Storm-Damaged Trees? Here’s What to Do Right Away
When a storm hits Rhode Island, it doesn’t take much for trees to become a serious hazard. High winds, heavy rain, and saturated soil can all lead to broken limbs, uprooted trunks, and trees crashing onto homes, vehicles, or power lines.
If you're dealing with a
storm-damaged tree, don’t panic—but do act quickly. Here's what every homeowner in Rhode Island should know to stay safe, protect their property, and get fast, professional help.
Stay Safe: Assess the Damage from a Distance
The first thing you should do is take a step back—literally. Storm-damaged trees are unpredictable. Limbs can fall without warning, roots can shift, and trunks can collapse under their own weight. Never attempt to inspect a large fallen tree up close, especially if:
- It’s touching or near
power lines
- It’s leaning on your home or garage
- It’s cracked, split, or dangling dangerously
If any of these are true, call a
24-hour tree service in Rhode Island immediately. Your safety isn’t worth the risk.
Know When It’s an Emergency
Not all storm damage requires immediate removal—but many situations do. Here are signs you need emergency tree removal:
- The tree is blocking your driveway or road
- A limb has crashed through your roof or windows
- The trunk is split or leaning after the storm
- There are hanging branches overhead
- There’s property or electrical damage
Sepe Tree offers
24/7 emergency response, including to areas like
Middletown and
East Providence, with rapid deployment after major storms.
Call a Professional—Don't DIY
It might be tempting to grab a chainsaw and start cutting, but tree removal after a storm is one of the most dangerous tasks a homeowner can attempt. Why?
- You may not see all structural damage
- The tree can shift or fall unexpectedly
- Improper cuts can cause more damage
- Electrical hazards are often invisible
Instead, call a certified tree company in RI that has the equipment, insurance, and expertise to handle the job safely.
Document the Damage for Insurance
Before any work begins, take clear, wide-angle photos of:
- The full tree (from a safe distance)
- Any damage to your home, car, or fence
- The area around the base or root system
This helps with potential insurance claims. Sepe Tree also assists with documentation and can provide
professional estimates that insurance companies often require.
Plan for Cleanup and Prevention
Once the immediate risk is handled, it's time to:
- Schedule
stump grinding or full removal if needed
- Clear remaining debris
- Inspect other nearby trees for damage
- Consider trimming overhanging or weakened limbs
Preventing future storm damage starts with proactive tree care. Our team can help you identify risks and create a seasonal maintenance plan tailored to Rhode Island’s unpredictable weather.
Need Emergency Tree Help in Rhode Island?
When storms hit, you don’t have time to search through dozens of companies. Sepe Tree is ready 24/7 to respond to urgent situations in Middletown, East Providence, and throughout Rhode Island.
Whether a tree has fallen, is threatening your roof, or you simply don’t know what to do next—call Sepe Tree now. We’ll walk you through your options and get your property back to safety fast.
📞 Need a Tree Removed? Contact Sepe Tree Today
We’ve helped hundreds of Rhode Island homeowners safely remove trees—from small backyard jobs to large, hazardous removals near homes and power lines. Call 401-276-2828 or request a free quote to get started.
