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Storm-Damaged Trees: Warning Signs Before They Fall

Storm-Damaged Trees: Warning Signs Before They Fall

When heavy rains, strong winds, and ice hit, even healthy and strong trees can become hazardous. The combination…

Apr 22,2026

When heavy rains, strong winds, and ice hit, even healthy and strong trees can become hazardous. The combination of harsh weather conditions makes homes and businesses susceptible to broken branches and falling trees. If you live in an area that experiences storms regularly, it may be time to call a trusted tree company in North Carolina for professional help. At Sesmas Tree Service, we understand that a falling tree is not just a threat to your home but also takes down power lines, causes expensive roof and fence repairs, and blocks driveways. Here’s a detailed outline of storm damage warning signs you need to know.

Storm-Damaged Trees: Warning Signs Before They Fall

The Tree Is Leaning

This is particularly true if it is sudden or getting worse over time. While a slight lean may not raise any concerns, a tilt that appears overnight or is getting worse suggests a compromised root system that needs immediate attention. The situation is worse in areas with saturated soil from snowmelt or heavy rains, as roots easily loosen and make large trees unstable. Some of the indicators you need to call a tree service provider include leaning after a storm, roots lifting out of the ground, and cracks or mounds of soil at the base. A trained arborist can assess the extent of the damage and determine if the tree can be salvaged or if a full removal is necessary.

Damaged or Exposed Roots

Roots anchor trees and provide vital nutrients for healthy growth. When they weaken due to soil erosion, construction damage, or poor drainage, the entire tree can easily fall during adverse weather conditions. The risk is higher in older neighborhoods where driveways and sidewalks cut close to the root zones. If you detect visible or damaged roots, fungal growth, or raised soil on one side, it is a sign that the tree may not be able to handle another storm. In the case of minor deterioration, a tree service can install anchors to restore stability. However, severe damage may require a complete tree removal to mitigate hazardous scenarios when storms hit.

Our Services

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Tree risk assessment is essentially when a professional arborist analyzes a tree and concludes just how much of a risk it…

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Storm Damage Cleanup Storm Damage Cleanup

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Tree Services Tree Services

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Land Clearing & Forestry Mulching Land Clearing & Forestry Mulching

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Arborist Services Arborist Services

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Cracks or Splits in the Trunk

Splits or cracks in the tank may not raise concerns initially, but they can compromise the structural integrity of your trees if left unchecked. During an ice buildup or a thunderstorm, these weak points along the trunk can cause major sections or even entire trees to fail. Once you detect vertical splits or peeling bark, hollow sounds when tapping the trunk, or cavities caused by animals and insects, act quickly before storm season. Cracks near the base often mean that the internal wood is decaying from the inside out. Professionals can inspect your trees, assess the severity of the damage, and recommend lasting solutions to keep your home and family safe.

Dead or Dying Branches

The top branches can also help you catch underlying issues that can risk property damage and injuries. Check for leafless, brittle, or falling limbs from the canopy, which suggests serious stress. These dying or dead limbs can break off in heavy rainfall or high winds, causing major property damage. Common reasons for potentially hazardous limbs include previous harsh weather, infestations, or age, prompting immediate attention to get ahead of devastating scenarios. Scratch a small area of bark to see whether the inner layer is green or brown. When dealing with dead branches, removing them quickly can mitigate larger issues down the line.

Schedule a Professional Tree Service Today

At Sesmas Tree Service, our trained, insured, and licensed arborists provide expert inspections, storm damage cleanup, and even tree removal services tailored to your specific needs. If you suspect that a tree on your property might be unstable, contact us today to book an appointment and determine the best solution.

Customer Reviews

3 large Leyland Cypress trees removed near front of our home. Excellent service, professional crew, very competitive pricing for superior work! Rolando provided the initial estimate and the  follow up and was the best in terms of customer relations. I'd both use this company again AND highly recommend them.

Susan Hitchcock

This is the 2nd time we have used Sesmas Tree Service. They are a wonderful company to deal with. They were on time, professional, and very thorough. They cleaned up prior to leaving and went out of their way to protect our plants and landscaping. And they kept to their proposal with no hidden cost or add ons. Definitely a five star experience!

Gene McFadden

Wow!  I deal with tree services in my professional work and I can honestly say Sesmas is by far the most professional, best equipped, efficient, safety conscious, and communicative service I've ever encountered.  Their price was very reasonable and they even went so far as to include additional work without increasing the price.  Call them!  Now! They are very quick to respond.

Scott McLendon

We've used Sesmas several times and have always received excellent service.  Estimates are quick and easy and the crew is efficient and leaves the property clean of debris.  Recently we needed a tree removed next to a heavily landscaped area.  Sebastian went over everything with me in detail and listened to my concerns.  The crew did an excellent job in removing the tree with minimal disturbance to the surrounding area.  We are pleased and will consider them again in the future for pruning and tree removal.

Tonia Griswold

Sesmas Tree Service was amazing! I had two dead trees cut and a lot of trees that were already down on my property removed. Sebastian came out and sent the quote in writing within 24 hours. We were in the process of scheduling the service when a slot opened up sooner snd I was able to go ahead and get the work done. Everything was explained ahead of time for what to expect. The crew was very efficient and professional.  All of the work and cleanup was done in one day. I would recommend Sesmas for your tree cutting/cleanup needs.

LaDora Woods

I hired Sesmas to cut down a very tricky tree that was hanging over my house as well as a few large limbs. They did a great job and had the machinery to get the job done right.

Perry Hartman

Great experience with Sesmas. They were meticulous with my tree removal, safe and efficient. David’s communication throughout the process was much appreciated. Highly recommend!

Lindsay Ellenburg

Great experience with Sesmas Tree Service. The arborist who came out was a Board Certified Master Arborist, and you could immediately tell he knew his stuff. He took the time to explain what needed to be done, gave us clear options, and helped us feel confident from start to finish. The whole process was easy and professional. We’ll definitely use them again.

Ed Martin

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