Storms have a habit of turning a normal day upside down. One minute you’re listening to rain hammering the roof, and the next you’re staring at a large gum tree sprawled across the driveway.
Over the past 25+ years working as an arborist in Perth, I’ve seen every kind of storm damage imaginable. I’ve stood beneath towering marri trees after winter fronts, inspected uprooted gums in coastal suburbs, and helped homeowners who woke to find a branch through the roof. In nearly every case, the first question is the same: “What do we do now?”
The good news is that a clear plan can make a stressful situation much easier to manage. Here’s what to do after storm damage, what to avoid, and how to protect both your family and your property.
First 60 Minutes After Storm Damage: Make the Site Safe Before Anything Else
Move People Away From the Damaged Tree
Your first priority is safety.
If a tree has landed on the house, cracked major limbs, or is leaning heavily, keep everyone clear. Trees can shift without warning after a storm.
A few years ago, we attended a property in Perth’s northern suburbs where a large branch had landed across a patio roof. The homeowner assumed the danger had passed. While we were setting up, another damaged limb dropped from the canopy. Thankfully nobody was underneath.
As a rule of thumb:
- Keep children and pets away
- Avoid standing beneath damaged branches
- Stay clear of leaning trees
- Evacuate rooms directly beneath impacted roof sections
As we often tell clients:
If a branch looks unstable, assume it could fall at any moment.
Treat Power Lines as Live, Even If They Look Dead
Power lines change everything.
If a tree is touching overhead lines or has brought them down, stay well away and contact the relevant utility provider immediately.
Do not touch:
- The tree
- Nearby fences
- Water puddles
- Metal structures
Even experienced arborists use specialised procedures and equipment around electrical hazards.
Mark Off the Area Without Putting Yourself in Danger
If safe to do so, create a buffer around the damaged zone.
Items that can help include:
- Safety cones
- Temporary tape
- Garden furniture
- Wheelie bins
The goal is simple: stop people wandering into danger.
How to Tell If You Need Emergency Tree Removal or a Tree Inspection
Not every storm-damaged tree requires removal.
Red Flags That Need an Emergency Arborist
Contact an emergency arborist immediately if you notice:
- A tree leaning suddenly
- Large cracks in the trunk
- Roots lifting from the ground
- Major branches hanging overhead
- A tree resting on a building
- Contact with power lines
- Audible cracking noises
These are all signs that the tree could fail further.
Damage That May Be Fixed With Pruning Instead of Removal
We regularly inspect trees after storms that look worse than they actually are.
Trees may often be retained when:
- The trunk remains sound
- Root systems are stable
- Damage is confined to several branches
- More than half the canopy remains healthy
Many Perth gum trees respond surprisingly well to corrective pruning when performed properly.
When Removal Is the Safest Call
Sometimes removal is unavoidable.
Common reasons include:
| Issue | Typical Outcome |
| Split main trunk | Removal often required |
| Significant root failure | Removal often required |
| Tree resting on structure | Emergency removal |
| Severe decay discovered | Removal may be recommended |
| Extensive canopy loss | Tree may not recover |
There’s no point throwing good money at a tree that’s already on the way out.
Do Not DIY a Fallen Tree: Storm-Damaged Trees Can Bite Back
Stored Energy Can Make Branches Snap Without Warning
One of the biggest dangers after storms is hidden tension.
Branches trapped under weight can behave like giant springs. A single cut in the wrong spot can release enormous force.
I’ve seen limbs jump several metres when tension was released unexpectedly.
This isn’t the time for guesswork.
Leaning Trees Can Split Backwards
A phenomenon called a “barber chair” occurs when a trunk splits vertically during cutting.
The lower section remains attached while the upper section kicks backwards violently.
Professional arborists spend years learning how to manage these situations safely.
Professional Crews Use Rigging, Ropes, EWPs and Staged Removal
Storm removals often require:
- Elevated work platforms
- Rigging systems
- Cranes
- Specialised lowering equipment
- Traffic management
The aim isn’t simply removing the tree.
The aim is removing it without causing additional damage.
What to Photograph Before Cleanup Starts
Take Wide Photos First, Then Close-Ups
Before any work begins, document everything.
A simple checklist:
- Photograph the entire property.
- Capture damaged structures.
- Photograph vehicles if impacted.
- Take close-ups of cracks and damage.
- Photograph uprooted root systems.
- Record video if possible.
Good documentation can make insurance claims much smoother.
Ask for an Itemised Invoice
Many insurers separate emergency tree removal from debris disposal.
Request invoices that clearly identify:
- Emergency make-safe work
- Tree removal
- Debris removal
- Stump grinding
- Additional equipment costs
Call Your Insurer Early
Every policy differs.
Contact your insurer as soon as practical and follow their instructions regarding documentation and emergency works.
What an Emergency Tree Removal Crew Will Do On Site
Site Risk Check
Before a chainsaw starts, an arborist should assess:
- Structural damage
- Electrical hazards
- Ground conditions
- Access routes
- Nearby buildings
- Traffic and pedestrian risks
Good planning prevents bigger problems.
Controlled Cutting and Lowering
Storm removals are usually completed in stages.
Rather than dropping large sections, arborists remove weight gradually using ropes, rigging and machinery where required.
This is particularly important on tight Perth suburban blocks where houses, sheds and fences leave little room for error.
Cleanup, Chipping and Stump Options
Most emergency jobs finish with:
- Branch chipping
- Timber removal
- Site cleanup
- Mulch production
If the stump remains, stump grinding can usually be organised later.
Perth Storm Conditions That Put Trees Under Pressure
Perth presents some unique challenges.
Winter Fronts, Coastal Wind and Saturated Ground
Winter storms often combine:
- Heavy rainfall
- Strong winds
- Waterlogged soils
When roots lose their grip in wet ground, entire trees can fail.
Coastal suburbs such as Mullaloo, Hillarys and Cottesloe often experience particularly strong wind exposure.
Hot Summers Can Weaken Trees Before the Storm Arrives
Many tree failures actually begin months before winter.
After a brutal run of hot weather, trees can suffer:
- Heat stress
- Dieback
- Dead wood development
- Reduced structural strength
The storm simply exposes existing weaknesses.
Sandy Soil, Retic Systems and Tight Suburban Blocks
Perth’s sandy soils present another challenge.
We’ve worked on plenty of Perth properties where root systems were restricted by:
- Retic trenches
- Driveways
- Pool installations
- Retaining walls
These factors can affect stability during storms.
Can a Storm-Damaged Tree Be Saved?
Signs the Tree May Recover
A tree may be salvageable if:
- The trunk remains intact
- Roots are stable
- Less than 50% of the canopy is lost
- No major structural cracks exist
- The tree was healthy beforehand
What Proper Tree First Aid Looks Like
Professional recovery work may include:
- Removing torn limbs
- Corrective pruning
- Weight reduction
- Canopy balancing
- Monitoring future growth
The goal is helping the tree recover safely.
Why Topping Makes Future Storm Damage Worse
Unfortunately, we still see topped trees across Perth.
Topping creates:
- Weak regrowth
- Poor structure
- Faster decay
- Increased future risk
A quick fix today often becomes a bigger problem tomorrow.
How to Reduce the Risk Before the Next Storm
Book a Pre-Winter Tree Inspection
An annual inspection can identify:
- Hidden decay
- Dead wood
- Weak branch unions
- Root issues
- Structural defects
Prevention is almost always cheaper than emergency removal.
Prune for Clearance, Weight Reduction and Airflow
Strategic pruning can:
- Reduce wind resistance
- Improve branch structure
- Increase clearance from buildings
- Remove hazardous dead wood
Think of it as preventative maintenance for your landscape.
Keep an Eye on Trees After Heatwaves
After extreme summer conditions, watch for:
- Sudden leaf drop
- Dead branches
- Bark cracking
- Leaning trunks
- Canopy thinning
Early intervention often prevents major failures later.
Emergency Tree Removal Cost Factors in Perth
What Affects the Price?
| Cost Factor | Impact |
| Tree size | Larger trees require more labour |
| Access | Difficult access increases complexity |
| Structure damage | More care and equipment needed |
| Power lines | Additional safety controls required |
| Emergency response | After-hours work may cost more |
| Waste removal | Chipping and disposal affect pricing |
Why the Cheapest Quote Can Cost More Later
Choosing solely on price can be risky.
Look for:
- Qualified arborists
- Appropriate insurance
- Written quotations
- Proper equipment
- Proven experience
Storm-damaged trees leave little room for shortcuts.
When to Call Tree Amigos for Emergency Tree Removal in Perth
Call If the Tree Is Unsafe, Blocking Access or Touching a Structure
Contact a qualified arborist if:
- A tree has fallen on a house
- Access is blocked
- Power lines are involved
- Large branches are hanging overhead
- The tree is leaning significantly
The sooner the situation is assessed, the sooner risks can be managed.
What We Need to Know When You Call
Having this information ready helps speed things up:
- Your suburb
- Type of tree (if known)
- Whether anyone is at risk
- Whether power lines are involved
- Photos from a safe distance
- Access restrictions
Make It Safe First, Then Get Proper Advice
Storm-damaged trees can be confronting. I’ve stood with homeowners who thought the worst had happened, only to discover that a sensible plan and professional assessment made the situation manageable.
The key steps are straightforward: keep people safe, stay clear of power lines, document everything, contact your insurer, and have a qualified arborist assess the damage.
Perth’s storms are unpredictable, but your response doesn’t have to be. Acting early, getting proper advice, and dealing with hazards before they escalate can save significant stress, money and risk down the track.
