After a Texas storm, check trees from a safe distance for hanging branches, fresh cracks, new leaning, lifted soil, broken tops, and limbs touching structures or utility areas. Do not stand beneath damaged wood or attempt overhead cutting.
Start with the area around the tree
Keep children, pets, vehicles, and foot traffic away from anything that could fall. If a tree or limb is near a utility line, contact the utility or emergency service responsible for the line instead of approaching it.
Look for changes from before the storm
From the ground, compare the trunk, main unions, canopy, and root area with their normal condition. Fresh pale wood, separated stems, hanging limbs, a newly exposed root plate, or soil lifting on one side can indicate recent movement.
Check what the tree could reach
A damaged part becomes more urgent when it can strike a home, driveway, play area, sidewalk, or neighboring property. Rope, ladders, and chainsaws add risk when wood is loaded or suspended unpredictably.
Document without entering the drop zone
Take wide and close photos only from a safe location. Note the time, wind conditions, affected targets, and whether the damage is changing. These details help a tree-care professional plan an assessment and suitable equipment.
Arrange a professional assessment
Prompt review is appropriate when damage is overhead, the trunk or roots moved, the tree changed lean, or you cannot confidently identify a safe boundary. Hernandez Tree Care and Landscaping serves Arlington and nearby communities with tree removal, trimming, and storm cleanup planning.