look for immediate hazards – Are there limbs resting on power lines? Large branches hanging over your roof? These are high-priority issues that need expert attention right away.
• Clear small debris—carefully – If you’re comfortable doing so, you can clean up small limbs and twigs. However, anything larger than two inches in diameter or higher than head-height should be left to the pros.
• Call a certified arborist – If your tree has major damage—or you’re not sure how serious the situation is—a certified arborist can evaluate the tree’s condition and recommend next steps.

What NOT to Do After a Storm

• Don’t try to remove large limbs yourself – Chainsaws and ladders are a dangerous combination, especially in post-storm conditions when branches may be under tension or loosely balanced.
• Don’t assume a damaged tree needs to be removed – Some damage can be pruned or treated, allowing the tree to recover. Over-removal is not only costly but can also leave your landscape more exposed to sun, erosion, and future storm damage.
• Don’t hire unqualified help – Be wary of “door-to-door” storm chasers offering quick fixes. Look for a licensed, insured company with ISA Certified Arborists on staff—like Hansen’s.
• Don’t delay action – If a tree is leaning or has major limb damage, waiting can make the situation worse. A weak point today can become a break point tomorrow.

Proactive Tree Care = Storm Resistance

The best way to protect your trees during a storm? Regular care and maintenance.

• Pruning to remove dead or weak branches
• Structural assessments to spot vulnerabilities early
• Tree cabling and bracing for added support
• Root zone evaluations and soil treatments to strengthen health

Healthy, well-maintained trees are more resilient to wind and water stress—just another reason why ongoing care pays off.

Let Hansen’s Help You Clean Up Safely and Responsibly

If your trees were damaged in a recent storm, don’t wait—our certified arborists are trained to assess storm damage, provide emergency tree removal, and help you preserve the trees that can be saved.

At Hansen’s Tree Service, we serve the St. Louis and St. Charles, Lake of the Ozarks, and Springfield, Missouri areas with expert care, responsive service, and a commitment to doing the job right the first time.

Call us today or schedule a visit online to get your property safe, clean, and ready for the next storm.