🌩️ 5 Tree Dangers to Watch After Summer Thunderstorms
North Georgia is no stranger to pop-up summer storms. They roll in quickly, unleash high winds and heavy rain, and often leave behind hidden damage in their wake. While most homeowners rush to check their roofs, driveways, or fences, one of the biggest storm threats is often overlooked: your trees.
At first glance, a yard might look fine after a thunderstorm. But trees are often silently weakened by wind, lightning, or oversaturated soil, and the dangers may not show themselves until the next storm arrives. That’s when cracked branches snap, leaning trees topple, or decayed trunks finally give way.
At LS Trees, we’ve seen how ignoring the warning signs can cost families thousands of dollars and put homes, vehicles, and even loved ones at risk. Here are the five biggest tree dangers to watch after summer thunderstorms, and why calling a professional for an inspection is the smartest step you can take.
1. Cracked or Split Limbs
Storm winds put enormous pressure on branches. Even if they don’t break off immediately, the twisting and stress can leave deep cracks or splits. These weakened limbs may cling to the tree for days or even weeks before finally snapping.
Why it’s dangerous:
Heavy limbs can weigh hundreds of pounds, enough to crush a roof, car, or fence.
Hanging or partially cracked branches often fall without warning.
A cracked limb can also allow pests or disease to spread deeper into the tree.
After a storm in Alpharetta, a homeowner ignored a cracked oak limb above their driveway. A week later, it fell directly onto their car during the morning rush, causing thousands in damages.
💡 Homeowner Tip: After storms, scan your trees for branches that look “off”, split ends, unusual angles, or bark missing along the limb. These are signs the branch is no longer stable.
2. Leaning Trees
One of the most obvious, but often underestimated, storm dangers is a leaning tree. When heavy rains saturate the ground, tree roots can loosen. Combined with wind pressure, this can tilt the tree.
Why it’s dangerous:
A leaning tree has compromised roots, making it unstable.
Even a slight lean can worsen with each new storm until the tree uproots entirely.
If the lean is toward your home, barn, or driveway, the risk is even higher.
In Cumming, a homeowner noticed a tree leaning slightly after a thunderstorm. They assumed it was fine. Just one week later, another storm pushed it down, blocking their driveway and damaging two vehicles.
If a tree has suddenly changed its position or angle, don’t wait to see what happens. That’s a major red flag.
3. Root Damage Below the Surface
Roots are the foundation of every tree. But after storms, roots can weaken in ways that aren’t always visible.
Signs of root damage include:
Soil mounding or cracking near the base of the tree
Exposed roots due to erosion
Trees that sway more than usual in the wind
Why it’s dangerous:
Trees with compromised roots can topple without warning.
Once roots are damaged, the tree’s stability is permanently reduced.
Underground root rot can spread slowly but eventually cause sudden collapse.
After weeks of summer storms, a customer near Lake Lanier called us to inspect a large willow tree. While the tree looked fine, the soil around its base had cracked and lifted. Our inspection revealed serious root instability, and we safely removed the tree before it toppled toward their dock.
4. Dead Limbs Over Homes or Driveways
Dead wood is one of the most overlooked storm dangers. These brittle, lifeless branches may not break in one storm, but repeated wind and rain weaken them further until they finally snap.
Why it’s dangerous:
Dead limbs hanging over roofs, driveways, or sheds are disaster waiting to happen.
They can damage shingles, gutters, and windows in seconds.
Insurance companies may even deny storm claims if they determine a dead limb was left unaddressed.
🌳 If your trees have bare branches while the rest are full of leaves, those branches may already be dead.
5. Fungal Growth and Decay After Rain
After summer storms, moisture creates the perfect breeding ground for fungi and decay. Mushrooms or discoloration at the base of a tree may seem harmless but often indicate internal rot.
Why it’s dangerous:
Decay weakens trees from the inside out, leaving them hollow and brittle.
A tree that looks fine on the outside may already be structurally compromised.
Rotted trees are among the most unpredictable and dangerous.
For example, in Milton, a pine tree struck by lightning seemed okay weeks later. But fungal growth appeared at its base, signaling hidden rot. Our team at LS Trees removed it before it collapsed onto a barn housing several animals.
✅ A Homeowner’s Checklist: What to Look for After Every Storm
After each thunderstorm, walk your yard and check for:
Limbs hanging or cracked at odd angles
New or worsening leans in trees
Mushrooms, discoloration, or soft wood at the base
Soil cracks, mounds, or exposed roots
Dead branches near roofs, driveways, or sheds
If you see any of these, call for a professional inspection immediately.
Why Call LS Trees After Every Major Storm?
Certified & Insured: We catch risks homeowners often miss.
Storm-Ready Response: Fast, reliable inspections after heavy weather.
15+ Years of Experience: From minor cracks to full removals, we’ve seen every scenario.
Full-Service Care: Inspections, trimming, removals, stump grinding, and more.
FAQs: Post-Storm Tree Safety in Georgia
Q: How soon after a storm should I check my trees?
A: Right away. Some damage worsens within hours or days.
Q: Do I need a professional inspection if I don’t see damage?
A: Yes. Many risks are hidden inside the tree or below the soil.
Q: What if a tree falls on my home?
A: Call LS Trees immediately. We provide 24/7 emergency tree removal and can assist with insurance documentation.
Q: Is storm damage covered by insurance?
A: Often yes, but claims can be denied if damage results from neglect (like dead limbs left untreated).
Don’t Wait for the Next Storm
Storms in North Georgia are unpredictable. What looks fine today may be tomorrow’s hazard. A quick, professional tree assessment could save your home, family, and wallet from disaster.
📞 Call LS Trees today at (770) 616-6079 for your free post-storm assessment.