Monsoon Storm Damage? Here’s What to Do First

Step 1: Put Safety Before Anything Else

First and foremost, your safety comes before your yard. Downed power lines, split trunks, and hanging limbs (arborists call these “widowmakers” for a reason) are far more dangerous than they look. Therefore, before you walk out to survey the damage:

• Stay away from any tree or branch that’s touching a power line, and call APS or SRP immediately if you spot one.
• Avoid standing under cracked or leaning trees, since they can shift or fall with no warning.
• Keep kids and pets inside until you’ve had a chance to check the yard yourself. 

As FEMA points out, taking quick action to secure your property after a storm can help prevent minor damage from turning into a much costlier repair down the road.

Step 2: Document Everything Before You Touch It

Next, grab your phone and take photos and video of all the damage — the fallen tree, broken fencing, damaged roofing, everything. This step matters because most homeowners’ insurance policies cover storm and tree damage, but only if you can show clear evidence of what happened. As a result, thorough documentation now can save you a lot of frustration later when you file a claim.

The Insurance Information Institute notes that standard homeowners insurance typically covers damage to your home caused by a falling tree, regardless of whether the tree was on your property or a neighbor’s.

Step 3: Assess the Damage (From a Safe Distance)

Once you’ve documented the scene, take a walk around your property to get a fuller picture. Look for:

• Split or cracked trunks and major limbs
• Trees leaning at a new angle, which often signals root damage
• Exposed or lifted roots at the base of the tree
• Debris on your roof, driveway, or in your pool

However, if a tree looks unstable or is resting on any part of your home, don’t attempt to move it yourself. This is exactly the kind of job that calls for a trained crew, not a Saturday afternoon DIY project.

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Step 4: Know What NOT to Do

It’s tempting to jump in and start clearing debris right away, but a few common mistakes can turn a bad day worse:

• Don’t cut a tree that’s under tension (leaning on a fence, house, or another tree) — it can snap back violently.
• Don’t climb on your roof to inspect or remove debris; wait for good light and, ideally, a professional.
• Don’t drag large limbs across your lawn or irrigation lines, which can cause even more property damage. 

Step 5: Call in the Pros

Finally, once the immediate danger has passed and you’ve documented everything, it’s time to bring in a team that handles this exact situation every monsoon season. At PROS Tree & Landscape, our crews are equipped, insured, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond quickly to storm damage across the Valley. We’ll assess the tree, remove what’s hazardous, and help restore your yard — so you don’t have to wait until morning, or guess whether it’s safe to handle it yourself.