What to Do After Storm Damage to Your Trees in Dorset

Dorset and Hampshire are no strangers to violent storms. When high winds bring down branches — or whole trees — homeowners are often left unsure what to do next. This guide covers exactly what steps to take after storm damage to a tree on your property, and when to call an emergency tree surgeon.

From Bournemouth and Poole to the New Forest and across rural Dorset, winter and autumn storms can cause serious tree damage almost overnight. A tree that looked perfectly healthy on Monday can be split, uprooted or hanging dangerously over your property by Tuesday morning. Acting quickly and correctly can mean the difference between a manageable clean-up and a much more serious — and expensive — situation.

Step 1: Assess from a Safe Distance

Your first instinct might be to go and inspect the damage up close — but resist it. Before you approach any storm-damaged tree, assess it carefully from a distance. Look for:

• Large branches that are cracked but not yet fallen ("widow makers")
• Trees that are leaning more than usual or appear to have shifted at the base
• Roots that have lifted from the ground on one side
• Damage to overhead power lines or cables near the tree
• Any structural damage to buildings, fences or vehicles the tree may be resting against

If you suspect a power line is involved, keep everyone well clear and contact your network operator immediately. Do not attempt to move anything near a downed power line — this is a job for specialist engineers, not a tree surgeon.

Step 2: Establish Whether It's an Emergency

Not all storm damage constitutes an emergency, but some situations absolutely do. You should treat the situation as an emergency requiring same-day response if:

• A tree or branch has fallen on or is threatening to fall on your home, vehicle or outbuilding
• A tree is blocking a public road, pavement or access route
• A large branch is hanging precariously ("hung up") and could fall at any moment
• The tree is visibly uprooted or leaning severely toward structures
• There is any risk of injury to people or animals

For these situations, call 01202 022560 around the clock. Our emergency team covers all of Dorset, Hampshire and Bournemouth and aims to reach you the same day, often within hours.

Step 3: Document the Damage Before Touching Anything

If the situation is not immediately dangerous, take photographs and video of the damage before any work is started. This is important for several reasons:

• Insurance claims: Your home insurer will require evidence of the damage as it was found. Getting documentation before clearance work begins is essential.
• TPO compliance: If your tree has a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), you may need to notify Dorset Council or BCP Council before emergency works can proceed, even in storm situations. Photographs prove the emergency justification.
• Neighbour disputes: If the tree belongs to a neighbour or has fallen onto a boundary, documentation helps resolve any disputes over liability.

Step 4: Contact Your Home Insurer

If the storm damage affects your property — roof, fence, vehicle or outbuilding — contact your home insurer as soon as it is safe to do so. Most home insurance policies cover storm damage, but they may have specific requirements about obtaining professional assessments before work begins. Ask your insurer:

• Whether they need a survey report before clearance work starts
• Whether emergency tree surgery is covered under your policy
• What the excess is for storm damage claims
• Whether they have a preferred contractor, or whether you can choose your own

Step 5: Call a Qualified Tree Surgeon

Storm-damaged trees are not a DIY job. Even smaller branches under tension can spring back violently when cut — and a tree that appears stable can shift or fall without warning. It is critical to use a qualified, insured arborist for all storm damage clearance.

When choosing a tree surgeon in Dorset or Bournemouth for emergency work, always check:

• NPTC qualifications: Chainsaw certificates and climbing qualifications are non-negotiable
• Public liability insurance: A minimum of £5 million is standard
• Emergency response capability: Not all companies offer genuine 24-hour response
• Local knowledge: Familiarity with Dorset Council and BCP Council procedures is valuable for TPO situations

Clearcut Tree Surgery Ltd ticks all of these boxes. Our NPTC-qualified team holds £5 million public liability insurance, operates a genuine 24-hour emergency service across Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Ferndown, the New Forest and all of rural Dorset, and carries out all work to British Standard BS3998.

What Happens After the Emergency is Dealt With?

Once the immediate danger has been removed, your tree surgeon will assess the remaining tree. Depending on the species, the extent of damage and the tree's overall health, the options are typically:

• Reshaping and crown reduction: If the main structure is intact and the tree can recover, crown reduction or reshaping can stabilise it and promote healthy regrowth.
• Crown lifting: Removing lower damaged branches while preserving the upper canopy via crown lifting.
• Full tree felling: Where the damage is too severe or the tree poses an ongoing risk, full removal may be the safest option.
• Stump removal: Once a tree is felled, stump grinding eliminates the remaining stump and allows you to replant or turf over the area.