Northwestern Wisconsin storms can be fast-moving and violent. High winds, heavy snow load, and ice storms are all capable of snapping large limbs or toppling entire trees. The good news: most storm damage is preventable with the right preparation. Here’s what homeowners across Burnett, Polk, and Washburn Counties should do before storm season hits.Sed ut perspiciatis, unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam eaque ipsa, quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt, explicabo.
Have Your Trees Professionally Assessed Before Storm Season
The most important step is also the simplest: have a professional look at your trees before the storms arrive. A trained eye can identify weak branch attachments, internal decay, and structural imbalances that aren’t obvious from the ground. Trees with co-dominant stems (two main trunks competing), included bark at major limb unions, or significant lean toward structures should be prioritized. At Roufs Tree Service, we offer free on-site assessments — and we’ll tell you honestly which trees pose a risk and which ones are fine.
Remove Dead, Dying, and Structurally Compromised Trees
Dead trees have no structural integrity. They don’t flex — they break. And they break unpredictably. Any dead or severely declining tree within striking distance of your home, vehicle, garage, power lines, or high-traffic areas should be removed before storm season. The cost of removal is almost always far less than the cost of storm damage repair — and far less than the risk to your family. Winter removal, when the ground is frozen, is often efficient and causes minimal lawn damage.
Schedule Preventive Pruning
Proper pruning reduces wind resistance (the ‘sail effect’) that causes trees to tip in high wind. Removing deadwood, thinning the canopy, and eliminating crossing or rubbing branches reduces storm risk significantly. Crown cleaning — removing dead, dying, and structurally weak branches — is one of the most effective storm-prep steps you can take. We follow ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) pruning standards on every job, which means we improve the tree’s structure and long-term health rather than just cutting for appearances.
Watch for Ice Storm Damage
Ice storms are particularly destructive in Wisconsin because ice adds extraordinary weight to branches — sometimes many times their normal load. Multi-stemmed trees and those with horizontal branching are most vulnerable. If you have trees with large horizontal limbs over your roof, consider having them evaluated before the first ice storm of the year. After an ice storm, don’t try to shake ice off branches yourself — the stress of movement can cause already-loaded limbs to snap suddenly. Wait for a professional assessment.
Know What to Do After a Storm
When storm damage occurs, safety comes first. Stay away from downed trees near power lines — assume they’re live until the utility company confirms otherwise. Don’t try to remove large limbs yourself; compressed and hung-up wood releases enormous stored energy when cut. Call us at (715) 566-4401 for priority emergency response. We’re available 24/7 for storm emergencies across our entire service area. Document the damage with photos for your insurance claim before cleanup begins.
Our 24/7 Emergency Storm Response
When a storm hits, Roufs Tree Service is ready. We maintain emergency response capacity year-round — nights, weekends, and holidays included. We prioritize situations where trees are actively threatening structures, blocking access, or creating immediate safety hazards. We’ll work with your homeowner’s insurance when applicable and provide documentation as needed. Don’t wait to call — hazardous trees after a storm are unpredictable and dangerous.
