How to Handle Fallen Branches Safely After Windstorms

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1 day ago
5 min read

By All Season Tree Service – Cleveland, OH

When powerful windstorms sweep through Cleveland, OH, they often leave behind more than just a mess — fallen branches, broken limbs, and sometimes even uprooted trees. While it might be tempting to start cleaning right away, handling fallen branches safely requires careful planning, the right tools, and sometimes professional help.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to handle fallen branches safely after windstorms, when to call professionals like All Season Tree Service, and what safety tips can help you protect your home and family.

Understanding the Risks of Fallen Branches

Windstorms can cause serious damage to trees. Even healthy ones can lose large branches when hit by strong gusts. These fallen branches can block driveways, damage vehicles, or fall dangerously close to power lines and rooftops.

Here’s what makes them risky:

Hidden tension in branches: A branch that looks safe may still be under pressure and can spring back suddenly when cut.
Electrical hazards: Wet branches near downed power lines can conduct electricity.
Heavy weight: Large branches can cause injury if moved incorrectly.
Unstable trees: Trees with split trunks or dangling limbs can collapse without warning.

That’s why safety must always come first when dealing with fallen branches.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Handle Fallen Branches Safely

Below are the essential steps to follow after a windstorm. These apply whether you’re a homeowner or managing a commercial property in Cleveland, OH.

Step 1: Assess the Situation from a Distance

After the storm passes, don’t rush outside immediately.First, look from a safe distance and check for:

Downed power lines
Broken or leaning trees
Branches resting on your roof
Damage to fences, vehicles, or property structures

If you see any sign of electrical wires, do not approach. Instead, call your local utility company right away.

Step 2: Prioritize Safety Before Cleanup

Before you begin handling branches, make sure you are:

Wearing protective gloves, boots, and eye protection
Keeping children and pets away from the area
Avoiding slippery surfaces
Using stable footing when walking near debris

Windstorms often leave hidden hazards such as nails, sharp twigs, or broken glass — so tread carefully.

Step 3: Separate Small and Large Branches

Start by clearing smaller, loose branches that you can lift easily.You can use:

A rake for lighter debris
A handsaw or pruning shears for smaller limbs
A wheelbarrow to move branches efficiently

For larger branches or anything attached to a damaged tree, avoid cutting or moving it without proper tools or training. These branches may be under pressure and can cause injuries if handled improperly.

Step 4: Use Correct Cutting Techniques

If you decide to cut small fallen branches yourself:

Always cut from the base of the branch, not the tip.
Use three-point cuts to prevent bark tearing.
Keep a safe distance from your body when sawing.

Never use a chainsaw unless you are trained and have proper protective gear. Chainsaws can kick back unexpectedly, especially when cutting storm-damaged wood.

Step 5: Watch Out for Hanging Limbs

Sometimes, not all branches fall completely. These are known as “widow-makers.” They can hang dangerously from above and fall at any time — even days after a storm.

If you spot hanging branches:

Do not stand under them.
Mark the area and keep others away.
Call All Season Tree Service for safe removal using professional climbing and rigging techniques.

Step 6: Dispose of Branches the Right Way

After cutting and collecting branches, proper disposal is important for both safety and environmental reasons.

Options include:

Curbside pickup: Check if Cleveland’s waste service offers storm debris collection.
Mulching: Turn branches into mulch for your garden using a wood chipper.
Professional debris removal: Our team at All Season Tree Service offers debris removal and stump grinding services to clear your yard completely.

When to Call a Professional Tree Service in Cleveland, OH

Sometimes, storm cleanup is more than what homeowners can safely handle.Here are signs it’s time to call All Season Tree Service:

A tree has fallen on your roof, garage, or car.
Branches are tangled with power lines.
The tree trunk is cracked, split, or leaning.
You notice deep root damage or uprooted trees.
The debris is too large or too heavy to move safely.

Our team specializes in:

✅ Emergency storm cleanup

✅ Tree removal

✅ Tree trimming and pruning

✅ Branch removal

✅ Stump grinding and debris hauling

We’re fully insured, experienced, and available for 24/7 emergency service across Cleveland, OH.

Preventing Future Branch Damage

While you can’t stop storms, you can reduce risks with proper tree care.Here’s how:

Regular Tree Trimming – Weak or dead branches are more likely to break during storms. Pruning them in advance helps your trees stay strong.
Professional Tree Inspections – Have an expert check your trees at least once a year for decay, insect damage, or instability.
Remove Hazardous Trees – Trees too close to buildings or power lines should be evaluated for removal.
Healthy Tree Growth – Fertilizing, watering, and mulching promote deeper roots and better resistance to high winds.
Emergency Readiness Plan – Keep our number saved for fast storm response in Cleveland, OH.

At All Season Tree Service, we help homeowners prepare before storms and recover quickly afterward.

Why Choose All Season Tree Service in Cleveland, OH

When it comes to storm cleanup and fallen branch removal, experience matters. Here’s why residents and businesses trust us:

Fast Emergency Response: We act quickly after storms to prevent further property damage.
Fully Equipped Team: From cranes to stump grinders, we have the right tools for every job.
Safety First Approach: Your family’s safety and property protection are our top priorities.
Eco-Friendly Disposal: We recycle branches and tree waste into mulch whenever possible.
Local Expertise: We understand Cleveland’s trees and weather patterns — because we live here too.

When you need reliable, safe, and affordable tree service, All Season Tree Service is just one call away.

FAQs: Handling Fallen Branches After Windstorms

1. What should I do first after a windstorm causes branches to fall?

First, check for safety hazards like downed power lines and unstable trees. Do not attempt cleanup until you confirm the area is safe.

2. Can I remove large fallen branches by myself?

It’s best not to. Large branches can be heavy, tangled, or under pressure. Call All Season Tree Service for safe and professional removal in Cleveland, OH.

3. How soon should I call for tree removal after a storm?

If there’s any risk to property or safety, call immediately. Our emergency storm cleanup team is available 24/7.

4. Will my homeowner’s insurance cover tree damage?

In many cases, yes — especially if the damage affects your home or driveway. Contact your insurer for details and documentation requirements.

5. How can I prevent branches from falling during future storms?

Schedule regular tree trimming and pruning. Removing weak or dead branches helps prevent breakage during strong winds.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with fallen branches after a windstorm can be stressful — but you don’t have to handle it alone. At All Season Tree Service, we’re here to help you clean up safely, efficiently, and affordably.

Whether it’s emergency tree removal, stump grinding, or debris cleanup, our trained team ensures your property is safe, clear, and beautiful again in no time.

If you live in Cleveland, OH, and need expert help after a storm,📞 Call All Season Tree Service today for fast, reliable assistance.

Let’s restore your yard safely — one branch at a time.

Company Name: All Season Tree Service

Address: Ponciana Ave, Cleveland, OH 44135, United States

Phone: +1 440-470-8184

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