7 Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore (And When to Call the Pros)

Having trees on your property when a storm hits can cause issues. Not just because they are vulnerable to getting damaged from high winds or even lighting strikes, but also because of the damage they can cause to your property when branches fall or trunks topple.

This potential hazard isn’t over when the rain stops. If your tree was weakened from a storm, you might have a nasty surprise waiting to come down any minute.

To help our Sonoma County neighbors stay safe, here are 7 things to check on your trees after a storm and how to know when it’s time to call in professionals for emergency tree removal in Sonoma County CA.

1. Are There Hanging or Broken Limbs?

Look up. Large branches hanging by a thread—or worse, already cracked—can fall without warning. These are called “widow-makers” for a reason.

2. Is the Tree Leaning?

Sometimes, strong winds can shift your tree entirely and leave it leaning. Even a slight lean can indicate potential root damage or trunk fractures.

3. Do You See Any Exposed Roots?

Sometimes all that water and wind gets under the tree and pushes the roots right out of the ground. If you notice roots sticking out or the soil around the base looks like it’s heaving, your tree might not be as solid as it looks.

4. Are Power Lines Involved?

If any limbs or trees are resting on—or even near—power lines, this is a serious safety hazard.

Sam’s Tree Service is Cal OSHA certified for power line trimming, with decades of experience handling tree work around utilities safely and legally.

5. Is the Bark Cracked or Trunk Splitting?

Storms can do some sneaky damage, like causing the trunk to split or the bark to crack. That kind of internal stress isn’t always obvious right away, but it can seriously weaken the whole tree. It’s a warning sign worth paying attention to.

6. Have Nearby Trees or Shrubs Been Damaged?

Even if your tree seems okay, check out what happened around it. Did other trees or bushes take a beating? If they did, chances are your tree went through the same stress—it just might not be showing it as clearly.

7. Is There Debris at the Base?

Look down. If you see sawdust, bark chunks, or snapped-off branches at the bottom of the trunk, that’s not just storm mess, it could be a sign of rot, pests, or old damage that the storm made worse.

What Should You Do If You Spot Storm Damage?

Here’s what we recommend:

🚧 Keep Everyone Safe

First thing’s first: keep folks (and pets!) away from the area. A damaged tree might look still, but it can come down in a heartbeat.

📷 Document the Hazard

Snap a few photos from a safe distance. These can be super helpful for insurance if it comes to that.

📞 Call the Pros

Seriously—don’t try to DIY it, especially near power lines. Give us a call at Sam’s Tree Service. We’re fully licensed, insured, and trained to handle emergency tree removal in Sonoma County CA—even those tricky situations near utility lines.

👋 Loop In the Neighbors

If limbs are over their fence or you think we’ll need to access their yard, it’s a good idea to give them a heads-up.

When in Doubt, Call Sam’s Tree Service

Whether it’s trimming to prevent future hazards or emergency tree removal in Sonoma County CA, Sam’s Tree Service can help guide you every step of the way, with honest advice, safe practices, and neighborly service.

📞 Call us today at 707-293-6930 or contact us online now for a free post-storm tree inspection. Se habla español.

No job is too big (and no storm too tough) for the Sam’s Tree Service family.