Trees before and after a Missouri storm

Before storm season

• Walk around your trees and look for the warning signs: dead limbs, cracks, splits, leaning, fungus at the base.
• Have dead and hanging limbs removed, especially over the house, driveway or play areas.
• Have a professional check any large tree that leans toward the house.

Right after a storm: safety first

• Stay away from any downed or sagging power line, and from branches touching one. Call the utility.
• Don't climb a damaged tree or cut a limb that is under tension or hanging overhead. Those cuts injure people every storm season.
• Take photos of damage to the house, cars and fences for insurance before anything is moved.

Don't rush the tree decisions

The Missouri Department of Conservation's advice after storms is not to make hasty tree decisions: the trees can wait while other problems come first. A tree with no visible damage and no change in its lean is likely as healthy and safe as it was before the storm.

Broken branches should be cut back properly, not topped. Topping a storm-damaged tree is no better than leaving the branch broken.

Watch for storm chasers

Don't hire someone who knocks on your door after a storm. They may not have the skill, the insurance or a business license, and they may be gone before problems show up. Get written estimates from local companies instead.