Stay at least 25 feet away from any downed power lines and contact local authorities to report downed lines. Downed trees and large limbs are often unstable and can move or pivot unexpectedly. Look for hanging, broken limbs that can drop from overhead. If you are unsure if you can work around a tree safely or if a tree is near utilities, structures, cars or people, contact a professional arborist to ensure a safe removal. Professional arborists are specifically trained in tree inspection and removal.

Homeowners in storm-damaged areas may be approached by individuals offering to remove downed or damaged trees. Unlike professional arborists, these doorknockers do not have the specific training and expertise to work around dangerous trees or power lines and may not be insured.

Limbs or trees that come down in thunderstorms often have underlying defects that caused them to fail. Some examples include fungal decay, previous damage or poor root structure. If a tree loses a limb during a storm because of decay, it’s possible other parts of the tree may have similar problems.

Trees that lose major limbs may become unstable and may become prone to fail in the next storm.

In assessing hazardous trees, arborists look at targets—what will the tree or limb hit if it falls? Damaged trees located in native woodlots or windbreaks are likely to be less of a concern than a tree that overhangs a house or carport.

The National Arbor Day Foundation has an online tree recovery illustrated guide that can help homeowners perform an initial assessment of their damaged trees.