When storms sweep through Kingsport, the impact on your trees and property can be both stressful and overwhelming. Looking out at toppled branches, split trunks, or debris throughout your landscaping, it's natural to wonder what to do next to protect your home, preserve your investment, and ensure safety for your family. We understand how these weather events disrupt your daily life and daily routines, and that the right guidance is essential for confident, informed action. Drawing on decades of experience serving Kingsport homeowners and businesses, we’re sharing specific steps, strategies, and local insights into post-storm tree care in Kingsport—so you can respond effectively and help your landscape recover stronger than before.
First Steps: What to Do (and Not Do) for Your Trees After a Kingsport Storm
The sound of high winds and cracking branches is terrifying. Once the storm passes and Kingsport residents emerge to see the aftermath, the first concern is often the trees. Broken limbs, leaning trunks, and scattered debris can be overwhelming.
Knowing what to do in those first few hours is critical for your safety and for the potential survival of your trees. Here is a guide to post-storm tree care.
Step 1: Prioritize Safety Above All Else
Before you even think about the tree, think about hazards.
Look for Downed Power Lines. This is the #1 danger. If a tree or limb is touching any wire, assume it is live. Stay far away, call your utility company immediately, and do not touch the tree.
Check for "Hangers." These are broken branches still caught in the tree's canopy. They are extremely dangerous and can fall at any moment with a gust of wind. Do not walk or work under them.
Assess Leaning Trees. A tree that is now leaning, especially if the ground at its base looks heaved or cracked, has a compromised root system. It could topple completely at any time. Keep a wide perimeter around it.
Step 2: Assess the Damage (From a Safe Distance)
Once you are sure the immediate area is safe from wires, you can assess the damage. This will help you decide if it's a DIY cleanup or a job for professionals.
Minor Damage: The ground is littered with small twigs, leaves, and branches that you can easily pick up. The tree's main structure is intact.
Major Damage: You see large, broken limbs (over 3-4 inches in diameter), a split trunk, a sudden lean, or more than 50% of the tree's major branches are damaged.
How Can You Tell If a Tree Can Be Saved or Must Be Removed?
Deciding whether to save or remove a tree after a storm is often challenging. Healthy trees with limited damage often recover if most of the main branches and trunk remain intact. Minor wounds or the loss of a few smaller limbs usually mean that targeted pruning or wound care will help the tree bounce back. However, if you see large trunk splits, severely exposed or raised roots, or if more than 50% of the tree’s canopy is gone, the long-term survival chances decrease dramatically. Structural stability, not just appearance, should guide your next steps.
To assess tree safety, look for these warning signs:
- Cracks that run deeply into the trunk or are present at the base
- Major branches that are partially attached or hanging dangerously
- Obvious new lean—especially when paired with roots lifting from the soil
If you notice any of these issues, it’s time to consult a qualified team with knowledge of Kingsport’s climate and municipal codes. Attempting removal or extensive pruning on unstable trees without proper skills and equipment can cause additional property damage or injury.
Local ordinances in Kingsport may also affect your responsibilities. If a damaged tree poses a risk to neighbors, public walkways, or utility lines, you are generally obligated to address the hazard quickly. Whether you need a full removal or advanced pruning, partnering with a certified, insured crew like ours at Promier Landscapes ensures that safety, compliance, and property value remain the focus at every stage.
DIY Cleanup vs. Calling the Professionals
Your ability to help is limited by safety.
What You Can DIY: If the damage is minor, it's generally safe for a homeowner to clear small debris from the lawn. You can also use pruning shears to clean up small, broken ends on shrubs or low-hanging branches you can reach from the ground.
When to Call a Professional (Immediately):
If you see any of the "Major Damage" signs listed above.
If any work requires a chainsaw.
If any work requires you to get on a ladder.
If the tree is near your home, fence, or (especially) power lines.
Professional, certified arborists have the training and safety equipment for this high-risk work. Promier Landscapes, for instance, provides emergency storm cleanup services, mobilizing our crews to safely handle these exact situations.
How Can You Prepare Your Trees & Landscape for the Next Kingsport Storm?
Proactive preparation goes a long way toward minimizing storm damage and landscape disruption. Schedule a yearly inspection of all mature trees, looking for weak limbs, structural imbalances, and signs of disease or pest pressure. Prune trees during the dormant season to remove dead or crossing branches and thin dense canopies, which reduces wind resistance. Young trees benefit from proper staking and anchoring—done with flexible ties to avoid trunk injury—until their root systems mature fully.
Building a lasting partnership with a knowledgeable, certified Kingsport landscape team makes all the difference. With Promier Landscapes, you’ll benefit from streamlined scheduling, responsive communication, and full-service care that adapts as your property evolves. Whether it’s a routine checkup or comprehensive recovery after a major storm, our team is committed to helping your trees and landscape flourish. If you’re ready to discuss the best ways to protect your property, call us at (423) 872-2988—we’re always happy to talk about your vision and prioritize your peace of mind.