It’s 2:47 a.m. when you hear it—that sharp crack cutting through the wind and rain, followed by a crash that shakes the house. You’re awake instantly, heart pounding, wondering what just came down and where it landed.
By first light, you see it: a massive oak branch sprawled across your driveway, blocking both cars. Part of it rests against the garage, and you can’t tell yet if there’s damage beneath.
The storm is still blowing through. More branches sway dangerously overhead. And you have no idea what to do first.
This scenario plays out across Keene every year—sometimes multiple times per season. New England weather doesn’t hold back, and when storms hit hard, trees fail fast. Ice, wind, saturated soil, and lightning all create conditions where even healthy trees can come down without warning.
At Wilcox Tree Service, we’ve responded to hundreds of these emergencies over the years. We know the fear and stress that come with storm damage—and we know exactly how to handle it safely.
Here’s what you need to know when storms turn trees into hazards.
Why Keene’s Weather Makes Trees Vulnerable
If you live in New Hampshire, you already know: weather here is intense, unpredictable, and capable of changing dramatically in hours.
Winter Ice Storms
Ice accumulation transforms trees into sculptures—beautiful until branches start snapping under the weight. What looks like a coating of ice can add hundreds of pounds to limbs that were never meant to carry that load.
When branches can’t hold the weight anymore, they don’t bend—they break. And they break suddenly, crashing down onto whatever is beneath them.
Spring Wind Events
Strong spring gusts hit trees that are already stressed from winter. Shallow-rooted species, trees with hidden decay, and those in exposed locations are especially vulnerable.
Wind doesn’t just push trees over—it rocks them back and forth, loosening root systems with every sway until something finally gives.
Summer Thunderstorms
Sudden downbursts during summer storms generate wind speeds that rival hurricanes—concentrated, intense, and short-lived. Combined with rain-soaked soil, these events uproot trees that seemed perfectly stable hours earlier.
Lightning strikes add another risk, splitting trunks instantly and leaving trees structurally compromised even if they don’t fall immediately.
Fall Nor’easters
Late-season storms arrive when trees still have full canopies. The combination of wind resistance from dense foliage and saturated soil from heavy rain creates perfect conditions for widespread tree failures.
This unpredictability means storm damage isn’t a matter of if—it’s a matter of when. And when it happens, knowing how to respond quickly can prevent secondary damage and keep everyone safe.
The Most Common Types of Storm Damage
Not all storm damage looks the same. Understanding what you’re dealing with helps you communicate clearly with emergency responders and make smart decisions about safety.
Completely Fallen Trees
These are the most obvious failures—entire trees down on the ground. Fallen trees create immediate hazards:
- Blocking driveways, roads, or access routes
- Crushing vehicles, sheds, or fences
- Damaging roofs, siding, or gutters
- Tearing down power lines
- Creating trip hazards across walkways
If a fallen tree is touching power lines—or if you even suspect it might be—stay back and call the utility company immediately before calling for tree removal.
Hanging or Broken Branches
These are what tree professionals call “widow makers”—large branches that break but don’t fully fall. They hang precariously, caught in other branches or resting on structures, held up by nothing more than friction and luck.
Hanging branches are among the most dangerous post-storm situations because:
- They’re completely unstable
- Wind or additional weight can dislodge them without warning
- They often hang over walkways, driveways, or roofs where people walk
- Attempting to remove them yourself can trigger sudden falls
Never walk under hanging branches. Never attempt to dislodge them by shaking trees or throwing objects. These situations require professional equipment and expertise.
Leaning Trees
Trees that shift during storms but remain standing have lost root stability. The root ball has been compromised, and while the tree might look stable now, it’s only a matter of time before it completes its fall.
Leaning trees near homes, vehicles, power lines, or high-traffic areas are ticking time bombs. The next storm—or even strong wind on an otherwise calm day—could be enough to bring them down completely.
Split or Cracked Trunks
Storm stress can cause trunks to split vertically or crack horizontally. These trees may still be upright, but their structural integrity is gone.
Split trunks can separate completely during the next weather event. Cracks widen under stress. And both create situations where trees fail catastrophically—often with no additional warning.
Uprooted Trees
When trees uproot, they bring massive root balls with them—lifting soil, tearing up ground, and sometimes pulling up sidewalks, driveways, or underground utilities.
Uprooted trees create hazards both above and below ground. The roots themselves can damage infrastructure, and the fallen trunk often blocks large areas while creating trip hazards throughout your property.
What to Do Immediately After Storm Damage
When you discover storm damage, your first priority is safety—for yourself, your family, and anyone else on the property.
Stay Away from Downed Trees
Never approach fallen trees, especially if they’re:
- Touching or near power lines
- Leaning against structures under tension
- Blocking roads where emergency vehicles might need access
- Still shifting or creaking
Even trees that aren’t touching power lines can be dangerous if lines are hidden beneath debris or if the tree’s fall damaged underground utilities.
Document Everything from a Safe Distance
Take photos and videos of all damage for insurance purposes. Capture:
- The fallen tree or branches
- Damage to structures, vehicles, or property
- The tree’s position relative to your home
- Any visible hazards like hanging branches or leaning trunks
But don’t put yourself at risk to get documentation. Stay back and use zoom if necessary.
Call for Professional Help Immediately
Storm damage requires professional equipment, training, and experience. Contact emergency tree services in Keene as soon as possible after discovering damage.
At Wilcox Tree Service, we offer 24/7 emergency response throughout Keene and surrounding areas. When storms hit, we mobilize quickly to assess damage, remove hazards, and prevent further problems.
Notify Your Insurance Company
If storm damage affects structures, vehicles, or creates hazards that threaten property, contact your insurance provider. They’ll guide you through the claims process and explain what documentation they need.
Most homeowner policies cover storm damage, but it’s important to confirm coverage and follow proper procedures before removal work begins.
Keep Everyone Away from the Area
Until professionals arrive:
- Keep children and pets indoors or well away from damage
- Mark hazard areas if possible
- Warn neighbors if damage affects shared property lines
- Don’t allow anyone to walk under hanging branches or near unstable trees
The minutes and hours after storm damage are when most injuries occur—usually from people approaching hazards without realizing how unstable they are.
Never Attempt DIY Removal
Storm-damaged trees are exponentially more dangerous than healthy trees. They’re often:
- Under tension from twisted or bent trunks
- Tangled in other branches, structures, or power lines
- Unstable and unpredictable in how they’ll react to cutting
Attempting removal without professional training, equipment, and experience can result in serious injury or death. This is not a time for DIY work—leave it to teams equipped to handle these high-risk situations safely.
How Emergency Tree Services Respond
When you call for emergency response, here’s what happens:
Rapid Mobilization
Professional crews respond quickly—often within hours during active storm events. Speed matters because:
- Hanging branches can fall anytime
- Leaning trees can topple further
- Damaged roofs allow water intrusion
- Blocked access routes prevent normal activities
At Wilcox Tree Service, we prioritize emergency calls and dispatch crews as soon as conditions allow safe work.
Safety Assessment First
Before any cutting begins, the crew evaluates:
Tree Stability and Tension
Understanding how the tree is positioned, where tension exists, and what will happen when cuts are made.
Proximity to Power Lines
Determining whether utility companies need to be involved before work can proceed.
Structure Damage
Assessing whether the tree is pinning or supporting structures in ways that affect removal strategy.
Safe Removal Strategy
Planning each cut, determining drop zones, and coordinating crew movements.
This assessment prevents secondary damage and ensures removal happens safely.
Controlled, Systematic Removal
Using specialized equipment, the crew carefully removes damaged trees in sections:
Cranes lift and place large sections safely over structures or confined spaces.
Rigging systems control descent of branches and trunk sections, preventing uncontrolled falls.
Chainsaws and cutting tools are used strategically to release tension safely.
Ground crews coordinate constantly, processing debris as it comes down and keeping work zones clear.
Wilcox Tree Service owns and operates a 45-ton crane—giving us capabilities that allow safe removal in situations where other companies would struggle. This equipment is the difference between safe, controlled removal and risky improvisation.
Thorough Debris Cleanup
After the damaged tree is down:
- All debris is cleared from driveways, walkways, and yards
- Branches are chipped or hauled away
- Work areas are raked clean
- Your property is left safe and accessible
You’re not left managing piles of debris yourself—professionals handle complete cleanup as part of emergency response.
Optional Stump Grinding
If the tree was removed completely, stump grinding can be scheduled to finish the job and prevent regrowth.
Why 24/7 Availability Matters
Storms don’t follow schedules. Trees fall at midnight, during holidays, on weekends—whenever weather conditions overwhelm their structural limits.
Benefits of Around-the-Clock Response:
Immediate Hazard Removal
Preventing additional damage to structures, vehicles, or landscaping.
Faster Insurance Processing
When documentation and removal happen quickly, claims move forward without delays.
Peace of Mind
Knowing professional help is available anytime—not just during business hours.
Prevention of Secondary Damage
Addressing problems before water intrusion, pest infestation, or additional weather events compound the situation.
Wilcox Tree Service understands emergencies can’t wait. Our team is on call 24/7 to respond when Keene residents need us most—because when a tree comes down at 3 a.m., you shouldn’t have to wait until Monday for help.
Preventing Storm Damage Before It Happens
While you can’t control weather, you can reduce the likelihood of storm damage through proactive tree care:
Schedule Regular Inspections
Professional inspections identify weak branches, decay, and structural problems before storms exploit them. Catching issues early allows for preventive trimming or removal on your schedule—not during an emergency.
Trim Overhanging Branches
Limbs that hang over roofs, driveways, or power lines should be trimmed regularly. Reducing weight and wind resistance makes trees more storm-resistant.
Remove Dead or Dying Trees
Trees showing signs of decay, disease, or structural weakness should be removed before they become storm casualties. Waiting until failure happens is far more dangerous and expensive.
Thin Dense Canopies
Trees with thick, overgrown canopies catch more wind and accumulate more ice. Strategic thinning reduces resistance and weight, helping trees weather storms more successfully.
Monitor Drainage
Saturated soil contributes to tree failures. Ensure proper drainage around trees and avoid soil compaction near root zones.
Best Time for Preventive Care:
Late fall—before winter storms arrive—is ideal for tree maintenance in Keene. Preparing your property before storm season dramatically reduces the chances of emergency calls.
What Makes Wilcox Tree Service Different in Emergencies
When you need emergency tree services in Keene NH, you want a team that’s experienced, equipped, and actually available. Here’s what sets us apart:
Owned Equipment Ready to Deploy
We don’t rent equipment when emergencies happen—we own our crane and machinery year-round. When storms hit and rental equipment is scarce, we’re already prepared.
Experience with High-Risk Situations
Our crew has handled countless storm damage scenarios—from trees tangled in power lines to trunks split and pinning structures. We know how to assess risk and execute removal safely.
Full Insurance Coverage
Emergency situations are inherently risky. Our comprehensive insurance protects both our team and your property throughout the response.
Local Presence and Knowledge
As a Keene-based company, we understand the area’s weather patterns, common tree species, and typical storm damage. We’ve been through the ice storms, wind events, and nor’easters—we know what to expect.
True 24/7 Availability
Our emergency line is staffed around the clock. When you call, you reach someone who can dispatch our crew immediately—not an answering service that takes messages until morning.
Complete Service from Start to Finish
From initial assessment to final cleanup, we handle every phase. You don’t coordinate multiple contractors or manage debris yourself—we do it all.
Save This Number Before the Next Storm
Storm damage is stressful, disruptive, and often frightening. But you don’t have to face it alone.
Professional emergency tree services in Keene provide the expertise, equipment, and rapid response needed to handle dangerous situations safely—protecting your property and restoring normalcy as quickly as possible.
The key is knowing who to call before disaster strikes.
Don’t Wait Until Emergency Strikes
Save our number now: 603-363-8197
Wilcox Tree Service is available 24/7 for emergency response throughout Keene and surrounding areas. When storms bring down trees, we’re ready to help—day or night, weekend or holiday.
And if you’d like to schedule preventive tree care before the next storm season, contact us today for a free assessment. Protecting your property starts with preparation—and we’re here to help you stay ahead of the weather.
Wilcox Tree Service—Your trusted partner for emergency response and all your tree care needs in Keene.