When Gulf Coast storms blow through League City, they often leave behind damaged trees that can pose serious risks to your property and family. Knowing how to properly assess your trees after severe weather can prevent further damage and help you decide when professional help is needed.

Safety First: Before You Inspect

Before examining your trees, ensure:

No downed power lines are in the area
The storm has completely passed
You have proper footwear and protective gear
Someone knows where you are

What to Look For: The Ground Level Check

Start your assessment at ground level by examining:

Heaving soil around the base (indicates root damage)
Exposed or broken roots
Leaning trees that weren’t leaning before
Split trunks or major cracks in the bark

Look Up: Crown Damage Assessment

Next, examine the upper portions of your trees for:

Large broken branches hanging in the canopy (widow-makers)
Split branch unions
Twisted or bent branches
Significant loss of foliage or branches

Severity Scale: DIY vs. Professional Help

Minor damage you might handle yourself:

Small branches under 2 inches in diameter
Minimal leaf loss
Slight bending of smaller branches

Damage requiring professional storm damage cleanup:

Any leaning trees or raised root plates
Split trunks or major limbs
Hanging branches that require ladder work
Trees touching power lines
Large branches or trees blocking access

Documentation for Insurance

Before cleanup begins:

Take photos of all damage from multiple angles
Document the date of the storm
Make notes about any property damage caused by trees
Contact your insurance company promptly

Remember that some damage isn’t immediately obvious. Trees are remarkably resilient, but internal damage can take months or years to fully manifest. When in doubt, professional assessment provides peace of mind and can prevent dangerous situations.

Our experienced team provides thorough post-storm evaluations and safe, efficient cleanup services to help League City residents recover quickly after severe weather events.