Storm Season Tree Safety Checklist (SE Oklahoma)

Ice storms hit Southeast Oklahoma hard. Here’s what to check before the next one—and what to do if damage has already happened.

Before the Storm: Prevention Checklist

Walk Your Property Checklist

• Dead branches larger than 4″ diameter over structures or walkways
• Trees leaning toward buildings (especially if lean has increased)
• Cracks or splits in major branches or trunk
• Mushrooms or fungal growth at base of tree
• Construction damage to roots within last 2-3 years
• Trees within falling distance of power lines
• Co-dominant stems (V-shaped forks) with included bark

High-Risk Species in SE Oklahoma

Some species handle ice loading worse than others. Pay extra attention to:

• Bradford/Callery Pears – Notoriously weak branch structure
• Silver Maples – Brittle wood, prone to splitting
• Sweetgums – Heavy ice accumulation on seed balls
• Water Oaks – Often retain dead branches internally
• Dead Pines – Once dead, they become unpredictable quickly

Red Flag Warning

If you see a tree leaning more than it used to, or notice soil heaving at the base, that tree may be actively failing. Call immediately—don’t wait for the storm.

During the Storm: Stay Safe

This is simple: stay inside and away from windows. Don’t go outside to “check on things” while the storm is active. More people are injured by falling branches during storms than by any other tree-related cause.

If you hear a crack or thud, don’t investigate until conditions are safe. Note the time and location if possible—this helps with insurance documentation later.

After the Storm: What to Do

Immediate Priorities

1. Stay clear of downed lines. Always assume they’re live.
2. Document everything. Take photos before any cleanup.
3. Check for gas leaks if a tree hit your house.
4. Call your insurance company to report damage.

When to Call Emergency Tree Service

• Tree on your house or blocking access to your home
• Tree on or near power lines
• Hanging branches that could fall on people or property
• Tree blocking your only way out of the property

We offer 24/7 emergency response: 580-579-6817

What Can Wait

A tree down in your yard (not on anything) is frustrating but not an emergency. Same with broken branches still attached. These can typically wait 24-48 hours while we work through true emergencies first.

Documentation for Insurance Claims

Good documentation speeds up your claim. Before anyone touches the debris:

• Wide shots showing the full tree and where it fell
• Close-ups of damage to structures
• Photos of the root ball if the tree uprooted
• Images of any vehicles affected
• Date-stamped photos (most phones do this automatically)

We can provide documentation assistance and work directly with adjusters if needed.