After The Storm: Professional Tree Cleanup Services
Severe storms can flip an otherwise calm yard into a mess of broken limbs, scattered branches, and uprooted trees. For folks living in Joplin, it's not unusual to experience rough weather during the fall and early winter months. When heavy winds and rain come through, trees are often the first to take a hit. From splintered trunks to leaning giants that once stood tall, the damage is more than just an eyesore. It can be a serious safety risk.
Fast cleanup after a storm helps prevent larger issues. Loose branches can become hazards, weakened trees can get worse in the next big gust, and debris left lying around can block access to parts of your property. So once the skies clear, it's smart to take a good look around and figure out what needs fixing or removing before things get harder to manage down the road.
Assessing Tree Damage After A Storm
Right after a storm, it's tempting to get out there and start picking things up. But before anything happens, take a moment to walk around and size things up. Some damage can hide behind leaves or blend in with normal tree growth if you're not paying close attention.
Here are some signs your tree might be hurt:
- Branches split or dangling from the trunk
- The tree is leaning more than it used to
- Roots sticking up out of the ground or pulled away from the base
- Bark that's cracked, peeling, or missing altogether
- Leaves or needles that turned brown suddenly
Even if a tree looks mostly okay, there could be issues up higher you can't see from the ground. That's where binoculars or a long-lens phone camera come in handy. Try snapping photos from multiple sides and angles so you can get a better view of any hidden damage. This helps when talking with a professional about what you’re dealing with.
If you’ve got more than one damaged tree, tackle the worst-looking first. Think about what’s closest to the house, power lines, or areas where kids or pets play. It’s also smart to check for limbs that are partially broken but still hanging on. Wind alone might shake those loose, and you don’t want to be under them when it happens.
For example, after a big storm last November, one house in north Joplin had a large oak start leaning toward the garage. From the ground, it looked fine until they noticed the roots were breaking through the soil. That’s the sort of hidden problem that can lead to a total fall, especially during the next heavy rain or gust.
Take your time when doing a visual check. If anything seems unsafe or just doesn’t look right, wait on touching it. The next step is knowing how to deal with cleanup the right way.
Safe Tree Debris Removal
Once the damage is scoped out, it's time to start clearing things. Start with the stuff that’s easy to move, like small branches and loose leaves. But safety comes first, especially when working around large limbs or broken trees. What might seem fine to lift could shift and cause injury if it's under pressure or tangled with something larger.
When cleaning up, keep a few tips in mind:
1. Always wear heavy gloves, goggles, and strong shoes or boots with good grip
2. Avoid standing right under cracked limbs or leaning tree trunks
3. Don’t climb ladders to trim branches without help or safety gear
4. Skip using chainsaws or other cutting tools unless you’ve been trained
5. Watch where you pile sticks or logs so they don’t block paths or drains
Even smaller jobs can surprise you. Fallen branches sometimes snap back when moved, especially if they're under the weight of another piece. In tangled areas, it’s easy to cut one section and have the whole thing shift in a flash. That’s why it’s better to leave bigger cleanup jobs to professionals who know how to remove debris without causing more damage.
There’s no need to rush through this part of the process. Sorting through fallen limbs carefully helps stop new problems before they start. Plus, it gets the yard back in shape quicker and makes everything safer for pets, kids, or anyone walking through.
Preventing Future Storm Damage
Once the mess is cleared, it’s a good time to think one step ahead. Trees that already made it through wind, lightning, or heavy snow might still be at risk during the next storm. Taking a few simple steps now can make a big difference when that next round of bad weather rolls through Joplin.
One of the most effective ways to help trees stay strong is by trimming them properly. Pruning removes weak spots and opens up the canopy so wind can pass through instead of pushing hard against it. It’s better to cut away crowded or low-hanging branches during calm weather rather than let a storm do it the hard way.
Another safety trick is bracing or cabling trees that look healthy but lean too far or have heavy limbs. Special support systems can reduce stress on the trunk and main limbs. These setups aren’t DIY jobs and need to be inspected often, usually after every major wind event.
Set some reminders on your calendar to check your trees seasonally. As fall fades into winter, take a look for these signs:
- Branch joints that seem to bend or bulge
- Big limbs pressing down toward the roof or fence
- Holes near the base indicating pests or rot
- Changes in how water runs off near tree roots
When you spot a warning sign early, the fix is usually quicker and less expensive. Keeping up with routine care helps trees live longer and cuts down on big cleanup jobs later. Think of it the same way you'd maintain a car. Small fixes prevent major repairs in the future.
When To Call A Professional
Some situations really do go beyond what most people should try to handle alone. If a tree is huge, leaning toward power lines, or trapped under another object, it’s safer to bring in someone trained to manage those risks. There’s just too much that can go sideways when dealing with heavy limbs, rotten areas, or partly fallen trunks.
You’ll want to get help when:
- The tree or branch is bigger than your arm span
- The damage is near a power line or roof
- The base of the tree is cracked or soil is lifted
- The tree’s leaning more than it used to
- You don’t have the gear or knowledge to check it safely
Professional crews know how to spot hidden damage and dangerous areas before they turn serious. They also bring the right tools for the job, which makes the whole process faster and safer for everyone involved. Without proper gear and training, accidents can happen quicker than expected.
For example, after a windstorm blew through in mid-November, a homeowner in southeast Joplin tried to take down a tree on their own. They misjudged how much of the trunk was rotted, and it snapped in the wrong direction, right onto their fence and part of the neighbor’s shed. A tricky removal can look simple, but even a small error can wreck your afternoon and your backyard.
Trust your gut. If something about a tree makes you nervous to deal with, it’s time to bring in the pros.
Protect Your Yard And Home
Joplin weather can be unpredictable, especially with sudden storms rolling through in late fall and early winter. Taking care of your trees now helps lower the chance of major problems later and keeps your home, yard, and family safer all around.
Clearing storm damage quickly, checking for hidden signs of trouble, and knowing when to call for help keeps things manageable. And while it’s tempting to just focus on cleanup, prepping your trees now is a smart way to cut back on damage the next time dark clouds build up.
Tree care isn’t just something you think about after the storm. With regular upkeep, extra eyes during inspections, and clear-headed decisions when you spot damage, you set your yard up to handle the rough stuff. It all adds up to a cleaner, safer space before, during, and after the weather takes a turn.
To make sure your property is safe and your yard is clear after severe weather, trust Swartz Tree Service for reliable storm damage cleanup. Our crew is ready to get your trees back in shape and prevent lingering issues from turning into bigger problems down the line. Reach out today and let us help get your yard storm-ready.