When a Leaning Tree After a Storm Is a Danger to Your Home
The storm has passed, and the skies over Perrysburg are clearing. You finally step outside to assess the damage. Your heart sinks… You see a tree in your yard split, leaning, or missing large limbs.
Then you start thinking… Can this tree be saved, or is removal the only safe option?
It’s a big decision, and one that’s not always obvious. Some trees surprise us with their resilience. Others, sadly, are too far gone to keep safely. Let’s walk through how to tell the difference and why getting professional eyes on the problem is so important.
First Impressions Matter
Start by looking at the tree as a whole. Is it still standing straight, or has it developed a new lean toward your house or driveway? Do you see a major split in the trunk? Are more than half of its branches gone?
These quick observations can reveal a great deal about whether the tree is salvageable.
In Whitehouse, Maumee, and the Toledo area, we’ve seen plenty of trees survive losing a few limbs. However, when the trunk or root system is severely damaged, the risk of failure increases significantly.
When Removal Is the Safer Choice
While we always aim to save healthy trees, there are certain situations where removal is truly the safest and most responsible choice. If a tree is already severely compromised, keeping it in place can put your home, vehicles, and family at risk.
Acting early means you can address the problem on your schedule, avoid emergency costs, and protect your property before the next big weather event.
It’s time to say goodbye if…
- There’s a split or cracked trunk. A deep split or break in the trunk can’t be repaired and leaves the tree structurally unsound.
- More than half the leaf canopy is gone; it might be a good time to consider removing the tree. When there’s not enough leaf coverage, the tree struggles to produce the energy it needs to stay healthy and thrive.
- The roots are pulling out of the ground, or the tree is leaning after a storm, and it’s at risk of falling.
When There’s Hope for Recovery
Storm damage may seem survivable, but trees often can’t recover fully. Stress from wind, broken limbs, and wounds can make them vulnerable to pests, decay, and failure. What appears recoverable may actually signal a slow decline. Before saving a damaged tree, check warning signs that it may not last through the next season.
Hoping a tree will recover when the odds are stacked against it can cause more harm and increase costs later. Often, it is safer and more practical to remove it now, especially with Northwest Ohio’s unpredictable weather always on the horizon.
Some situations where “saving” a tree might be wishful thinking:
- The trunk may look intact, but internal cracks or decay can quietly worsen until the tree fails.
- Even under the 50% mark, a weakened crown can struggle to produce enough energy for recovery.
- Storm-stressed trees are magnets for pests and diseases, which can accelerate decline.
Why You Need a Professional Assessment
Even if the damage seems minor, storm-stressed trees can hide internal cracks, decay, or root issues that aren’t obvious from the ground. That’s why we recommend a professional evaluation every time. Our trained arborists know how to spot the subtle signs of structural failure.
A prompt inspection by Joey Tree could determine whether a beautiful shade tree remains healthy for another decade or if it potentially falls onto your roof as a result of the next windstorm.
Your Emergency Tree Partner
If your tree needs to be removed, we’ll do it quickly, safely, and cleanly, often on the same day for urgent cases. Our emergency crews are on call 24/7 across Maumee, Whitehouse, Perrysburg, and Toledo. And if your tree can be saved, we’ll provide you with a clear recovery plan so it has the best chance of a full comeback.
From trimming broken branches to complete removals, Joey Tree is your storm damage expert. We handle the hard work so you can focus on getting your property back to normal.
Make the Call Before the Next Storm
Every day you wait, the risk grows, especially here in Northwest Ohio, where storms can roll in fast and hit hard.
Our expert team will assess the damage, explain your options, and take the necessary steps to make your property safe.
Don’t gamble with your home, vehicles, or your family’s safety. Call Joey Tree for your storm damage assessment.
