Emergency Tree Services in Calgary: What to Do After a Storm
Calgary’s weather is nothing if not unpredictable. Sudden windstorms, heavy snowfalls, and summer hail can strike with little warning, leaving behind downed branches, split trunks, or even entire trees uprooted. For homeowners, the aftermath can be overwhelming—damaged property, blocked driveways, and unsafe trees create both stress and risk.
Knowing what to do (and what not to do) after storm damage is critical for protecting your family, your home, and your trees. At Calgary Tree Care, we specialize in professional emergency tree services, helping homeowners respond quickly and safely when nature takes its toll.
The Dangers of Storm-Damaged Trees
When a tree or large branch falls, the risks extend far beyond the obvious mess. Some of the most dangerous scenarios include:
Downed power lines: A branch resting on or near a live wire can be deadly. Always assume power lines are energized and stay far back.
Trees on homes or vehicles: The weight of a fallen trunk or large limb can cause structural damage, and moving it improperly may worsen the situation.
Split or hanging branches: Partially broken branches can shift or fall without warning, endangering anyone below.
Uprooted trees: A tree leaning at an unnatural angle may continue to shift, especially if roots are exposed or the soil is saturated.
Even if damage looks minor, storm-stressed trees can be unpredictable. Attempting to clear them without the proper knowledge and equipment puts you at risk of serious injury.
What NOT to Do After a Storm
When storm damage strikes, many homeowners instinctively reach for a chainsaw or ladder. Unfortunately, DIY cleanup often makes matters worse. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid:
Never move branches on power lines. Only utility crews are trained and authorized to handle electrical hazards.
Avoid climbing damaged trees. Unstable trunks and split limbs can shift suddenly.
Don’t cut large limbs without training. Chainsaw accidents are common during storm cleanup, especially when branches are under tension.
Don’t attempt to remove entire trees alone. The physics of felling, leverage, and weight distribution are complex—and mistakes can be catastrophic.
Why Call an Emergency Tree Service?
The first and most important step after storm damage is to call a professional emergency tree service. An ISA Certified Arborist with TRAQ (Tree Risk Assessment Qualification) has the training and equipment needed to:
Assess the damage quickly and accurately. Is the tree salvageable, or does it need removal? A professional evaluation takes the guesswork out of the decision.
Provide safe solutions. Options may include pruning, cabling, bracing, or complete removal, depending on the severity of the damage.
Protect your property. Arborists are trained to work in tight spaces near homes, fences, and other structures, minimizing further damage.
Work with insurance companies. Professional documentation and invoices make the claims process smoother.
Hiring a certified emergency tree service isn’t just about convenience—it’s about safety, compliance, and protecting your long-term investment in your property.
How Certified Arborists Handle Storm Damage
At Calgary Tree Care, our emergency tree services follow industry best practices to ensure both safety and tree health. Here’s what you can expect:
Rapid Response: Our team responds quickly to urgent calls, assessing hazards and securing the site.
Risk Assessment: Using TRAQ methods, we evaluate whether the tree poses an immediate danger.
Tree Preservation (if possible): Not all storm-damaged trees need to be removed. Many can be saved with corrective pruning or structural support systems.
Safe Removal (if necessary): When a tree is beyond saving, we use specialized rigging, cranes, and climbing techniques to remove it safely.
Cleanup and Disposal: We ensure all debris is cleared, chipped, and removed from the site.
Insurance and Liability Considerations
Another reason to hire certified professionals: insurance coverage. When you attempt DIY cleanup and something goes wrong—whether you injure yourself, damage your property, or accidentally harm city-owned trees—you may be liable for costs.
Certified arborists carry both workers’ compensation and liability insurance, protecting you from financial risk. They also understand Calgary’s bylaws and can help ensure compliance when public or shared trees are involved.
Giving Your Trees the Best Chance of Recovery
Storm damage doesn’t always mean the end of a tree. Many trees can recover with the right care:
Pruning: Removing broken or torn branches helps prevent decay and disease.
Cabling and Bracing: Structural supports can stabilize weakened limbs or trunks.
Soil and Root Care: Aeration and mulching may help stressed root systems recover.
Ongoing Monitoring: Follow-up inspections ensure the tree continues to recover safely.
At Calgary Tree Care, we always explore preservation options first. Only when a tree poses too great a risk do we recommend removal.
Emergency Preparedness for Homeowners
While you can’t control Calgary’s weather, you can reduce risks by:
Scheduling regular pruning to remove weak branches before storms hit.
Having trees inspected annually by a certified arborist.
Removing dead, diseased, or structurally compromised trees proactively.
Knowing who to call—having an emergency tree service number saved can save precious time after a storm.
Work with Calgary Tree Care
Storm damage is stressful, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Calgary Tree Care, our ISA Certified and TRAQ-qualified arborists specialize in emergency tree services tailored to Calgary’s unpredictable weather. From urgent removals to post-storm tree recovery, we provide safe, reliable, and insured solutions that protect your home and your family.
Contact Us
If a storm has damaged trees on your property, don’t wait—and don’t put yourself at risk. Call Calgary Tree Care for immediate emergency tree services in Calgary. Our team is available to respond quickly, assess hazards, and restore safety to your property.
