How to Handle Downed Trees After a Storm in Toronto

Toronto’s volatile weather has left many residents dealing with downed trees and expensive property damage. Who can forget the devastating 2013 ice storm or the severe windstorms of 2023/24? Knowing how to safely and effectively respond after a storm can help prevent further damage and ensure your safety.

This guide covers the essential steps to take after a storm, including what to avoid and how to prepare your property ahead of time.

Downed Trees After a Storm: Immediate Steps To Take

Inspecting your property, you may find one or even multiple downed trees after a storm. When dealing with a fallen tree, it’s important to act quickly but safely. Here’s what to do:

1. Prioritize Safety

Your safety is the top priority. Fallen trees can still pose significant risks, even after a storm. Be cautious of:

• Downed power lines: If you spot any downed lines, stay far away and immediately call Toronto Hydro at 416-542-8000. Always assume all wires are live and dangerous.
• Hanging or broken branches: Branches can snap without warning, especially if they’re under tension. Avoid approaching the tree until you’re certain the area is safe.

2. Assess the Damage (From a Safe Distance)

Once it’s safe to leave your house, assess the situation from a distance. Note where the tree has fallen, whether it’s caused structural damage to your home or car, and if other trees nearby appear to be leaning or cracked.

3. Document the Damage

Take photos and videos of the downed tree and any property damage before interfering with it in any way. This documentation will be crucial for your insurance claim, so be thorough.

4. Notify Neighbours

If the tree has damaged a neighbour’s property or fallen on a shared property line, reach out to them immediately to coordinate the next steps.

5. Contact Your Insurance Company

If a tree has caused damage to your home, fence, or vehicle, contact your insurance company right away. An adjuster may be sent to assess the damage and guide you through the claim process.

6. Call a Professional Arborist

Do not attempt to move or cut a fallen tree yourself – especially large ones. Trees can weigh several tons and be under compression, making them hazardous to handle. Call a certified arborist who will:

• Safely remove the tree using the right equipment.
• Assess other trees on your property for potential risks.
• Provide proof of insurance and WSIB coverage to protect you from liability.

Why Are Ice and Wind Dangerous for Trees?

Storms that bring heavy ice or strong winds are especially dangerous for trees due to the immense strain they place on the tree’s structure. Here’s how the elements affect trees:

Ice

Ice buildup can add significant weight to branches, causing them to snap under the pressure. In the 2013 Toronto ice storm, trees were coated with over 30 millimetres of ice. That led to widespread damage, including downed branches and uprooted trees. 

But the damage isn’t always immediately obvious: Ice accumulation can also damage trees’ root systems, making them unstable in future storms.

Wind

Windstorms can cause branches to break or trees to uproot, especially those with heavy canopies or shallow roots. High winds often take advantage of existing weaknesses, such as internal decay, that you may not be able to see.

Pro Tip: Storm Damage Isn’t Always Immediate

Trees grow on long timelines, and their response to storm damage can be slow. Even if your tree appears to have survived a storm, it may have sustained internal or structural damage that isn’t immediately visible. Remember, a storm isn’t just a “bad day at the gym” for trees – they endure extreme physical stress, and damage may manifest days, weeks, or even months later.

Wind can cause deep internal cracks in the trunk or branches, while ice can weigh down and stress the tree’s structure without immediately snapping branches. This hidden damage increases the risk of trees falling over or branches suddenly breaking, even if they seem stable. It’s crucial to have a professional arborist inspect your trees after a major storm to identify any hidden damage and ensure their structural integrity.

Preparing Your Trees for a Storm

The best way to handle downed trees is to take preventative measures before a storm hits. Here’s how you can prepare:

1. Review Your Insurance Coverage

Ensure your home insurance policy covers storm damage and tree removal. Knowing your coverage in advance can save you time and stress dealing with downed trees after a storm.

2. Schedule a Tree Inspection

Hire a certified arborist to inspect your trees for weak spots, such as deadwood, cracks, or leaning trunks. Regular tree pruning and maintenance can prevent storm damage by eliminating potential hazards.

3. Know Tree Ownership

For trees near property lines, check your property survey or call 311 Toronto to confirm tree ownership. This will clarify who is responsible for removal and repair costs if a tree falls.

4. Keep Tree Maintenance Records

Maintain a log of any pruning, trimming, or other maintenance done on your trees. These records can support your insurance claim in the event of storm-related damage.

What to Avoid After a Storm

We’ve covered how to handle downed trees after a storm in Toronto. But remember, handling fallen trees can be dangerous. That said, here’s what not to do:

• Don’t try to cut or move the tree yourself: Fallen trees may be under significant tension. Cutting them can cause sudden, dangerous movements. Leave this to the professionals.
• Avoid downed power lines: Always assume wires are live. Stay far away and report them to Toronto Hydro immediately.
• Don’t rush to hire just anyone: After a storm, it’s easy to panic and hire the first available person. Ensure the company has proper insurance, WSIB coverage, and certified arborists to protect yourself from liability.
• Be patient: After large storms, your local arborists may be overwhelmed with requests. Non-urgent tree removals may take time, but it’s worth waiting for a qualified expert.

Why Hire Vista Tree Management?

At Vista Tree Management, we understand that it’s easy to feel stressed when you’re faced with downed trees after a storm in Toronto. But dealing with fallen trees doesn’t need to be a headache. Our team of arborists is fully insured, carries WSIB coverage, and is equipped to handle even the most hazardous tree removals safely and efficiently.

Don’t risk your safety. If you have a downed tree on your property, contact Vista Tree Management for a fast, professional storm response. We’ll assess the situation, remove the tree safely, and help prevent further damage to your property.

Contact us today to schedule a professional tree assessment and keep your trees in top shape, whatever the weather.