Douglas County experiences severe weather including heavy snow, hail, high winds, and lightning. When storms damage trees, knowing how to respond safely can prevent injuries and further property damage.
Immediate Safety Steps After a Storm
Safety First
- Stay away from downed power lines - Always assume they are live
- Do not go under damaged trees - Hanging branches can fall without warning
- Keep children and pets inside - Until the area is assessed
- Call 911 - If power lines are involved or someone is injured
- Contact your utility company - For any lines touching trees
Types of Storm Damage
Wind Damage
High winds are common in Douglas County, especially along the Palmer Divide. Wind damage includes:
- Blown-over trees - Complete uprooting from saturated soil
- Broken branches - Large limbs twisted or snapped off
- Split trunks - V-shaped unions failing under stress
- Leaning trees - Root system partially failed
Snow and Ice Damage
Colorado's heavy, wet spring snows cause significant tree damage:
- Branch bending - Weight pulls branches down
- Branch breakage - Excess weight snaps limbs
- Multi-stem failure - Multiple leaders split apart
- Entire tree collapse - Especially in top-heavy evergreens
Lightning Damage
Douglas County sees frequent lightning strikes. Signs include:
- Spiral bark stripping - Lightning travels down the trunk
- Explosive damage - Steam from sap causes bark to blow off
- Root damage - Often invisible but fatal to tree
- Fire - Can smolder inside the tree for days
Assessing Damage Safely
Once immediate dangers are addressed, evaluate your trees from a safe distance:
What You Can Safely Handle
- Small branches (under 3 inches diameter) on the ground
- Debris that is not tangled in other branches
- Branches you can reach without a ladder
What Requires a Professional
- Any work requiring a chainsaw or ladder
- Hanging or partially attached branches
- Split trunks or major limbs
- Trees leaning toward structures
- Any situation involving power lines
- Trees on roofs or other structures
Can the Tree Be Saved?
Tree May Be Savable If:
- Less than 50% of the crown is damaged
- The main trunk is intact
- Major scaffold branches are still attached
- Bark damage is limited (less than 25% of circumference)
- Root system appears stable
Tree Likely Needs Removal If:
- More than 50% of the crown is gone
- Main trunk is split or cracked
- Tree is leaning significantly with exposed roots
- Lightning damage extends through the trunk
- Major roots are broken or exposed
Storm Damage by Location
Castle Rock and Highlands Ranch
The Palmer Divide creates unique wind patterns. Downslope winds can reach 80+ mph, causing widespread tree damage in developed neighborhoods.
Parker and Sterling Ranch
Eastern Douglas County is more exposed to severe weather from the plains. Cottonwoods and silver maples common in older neighborhoods are especially vulnerable.
Larkspur and Franktown
Higher elevation areas face intense lightning activity during summer monsoon season. Ponderosa pines are particularly susceptible to lightning strikes.
After the Storm
Document the Damage
- Take photos before any cleanup for insurance
- Note any property damage from trees
- Keep records of emergency tree work
Contact Your Insurance
Most homeowners insurance covers:
- Tree removal if the tree damaged a covered structure
- Debris removal (often with limits)
- Damage to structures, vehicles, and fences
Note: Removal of a hazardous tree that has not damaged property is typically not covered.
Beware of Storm Chasers
After major storms, out-of-state contractors often arrive offering quick services. Protect yourself:
- Verify contractors are licensed and insured in Colorado
- Get written estimates before work begins
- Avoid paying large deposits upfront
- Check reviews and references
- Local companies have reputations to maintain
Storm Damage Emergency?
We respond to storm emergencies throughout Douglas County. Contact us for fast, professional help with damaged trees.
Get Emergency Help