Storm-Damaged Trees in Ann Arbor, Michigan: What to Do Next

When Storm Winds Leave Your Trees Damaged: An Ann Arbor Homeowner’s Guide

Last year, a massive summer thunderstorm swept through Washtenaw County, leaving nearly 40,000 Ann Arbor residents without power and countless trees damaged or downed. If you’ve lived here long enough, you know our beautiful tree canopy sometimes takes a beating from Michigan’s unpredictable weather.

Standing in your yard after a storm has passed, looking at broken branches or a leaning tree can feel overwhelming. What needs immediate attention? What’s actually dangerous? Who should you call first? These questions need answers when you’re dealing with storm-damaged trees in Ann Arbor.

In this guide, we’ll walk through exactly what to do after storm damage affects your trees. From safety assessment to proper restoration techniques that preserve Ann Arbor’s cherished urban forest, you’ll learn the practical steps that matter most for your property and community.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Handle Storm-Damaged Trees in Ann Arbor the Right Way

Step 1 – Assess Safety Immediately After the Storm

Before approaching any damaged trees:

• Check for downed power lines frequent in historic neighborhoods with above-ground utilities
• Look for hanging branches that could fall (called “widowmakers” for good reason)
• Identify leaning trees that might continue to fall
• Stay out of the fall zone (typically a radius equal to the tree’s height)

If you see power lines down near trees, especially common along Huron Parkway or Plymouth Road after strong storms, call DTE Energy’s emergency line immediately and keep everyone away from the area.

Step 2 – Document the Damage

Before cleanup begins:

• Take clear photos from multiple angles
• Make notes about when and how the damage occurred
• Document any property damage caused by fallen trees or branches
• Contact your homeowner’s insurance if there’s significant damage

This documentation helps with insurance claims, particularly important for Ann Arbor homes in older neighborhoods where large trees overhanging structures are common.

Step 3 – Categorize the Damage Level

Not all storm damage requires the same response:

Minor Damage (Small branches under 2 inches in diameter)

• Often manageable by homeowners
• Doesn’t threaten tree health or structure
• Common after typical thunderstorms

Moderate Damage (Larger branches, minor splits)

• Requires proper pruning techniques
• May threaten long-term tree health
• Often seen after stronger systems move through Washtenaw County

Severe Damage (Major structural failure, leaning, uprooting)

• Requires professional assessment
• May necessitate complete tree removal
• Poses safety hazards to property and people
• Common after derecho wind events or ice storms

Step 4 – Clean Up What’s Safe

For minor damage you can handle yourself:

• Use proper pruning techniques clean cuts just outside the branch collar
• Remove broken branches back to the nearest healthy lateral branch
• Keep cuts as small as possible to aid healing
• Clear debris from lawns and gardens to prevent lawn disease

Remember that Ann Arbor’s compost facility accepts woody debris, but large amounts may require special disposal arrangements.

Step 5 – Call a Certified Arborist for Complex Situations

When to get professional help:

• Trees near utility lines (always let professionals handle these)
• Large broken limbs requiring specialized equipment
• Leaning trees or partially uprooted specimens
• Split trunks that might be salvageable
• Valuable specimen trees worth preserving (like those heritage oaks in the Arboretum neighborhoods)

Ann Arbor’s tree care professionals understand local species, soil conditions, and regulations, making them better equipped than general landscapers for storm recovery.

Step 6 – Develop a Replanting Plan for Lost Trees

If trees must be removed:

• Consider native species well-adapted to Ann Arbor’s climate
• Diversify your plantings to build resilience against future storms
• Consider location relative to structures and utilities
• Follow the city’s preferred planting lists when replacing street trees

The City of Ann Arbor often has cost-sharing programs for replanting trees, particularly in neighborhoods with decreasing canopy coverage like some areas of the north and east sides.

Common Mistakes to Avoid After Storm Damage

• Rushing to remove damaged trees that might be salvageable. Many Burns Park residents regretted quick removals after the 2018 storms when arborists later confirmed some trees could have been saved.
• Hiring non-certified tree workers who show up after storms. Ann Arbor has seen its share of storm-chasing tree companies who lack proper insurance and training.
• Improper pruning techniques like topping trees or making flush cuts. These practices, often seen on Geddes Avenue properties after past storms, create entry points for disease and weaken trees.
• Neglecting partially damaged trees that need ongoing care. Trees in neighborhoods like Old West Side that lost significant branches in previous storms need proper follow-up pruning and care.
• DIY work beyond your skill level. Emergency rooms at Michigan Medicine see countless injuries from homeowners attempting dangerous tree work after storms.

Local Rules and Permits in Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor has specific regulations regarding tree work that might apply even during emergency situations:

• Street Trees: Trees in the right-of-way (typically between sidewalk and street) belong to the city. Contact the City of Ann Arbor Forestry before doing any work on these trees, even after storms.
• Protected Trees: Ann Arbor’s tree protection ordinance covers certain trees, particularly in zones with landmark or heritage status. While emergency work is permitted, you may need to document the necessity.
• Landmark Trees: These specially designated trees have additional protections. Even when damaged, permits may be required before removal.
• Replacement Requirements: In some cases, removed trees must be replaced according to city guidelines, especially in development-sensitive areas.

During large-scale storm events, the city often establishes special procedures for tree debris removal. After major wind events, curbside collection points are typically established throughout affected neighborhoods.

Cost Factors to Consider

While specific prices vary widely, these factors affect the cost of storm damage cleanup:

• Tree size and location – Large trees near structures in neighborhoods like Burns Park typically cost more to address than smaller specimens in open yards
• Accessibility issues – Backyards with limited access in areas like Water Hill often require specialized equipment
• Extent of damage – Minor pruning versus complete removal represents vastly different resource needs
• Emergency timing – After-hours or immediate response during widespread damage events
• Debris disposal – Removal and processing of wood, particularly important in neighborhoods with limited storage space
• Specialty equipment needs – Crane work for trees that have fallen on structures or in precarious positions
• Root plate restoration – For leaning trees that can be saved, particularly valuable in historic districts
• Stump removal options – Various methods with different costs and impacts to your landscape

The city sometimes provides financial assistance programs after widespread storm events, so check with Ann Arbor’s forestry division when major storms affect multiple neighborhoods.

Frequently Asked Questions About Storm-Damaged Trees in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Is my leaning tree going to fall completely?

Not necessarily. Trees in Ann Arbor’s clay soils can sometimes be successfully straightened and stabilized if they’re leaning less than 45 degrees and have at least 50% of their root system intact. A certified arborist can assess whether your specific tree is a candidate for restoration, particularly for valuable species like the oak trees common in the Burns Park neighborhood.

Do I need a permit to remove a storm-damaged tree in Ann Arbor?

It depends on the tree’s location and status. Emergency work to address immediate hazards is generally permitted, but you should document the damage. For street trees (between sidewalk and street), you need to contact the City Forestry division regardless of emergency status. Trees in historic districts or those classified as landmark trees may have additional requirements even when damaged.

How can I tell if my storm-damaged tree can be saved?

Key factors include: the amount of crown (top branches) remaining intact, whether the main trunk is split, if major roots are exposed or broken, and the tree’s overall health before the storm. As a rule of thumb, trees that have lost more than 50% of their crown or have significant trunk damage are less likely to recover well. Ann Arbor’s urban foresters can often provide free assessments after major storm events.

Can I plant a new tree in the same spot where one was uprooted?

You can, but it’s often better to plant slightly away from the original location, especially for trees uprooted during flooding events along the Huron River or in low-lying neighborhoods. The soil structure may be disturbed, and any root decay issues that contributed to the failure could potentially affect new plantings. Consider soil testing and appropriate species selection before replanting.

What’s the difference between pruning storm damage and regular tree trimming?

Storm damage pruning focuses on removing hazardous, broken, or damaged portions while preserving as much of the tree’s structure as possible. It’s often more urgent and may require more aggressive cuts than maintenance pruning. Regular trimming focuses on long-term structure, clearance, and aesthetics rather than hazard reduction. After storms, arborists may need to make larger cuts than would be ideal in regular maintenance situations.

When should I call my insurance company about tree damage?

Contact your insurance provider immediately when: a tree damages your home, garage, fence or other structure; a tree blocks your driveway access; or significant cleanup is required on your property. Document with photos before any work begins. Ann Arbor residents should note that trees falling due to wind, lightning, or ice are typically covered events, but healthy trees falling without storm conditions might not be.

Local Support and Resources in Ann Arbor

1. City of Ann Arbor Forestry Division The primary resource for street tree issues, city-wide storm response, and guidance on tree regulations. They often coordinate neighborhood response after major storm events.
2. Washtenaw County Emergency Management Provides coordination during large-scale weather emergencies affecting trees across multiple jurisdictions in the county.
3. Michigan State University Extension – Washtenaw County Offers educational resources about proper tree care after storm damage and can help identify appropriate replacement species.
4. Southeast Michigan Resource Conservation & Development Council Provides information about native tree species for replanting that will be resilient to our changing climate patterns.
5. For direct assistance with damaged trees on your property, our experienced team can provide the professional assessment needed after storms. Learn more about our emergency tree services or review our detailed guide to tree removal considerations to understand your options.

Final Thoughts

When storms damage Ann Arbor’s beloved trees, quick but careful action makes all the difference between unnecessary removals and successful preservation. By following proper assessment and safety protocols, you’re not just protecting your property, you’re contributing to the resilience of Ann Arbor’s urban forest.

Our community’s tree canopy has weathered countless storms over generations, from the devastating ice storm of 2013 to the windstorms that seem to become more frequent each year. Through proper care and thoughtful replanting, Ann Arbor’s reputation as “Tree Town” can continue for generations to come.

For trusted help with storm-damaged trees in Ann Arbor, our local team is here to answer your questions and help you make informed decisions about your landscape’s recovery and future health. Don’t wait until a limb falls or roots crack your foundation. Call Highland Tree Services at (734) 999-3880 for trusted, professional tree service, Free estimates, fast response, and a team that treats your yard like their own.