Winter Storm Recovery: What’s an Emergency - and What Can Wait

Winter storms don’t just bring cold temperatures and slick roads; they can also leave lasting impacts on your trees. High winds, freezing rain, ice accumulation, and rapid temperature changes put significant stress on trees, often causing damage that isn’t immediately visible. Once the storm clears, many property owners are left asking the same question: What needs to be handled right now, and what can safely wait?

At Gunnison Tree Services, we specialize in storm response and recovery. Our crews work year-round to help homeowners, businesses, and municipalities assess tree damage, prioritize safety, and restore properties efficiently. While some storm-related tree issues require immediate action, others can be addressed with a more strategic, planned approach. Knowing the difference is key to protecting your property and avoiding unnecessary costs.

What Qualifies as a Tree Emergency?

A tree emergency involves an immediate risk to people, structures, or critical access points. Winter storms can weaken trees dramatically, and damaged trees may fail suddenly, even days after the storm has passed. These situations should be addressed as quickly as possible by trained professionals.

Common tree emergencies include:

• Trees or large limbs that have fallen onto homes, vehicles, fences, or other structures
• Broken or cracked limbs hanging over roofs, driveways, sidewalks, or entryways
• Trees that are suddenly leaning or showing exposed or heaving roots, indicating instability
• Storm-damaged trees contacting power lines (never approach and always call professionals)
• Fallen trees blocking roads, driveways, or emergency access routes

These conditions pose serious safety hazards and often worsen if left unattended. Prompt emergency tree service helps reduce the risk of additional damage, restores safe access, and prevents minor issues from becoming major problems.

What Can Often Wait After a Winter Storm

Not all storm damage requires immediate attention. Some issues may look alarming at first glance but don’t pose an urgent threat. Understanding what can wait allows property owners to make informed decisions rather than rushing into unnecessary removals.

Non-emergency situations may include:

• Small broken branches located high in the canopy with no targets below
• Minor limb loss that does not affect the tree’s overall structure
• Cosmetic damage, such as uneven canopies or scattered debris
• Trees that appear stressed but remain upright and stable

These concerns can often be addressed through scheduled pruning, monitoring, or follow-up evaluations. Waiting also allows arborists to fully assess the tree once conditions are safer and more favorable, leading to better long-term outcomes.

Why Winter Storm Damage Isn’t Always Obvious

One of the biggest challenges with winter storm recovery is that not all damage is immediately visible. Trees may look stable right after a storm but develop problems weeks or months later. Internal cracks, split trunks, compromised roots, and structural weaknesses can take time to show, especially while trees are dormant.

That’s why professional post-storm inspections are so important. A trained arborist can identify hidden damage, evaluate risk, and determine whether a tree needs immediate action or continued observation.

A Practical, Safety-First Approach to Recovery

At Gunnison Tree Services, our approach to storm recovery is straightforward and safety driven. We focus first on addressing hazards, then on creating a clear plan for everything else. Emergency situations are handled quickly and efficiently, while non-urgent concerns are evaluated with long-term tree health and property safety in mind.

We don’t recommend removals unless they’re necessary. When trees can be preserved through proper pruning or monitoring, we’ll explain those options clearly so you can make confident decisions.

Planning After the Storm

Once immediate risks are resolved, winter is an ideal time to plan future tree care. Storms often expose structural weaknesses that can be corrected before the next severe weather event. Proactive pruning, routine inspections, and risk assessments can significantly reduce the chance of future storm damage.

Creating a post-storm tree care plan also helps prepare your landscape for the growing season ahead, saving time, money, and stress in the long run.

Experienced Support When You Need It Most

Storm recovery can feel overwhelming, especially when safety is on the line. Knowing what’s truly urgent, and what can wait, brings clarity during a stressful time.

Gunnison Tree Services is here to provide reliable storm response, expert guidance, and professional tree care when it matters most. From emergency removals to long-term planning, you can trust our team to help you recover safely, efficiently, and with confidence - before, during, and after the storm. Contact us today for an assessment from a Certified Arborist!