Storm-damaged trees can pose serious risks, but storms themselves can be mesmerizing. Something is soothing about listening to rainfall on a tin roof, the scent of wet soil, the sound of crickets chirping, and the sight of mushrooms emerging when the sun returns.
However, once the storm clears, storm tree hazards become a pressing concern, threatening homes, power lines, and property safety.
It would be a fairy tale if not for the devastating effects of strong winds, hail, and heavy rain. Severe weather disasters caused over $91.3 billion in damages in 2023, making it one of the costliest years on record. Thunderstorms, high winds, and severe storms accounted for over $27 billion in damages. In 2024, the destruction escalated, with 27 confirmed weather and climate disaster events, resulting in losses exceeding $180 billion.
At Green Leaf Zone, we’ve seen firsthand how fallen trees contribute to this destruction, damaging homes, vehicles, and infrastructure. A single tree collapse can cost tens of thousands of dollars in repair costs. Even more concerning, tree-related accidents result in over 100 fatalities annually.
Tree trimming is essential to protect your property and ensure safety, especially in Los Angeles, where extreme weather—such as Santa Ana winds and heavy winter storms—poses a constant risk. Strong gusts can weaken branches, while heavy rains saturate the soil, increasing the likelihood of fallen trees and property damage.
Our tree trimming service in Los Angeles helps prevent hazardous tree failures while promoting healthy tree growth.
Whether you need tree trimming, tree and brush clearing, tree care, or tree removal services near you, our expert team is equipped to handle it all.
Are you looking for tree cutting, tree services, or underbrush clearing?
Don’t wait until storm damage occurs—contact us today for reliable tree services in Los Angeles!
Signs of a Dangerous Tree After a Storm
Choosing Green Leaf Zone means working with a team of highly trained and certified professionals who prioritize safety, precision, and expert tree care. Our licensed arborists provide in-depth tree risk assessments, ensuring your property remains safe from hazardous trees.
After extreme weather, inspect your trees before they become a liability. Here are the most critical warning signs to watch for:
1. A Leaning or Compromised Trunk
A sudden lean in a tree after a storm is one of the key signs of tree root failure after a storm, indicating structural instability. A tree leaning toward a house, driveway, or power line poses an immediate danger and may collapse without warning, leading to costly damage or safety hazards.
Call a professional if:
- The tree is leaning significantly more than before.
- Roots are exposed, cracked, or lifted from the ground.
- The soil around the base appears raised or disturbed.
Don’t wait for disaster—get a professional assessment today!
Call Green Leaf Zone at (818) 538- 2471. We offer emergency tree services!
2. Cracks, Hollows, or Missing Bark on the Trunk
The trunk is the backbone of the tree, and any damage can signal potential failure. A storm-damaged tree trunk with large cracks, hollow cavities, or peeling bark indicates structural weakness and decay, making the tree more likely to fall—especially in high winds or heavy rain.
Trees can suffer from internal diseases and insect infestations that gradually compromise their stability. Mold, ants, and termites—often hidden from view—can weaken a tree from the inside until a storm delivers the final blow.
Warning signs include:
- Deep cracks running vertically.
- Hollow cavities covering 50% or more of the trunk’s diameter.
- Large areas of peeling or missing bark.
Trees with severe trunk damage are at risk of breaking— Don’t wait —call Green Leaf Zone at (818) 538 – 2471.
We’re available for emergency tree services!
3. Hanging, Broken, or Dead Branches
What was meant to be a peaceful nap under your favorite tree can quickly turn into a hazard without you realizing it. Storm-weakened branches can break unexpectedly, posing a serious risk to people and property.
A tree doesn’t have to look dead to have dangerous limbs—loose branches can linger unnoticed and come crashing down with just a light breeze or gentle rain, even days after the storm has passed.
Key signs include:
- Large branches dangling from the tree.
- Dead limbs with no leaves while others are full.
- Broken limbs with cracks that could split further.
Dead branches can fall at any moment—schedule emergency trimming today!
Call Green Leaf Zone at (818) 538- 2471. We’re available for emergency tree services!
4. Root Damage & Fungal Growth
A tree with rotting or damaged roots is a serious hazard—it can fall without warning, even if it looks healthy. Since roots provide stability, any decay or structural compromise makes the tree unsafe.
Some of the most common causes of root rot are fungal infections, such as Armillaria (which leads to root decay) and Ganoderma (which weakens the trunk and roots). These fungi slowly break down the tree’s foundation, increasing the risk of collapse during storms or high winds.
Decay fungi invade a tree’s vascular tissues, breaking down its cells. A mere 10% wood loss can reduce strength by 70–90%, making seemingly solid branches prone to sudden failure.
Look for:
- Mushrooms or fungal growth at the base (a sign of root rot).
- Soil cracking or shifting near the trunk.
- Tree movement when pushed gently.
Root damage can lead to total tree failure—get an arborist’s professional assessment now!
Call Green Leaf Zone at (818) 538 – 2471 for emergency tree services.
5. Signs of Insect Infestation
Storm-damaged trees attract pests from the Los Angeles area, such as termites and beetles, which accelerate decay and weaken the tree further.
Red flags include:
- Fine sawdust-like debris (frass) around the trunk or base.
- Small boreholes in the bark (evidence of beetles or borers).
- Pitch tubes—resin-like deposits on pine trees, indicating beetle infestation.
A pest-infested tree may be dying—have an arborist inspect it before it’s too late!
How to Inspect a Storm-Damaged Tree
After a storm, trees may seem intact at first glance, but hidden damage can pose serious risks. Unstable branches, weakened trunks, and compromised root systems can lead to sudden collapses—posing dangers to homes, vehicles, and people nearby. But, how to check if a tree is safe after a storm in Los Angeles?
While it’s important to check for visible damage, attempting to handle tree hazards on your own can be dangerous and costly. Without proper training and equipment, even a routine inspection can put you at risk of injury or worsen the damage.
To assess tree health after a storm, check all four zones:
- The Overall Tree: Stand back and look at the tree’s structure. Leaning trees may indicate shifting roots and thinning leaves can signal internal distress. Keep in mind that a tree may appear healthy yet still be structurally compromised—especially after heavy winds or prolonged rainfall. If you’re unsure, don’t take a chance—call Green Leaf Zone at (818) 538 2471.
- The Base & Roots: The root system is a tree’s foundation, and if it’s unstable, the entire tree is at risk. Look for cracked soil, raised ground, or exposed roots—these can be signs the tree is in the process of uprooting. Fungal growth, such as mushrooms at the base, indicates decay and weakened structural integrity. Even if the tree stands tall, compromised roots mean it could fall unexpectedly, especially in strong winds. If you notice these signs, a tree and brush-clearing expert near you can determine whether the tree should be trimmed or removed.
- The Trunk: The trunk supports the tree’s full weight, so any splits, cavities, or peeling bark can be warning signs of internal damage. Trees struck by lightning may have long streaks of missing bark, and insect infestations can leave fine sawdust (frass) around the base. If you notice ants, beetles, or pitch tubes (small sap balls) on pine trees, the tree could be under attack. Tree-cutting and removal professionals can assess whether the trunk is strong enough to recover or if it poses a risk.
- The Canopy: A tree’s upper branches may not always be visible from the ground, but they can still be a major hazard. Look for broken, hanging limbs—even small branches can cause serious damage if they fall. Deadwood is another concern; branches with no leaves or brown, peeling bark could break off unexpectedly. Hidden decay in the canopy is difficult to detect without anaerial inspection. A certified tree trimming service in Los Angeles can safely remove hazardous branches before they become a threat.
Not sure what you’re seeing?
Call Green Leaf Zone for a professional evaluation at (818) 538 – 2471.
We’re available for emergency tree services.
As Certified Arborists, we specialize in everything from utility line clearance to municipal tree management and advanced climbing techniques, making even the most complex tree removals efficient and damage-free.
Plus, as a CSLB C-61/D-49 Licensed Specialty Tree Service Contractor, we operate with full insurance, compliance, and industry best practices, giving you peace of mind that your trees are in the hands of trusted experts.
Our Tree Trimming Services in Los Angeles
Even if a tree appears stable, hidden structural damage can make it a hazard in the next storm. That’s why a Certified Arborist is crucial for assessing and mitigating tree risks.
What a Professional Arborist Can Do:
- Safely trim or remove hazardous branches
- Use cabling and bracing to stabilize weakened trees
- Detect internal decay before it becomes dangerous
- Prevent costly damage to your home and property
At Green Leaf Zone, our team is fully certified with:
- ASCA/RCA – Registered Consulting Arborists
- CA – Certified Arborist
- CAUS – Certified Arborist Utility Specialist
- CAMS – Certified Arborist Municipal Specialist
- CTWCS – Certified Tree Worker Climber Specialist
- CSLB C-61/D-49 – Limited Specialty Tree Service Contractor
Choosing Green Leaf Zone means working with a team of highly trained and certified professionals who prioritize safety, precision, and expert tree care. Our ASCA/RCA Registered Consulting Arborists provide in-depth tree risk assessments, ensuring your property remains safe from hazardous trees.
As Certified Arborists (CA, CAUS, CAMS, CTWCS), we specialize in everything from utility line clearance to municipal tree management and advanced climbing techniques, making even the most complex tree removals efficient and damage-free.
Plus, as a CSLB C-61/D-49 Licensed Specialty Tree Service Contractor, we operate with full insurance, compliance, and industry best practices, giving you peace of mind that your trees are in the hands of trusted experts.
Protect Your Home & Avoid Costly Repairs
Tree-related damage contributes to millions in losses every year. By spotting the warning signs early and working with professionals, you can protect your property, avoid liability issues, and ensure your trees stay healthy.
Think you have a dangerous tree?
Call Green Leaf Zone at (818) 538 – 2471 for emergency tree removal.
