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Tree Damage

If the trees in your garden have suffered storm damage, give them the care they need to make a full recovery.

Help your trees to gain back their full health after a storm with the following FAQ. If the damage is severe, call in a professional Tree Surgeon.

If the storm has caused flooding, see our section on Flood Safety and Flood Damage & Restoration.

Choose from the following list to find the advice you're looking for:

What can I do if my tree has trunk damage?

If your tree has split at a weak fork on the trunk, decay can develop around this areavand the tree may become structurally unsafe. Call in a professional to confirm whether the tree should be cut down.

What can I do if my tree has branch damage?

If your tree has lost a few branches after a storm, this won't affect its main structure so there's no cause for worry. If large branches are hanging loose you might want to call in a tree surgeon to trim the tree.

How do I clear storm-damaged trees from my garden?

This type of job needs to be dealt with by a qualified tree surgeon. Cutting up fallen branches with a chainsaw is dangerous unless you're experienced and have the appropriate protective clothing.

What can I do if my trees are swaying in high winds?

Trees naturally sway in the wind and so generally this is normal. After extreme winds however, you should inspect your trees for any signs of storm damage. See What can I do if my tree has trunk damage?.

Should I be concerned that one of my trees has started to lean?

Trees may naturally lean as they grow. If the whole symmetry of the tree has been damaged by gales, a professional tree surgeon can tidy up its shape. Also be on the lookout for cracks in the soil radiating away from the tree - this is a sign of hidden more serious structural damage.

What can I do if one of my trees are leaning over onto the main road?

If storm-damaged trees have broken branches hanging over into the road or a neighbour's property, the best advice it to call in a professional for a quick fix before you get any complaints. If a damaged tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order, your Local Council must be informed.

What precautions do I need to take when dealing with protected trees?

If a tree that is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) suffers storm damage, you can carry out what ever work is necessary to make it safe without delay. The work must be the minimum required to make the tree safe and any additional work will require an application to the Council.

Your Local Council must be informed if work has been carried out on a protected tree or if a protected tree has blown down in your garden. It will be your responsibility, if asked, to be able to prove that any work you've carried out was essential to make the tree safe. For this reason it's a good idea to take a photograph of the storm damage before you fell or remove the tree.

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