Storm Cleanup Services: What to Do After Severe Weather
Severe weather can leave behind more than a mess.
Fallen trees, broken limbs, scattered debris, and damaged landscaping can make your property difficult—or even dangerous—to navigate.
Once the storm has passed, knowing what to address first can make the cleanup process much easier.
Here’s what Arkansas property owners should know about cleaning up after severe weather.
Start With Safety, Not Cleanup
Before picking up branches or moving debris, take a look around your property from a safe location.
Watch for:
- Fallen or leaning trees
- Hanging or broken limbs
- Downed power lines
- Damaged structures
- Uprooted trees
- Unstable fencing
- Large debris blocking driveways or entrances
Some hazards aren’t immediately obvious. A branch that’s still hanging in a tree or a partially uprooted tree can shift without warning.
If power lines are involved, stay clear and contact the appropriate utility or emergency service.
Take Photos Before You Start
Before major cleanup begins, consider documenting the damage with photos or video.
Capture the overall property as well as individual areas of damage. If you need to contact your insurance provider, this documentation may be useful when discussing your specific policy and claim.
Once you’ve documented everything, you can begin determining what needs immediate attention.
Prioritize Fallen Trees and Dangerous Limbs
Not everything needs to be cleaned up at once.
Start with hazards that could cause additional damage or prevent safe access to the property.
Priority areas may include:
- Trees resting against structures
- Large hanging limbs
- Trees blocking driveways
- Damaged trees near vehicles
- Partially uprooted trees
- Large limbs across walkways
Removing immediate hazards first makes the rest of the cleanup safer.
Don’t Assume Every Damaged Tree Needs to Come Down
Storm damage doesn’t automatically mean a tree needs to be removed.
Some trees may only need damaged limbs removed, while others may have suffered structural damage severe enough to require complete removal.
Pay particular attention to:
- New or worsening leaning
- Split trunks
- Exposed or disturbed roots
- Large broken sections
- Significant canopy damage
A professional evaluation can help determine the appropriate next step.
Clearing Storm Debris
Once immediate hazards are addressed, attention can shift to the rest of the property.
Storm cleanup may involve removing:
- Fallen branches
- Cut tree sections
- Leaves and vegetation
- Damaged landscaping
- Other storm-related yard debris
For larger storms, the amount of debris can quickly become more than a homeowner can reasonably manage alone.
Professional cleanup can help get the property usable again without spending days cutting, loading, and hauling material yourself.
Check the Rest of Your Property
Once the obvious damage is cleared, walk the property again.
A storm may reveal problems that weren’t noticeable beforehand.
Look for trees with cracked branches, new leaning, damaged trunks, or other changes that could become problems during the next round of severe weather.
This is also a good opportunity to identify overgrown or unhealthy trees that may need attention.
Preparing for the Next Arkansas Storm
You can’t control severe weather, but routine property maintenance can reduce some risks.
Before storm season, consider:
- Removing dead branches
- Trimming problematic limbs
- Evaluating questionable trees
- Removing dead or severely compromised trees
- Keeping areas around structures maintained
Being proactive won’t prevent every problem, but it can help reduce potential hazards around your property.
Not Sure Whether to Trim or Remove?
After a storm, you need a team you can rely on.
At Handy Joe’s Tree & Landscaping, we provide:
- Emergency tree removal services
- Fast response after storms
- Safe and efficient debris cleanup
- Professional, reliable service
We’re here to help you get your property back to normal as quickly as possible.
Get a Free Tree Removal Estimate Today
Don’t wait until a small issue becomes a bigger problem.
Call Handy Joe’s Tree & Landscaping today for a free estimate and let us help you take care of your property.
Don’t wait until a small issue becomes a bigger problem. Let us know you're ready!
Licensed, Insured, and Professional Storm Recovery & Landscaping Services
Our tree and landscaping services are backed by proper licensing and insurance, giving you peace of mind that your property is in good hands. From routine tree trimming to storm damage cleanup and debris removal, our experienced team is equipped to handle each job safely and efficiently. We take pride in delivering reliable, professional service with careful attention to your property. We look forward to working with you!
