Here in the Northwest, we get more frequent storms and severe weather than the rest of England and at this time of year, we start to expect more emergency calls here at Highfield Tree Care.
Severe weather and frequent storms can cause significant damage to trees. Unfortunately, trees damaged by storms often pose serious risks requiring emergency tree removal services across Lancashire. Understanding how to recognise storm damage and knowing when to call professional tree surgeons can help protect homes, businesses and other property.
How Storms Damage Trees
Whilst we’re snuggled up inside during the stormy weather, trees are exposed to the elements. With the frequent stormy weather at this time of year, trees often take multiple beatings from the weather, and even smaller storms can cause trees to lose branches or fall. Taller trees are at more significant risk as they are more likely to be hit by lightning and catch the wind more easily. Due to their size, they also pose a greater risk to people and property.
Some ways in which storms can damage trees include:
High winds
create pressure on the tree canopy, snapping branches or uprooting the entire tree. Sustained winds above 40mph can cause significant damage, while gusts over 60mph can lead to catastrophic tree failure.
Heavy rainfall
saturates soil, softening the ground and reducing the grip strength of roots. Waterlogged ground combined with high wind creates perfect conditions to uproot trees.
Lightning strikes
cause explosive damage. When a tree is struck by lightning, the internal moisture vaporises, often splitting the trunk. Even if a tree looks fine after being struck by lightning, there may be invisible structural damage that only one of our qualified tree surgeons can detect.
Ice and snow loading
adds tremendous weight to branches. Heavy ice or snow can cause branches to snap and fall onto buildings, vehicles, or power lines.
Recognising Storm-Damaged Trees: Critical Warning Signs
After a severe storm, it is a good idea to check your property for damaged trees. Visually assess your trees from a safe distance and look out for signs of damage. Whilst some signs are obvious, others may require closer inspection by our team of professional tree surgeons in Lancashire.
Immediate Danger Signs Requiring Emergency Tree Removal
Call our team immediately if you notice any of the following:
- Broken or hanging branches suspended in the canopy or resting on other branches
- Trunk splits or cracks running vertically along the tree trunk
- Severely leaning trees that have shifted from their normal upright position
- Exposed root systems visible where trees have partially uprooted
- Trees resting on buildings or structures requiring immediate response
- Branches hanging above power lines creating electrical hazards
- Crown damage with significant portions of the canopy missing or torn away
Subtle Signs of Storm Damage in Trees
These signs are harder to spot and require a specialist examination by a tree surgeon:
- Small cracks in branch unions that may widen and fail over time
- Soil heaving around the tree base indicating underground root movement
- Canopy imbalance where wind has removed branches from one side
- Stripped foliage leaving branches bare on the windward side
- Unusual creaking sounds suggesting internal trunk splitting
- Fresh wounds or torn bark where branches have ripped away
Never attempt emergency tree removal yourself. Our teams are highly trained and are qualified to remove trees damaged by storms. By attempting DIY emergency tree removal, you may increase risks to both yourself and your property.
When to Call Emergency Tree Removal Services in Lancashire
Contact Highfield Tree Care immediately for 24/7 emergency response if you notice any of the following on your property:
- Trees or large branches resting on buildings or structures
- Any tree contact with power lines or utility infrastructure
- Trees blocking roads and access routes in Leyland, Preston, or Chorley
- Severely leaning trees that may collapse imminently
- Trees with major trunk splitting or visible failure
- Hanging branches over driveways, walkways, or high-traffic areas
- Any other situation you feel poses a risk to property or people.
Damaged trees only worsen with time and contacting us quickly reduces the risk of danger to your home, your property, and your safety. Don’t put off contacting our team of Northwest tree surgeons. At Highfield Tree Care, we can assess your damaged trees and provide the best course of action.
Professional Emergency Tree Services Across Lancashire
Highfield Tree Care provides 24/7 emergency response for damaged trees affected by storms throughout Leyland, Preston, Chorley, and surrounding Lancashire areas. Based in Farington, Leyland, with over 14 years of experience, our team of NPTC trained arborists are trained to safely assess and remove hazardous trees even in challenging conditions.
Our Emergency Tree Removal Services Include:
- Immediate risk assessment of storm-damaged trees across Lancashire
- Safe removal of trees entangled with power lines (coordinating with utility companies)
- Emergency stabilisation of partially fallen trees
- Complete storm-damaged tree removal and site clearance
- Insurance documentation and damage assessment support
- 24-hour emergency response for domestic and commercial properties
Our team has successfully handled complex storm damage situations, including trees between buildings and near power lines throughout the Lancashire region. Our qualified tree surgeons are fully insured with the expertise and equipment to handle damaged trees affected by storms safely across Leyland, Preston, Chorley, and surrounding areas. Don’t risk attempting DIY solutions to emergency tree damage and contact a professional.
