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Trimming your trees at the wrong time can do more harm than good. In Missouri, the best window for most species is late winter, when trees are dormant, disease risk is low, and the bare canopy makes it easy to spot problem areas. This guide breaks down the ideal trimming schedule for each season and the most common tree species in West St. Louis County, so you know exactly when to pick up the phone and when to leave the pruning shears in the garage
Missouri is no stranger to severe weather. Between the straight-line winds, heavy thunderstorms, ice events, and the occasional tornado that rolls through the St. Louis metro, trees take a beating. And when the storm passes, homeowners are often left staring at a mess in their yard trying to figure out what to do next.
The decisions you make in the first few days after storm damage can affect your safety, your property, and whether your trees have a chance at recovery. Here's a step-by-step guide for handling it the right way.
This is the most important part, and it's the step most people skip. Before you walk out to inspect your trees, take a minute to assess the situation from a distance.
Look for downed power lines first. A fallen branch can pull down a line or leave one draped across your yard where it's hard to see. If you spot a downed line, or even suspect one, stay inside and call your electric provider immediately. Never assume a line is dead just because it isn't sparking.
Also watch for hanging branches. These are sometimes called "widow makers" for a reason. A branch that's broken but still caught up in the canopy can fall at any time, especially if the wind picks back up. Don't stand under or near a damaged tree until you're confident nothing is about to come down.
Once it's safe to take a closer look, try to get a general sense of how badly your trees are affected. Not all storm damage is created equal, and the severity will determine your next move.
Small broken branches, torn leaves, and minor limb loss are things most healthy trees recover from on their own. If the damage is limited to branches under three or four inches in diameter and the main structure of the tree is intact, you're likely looking at a cleanup job rather than a major intervention.
This is where things get trickier. If a tree has lost several large limbs, has a significant portion of the canopy stripped away, or has a crack in a main branch union, you'll want a professional to take a look. The tree might be saveable with proper pruning, but it also might have hidden damage that isn't obvious from the ground.
A split trunk, a tree leaning at a new angle, major root upheaval, or loss of more than 50% of the canopy usually means the tree needs to come down. At this point, the structural integrity is compromised and the tree becomes a liability rather than an asset. Trying to save a severely damaged tree often costs more in the long run than just removing it.
If the damage is minor and the branches are small enough to handle, you can do some of the initial cleanup yourself. Use a clean handsaw or loppers to make smooth cuts on broken branch stubs. Cut back to the nearest healthy branch union or just outside the branch collar (the slightly swollen area where the branch meets the trunk). Avoid leaving long stubs, as they invite decay.
A few things to keep in mind:
There's a clear line between DIY cleanup and work that requires professional equipment and expertise. If any of the following apply, pick up the phone:
A qualified tree service can assess the situation, determine whether the tree should be pruned back or removed entirely, and handle the work safely with the right equipment.
At Ballwin Tree Service, we respond to storm damage calls across West St. Louis County, including Ballwin, Ellisville, Chesterfield, and Wildwood. We understand that storm damage doesn't wait for a convenient time, and we work to get to affected properties as quickly as possible.
After a storm, the natural instinct is to clean everything up right away. That urgency makes sense for hazards and debris, but for trees that are damaged but not immediately dangerous, it's okay to take a breath.
Some trees that look terrible after a storm can actually make a strong recovery with proper pruning. Others that look like they got off easy may have internal damage that shows up months later. If a tree isn't posing an immediate safety risk, give yourself a week or two before deciding on removal. Better yet, have a professional evaluate it so you have an informed opinion before making a permanent decision.
Before any cleanup or removal work begins, take photos. Lots of them. Photograph the damaged trees from multiple angles, any property damage caused by falling limbs, and the overall state of your yard. If a tree fell on your home, fence, car, or any other structure, document the point of impact.
Most homeowner's insurance policies in Missouri cover damage caused by fallen trees, including removal costs if the tree hit a structure. However, policies vary, so contact your insurance company early in the process to understand what's covered before you authorize any work.
Keep all estimates and invoices from your tree service. Your insurance adjuster will need these, and having organized documentation speeds up the claims process significantly.
The best time to deal with storm damage is before it happens. Regular trimming keeps trees structurally sound and removes weak or dead branches that are most likely to fail in a storm. If it's been a few years since your trees were last maintained, scheduling a trimming during the winter dormancy period is one of the most effective things you can do to reduce storm damage risk.
If your trees have been hit by recent storm damage, or if you want to get ahead of the next storm season with preventive trimming, contact Ballwin Tree Service today. We'll come out, evaluate your trees, and help you figure out the best path forward.
