Storms are part of life in the UK, and Manchester and Stockport often feel the brunt of strong winds and heavy rain. While most trees stand tall and weather the storm, others can become hazardous in an instant. Loose branches, unstable roots, and weak structures can all spell trouble for your home, car, or garden.
So what should you do to prepare your trees — and yourself — for severe weather? Here’s a detailed guide on what to do before, during, and after a storm to keep your family and property safe.
Before the Storm: Prepare and Prevent
The most important work is done long before the storm hits. Taking proactive steps can significantly reduce the chances of damage or injury.
1. Inspect your trees regularly
Walk around your garden or property and look closely at your trees. Warning signs include:
Dead or hanging branches in the canopy.
Cracks in the trunk or large limbs.
Fungal growth around the base, which can indicate hidden rot.
Cavities or hollow areas inside the trunk.
Roots that look exposed, lifting, or unstable.
Catching these issues early allows for safe, preventative pruning rather than emergency call-outs after something has gone wrong.
2. Book professional tree maintenance
Preventative tree work is one of the best defences against storm damage. A crown reduction or thinning reduces wind resistance, while deadwood removal prevents loose branches from becoming missiles in high winds. Regular pruning also keeps trees in good shape and less likely to suffer breakages.
For commercial sites, schools, or rental properties, arranging routine inspections isn’t just good practice — it’s part of your duty of care.
3. Secure your garden
It’s not just trees that cause damage in storms. Loose garden furniture, trampolines, and even plant pots can become dangerous in strong winds. Anchor or store them away in advance.
4. Know your responsibilities
In the UK, property owners are legally responsible for maintaining trees on their land. If a tree you knew was unsafe causes damage, you could be liable. Insurance companies may also refuse claims if they believe you neglected to maintain a dangerous tree.
During the Storm: Stay Safe
When high winds arrive, your priority must be personal safety. Even if you notice problems, wait until conditions are calm before taking any action.
1. Stay indoors
Do not attempt to move fallen branches or check on your trees during the storm. Flying debris is unpredictable, and trees can shed limbs without warning.
2. Keep cars and people away from trees
If possible, park cars away from large trees and ask family members to stay indoors. Trees under stress can fail suddenly, even if they appeared healthy before the storm.
3. Avoid windows and doors facing trees
Branches can shatter glass if they strike at speed. Stay clear of vulnerable areas if high winds are battering nearby trees.
4. Never attempt DIY chainsaw work
Chainsaws are dangerous enough in good conditions. In a storm, the risks multiply. Even trained professionals avoid tree felling during strong winds — instead, we wait until it’s safe to intervene.
After the Storm: Assess and Act
Once the winds have passed, it’s time to check for damage and plan the next steps. This stage is crucial for both safety and protecting your property.
1. Inspect trees from a safe distance
Start with a visual check from the ground. Look for:
Branches that are broken but still hanging (often called “widowmakers”).
Trees that have started leaning or show cracks in the soil around their roots.
Fresh splits in trunks or major limbs.
Large amounts of debris or smaller branches that suggest bigger hidden damage.
Never walk directly under a damaged tree until a professional has assessed it.
2. Call in qualified arborists
A professional tree surgeon can advise whether a damaged tree can be saved with pruning and bracing, or if it needs to be removed. Our team uses rigging equipment, climbing gear, and specialist saws to remove dangerous limbs safely without causing further damage.
For homeowners in Manchester and Stockport, quick response times matter. At Woodfelder, we provide emergency call-outs for storm-damaged trees to keep your property safe.
3. Document damage for insurance
Take clear photos of any fallen trees or property damage before any clean-up work begins. This will support insurance claims and prove you acted responsibly.
4. Plan ahead for the future
Storms are a reminder that regular tree care pays off. If your trees suffered damage, consider scheduling regular inspections to prevent the same problems recurring. A modest investment in pruning now can save far bigger repair costs later.
Summary: Safety First, Always
Storms can’t be avoided, but the damage they cause often can. By inspecting your trees, arranging preventative maintenance, and knowing what to do before, during, and after severe weather, you’ll keep your home and garden much safer.
At Woodfelder Tree Care Limited, we provide expert storm damage inspections, emergency call-outs, and preventative maintenance across Manchester and Stockport. Whether it’s clearing a fallen tree or reducing risks before the next storm, our friendly, reliable team is here to help.
📞 Call us today on 0161 327 3011 for a free, no-obligation quote.